How Can a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates?

Without a doubt, it is important for everyone to prioritize their safety when they get behind the wheel of a car. Many people do not realize that they are driving a dangerous weapon that can kill someone if it is not used properly. One of the biggest mistakes that people can make behind the wheel of a car is to drink and drive.

Even though it is well known that drinking and driving is incredibly dangerous, many people continue to do so. A lot of people end up with a DUI conviction on their record as a result of this. Those who end up solely with a conviction should consider themselves lucky that they were not involved in an accident that killed themselves or others. Even though a conviction alone is a significant penalty, many people do not realize that this is also going to dramatically impact their car insurance rates.

Your Car Insurance Will Increase Following a DUI Conviction

Car insurance companies provide you with car insurance rates that are a reflection of the risk you pose to the company. If there is a greater chance that the company is going to have to pay out a claim as a result of your driving, your insurance rates are going to increase. Some of the most common reasons why your car insurance may go up include:

• You are a young driver without a long driving history and your lack of experience makes you a greater risk
• You recently got a speeding ticket, which increases your chances of being involved in an accident
• You recently rolled through a stop sign, which also increases your chances of being involved in an accident

Of course, drinking and driving makes it more likely for you to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. Therefore, your car insurance company is going to raise your rates because you pose a greater risk. In some situations, your car insurance company may cancel your policy altogether.

How Much Will Your Car Insurance Go Up in Florida Following a DUI Conviction?

If you are convicted of a DUI in Florida, research shows that your average annual car insurance will go up by just under $1,100. The specific numbers include:

• The average annual car insurance rate in Florida without a DUI is about $2,300
• The average annual car insurance in the United States is just under $1,550
• If you are convicted of a DUI in Florida, you should expect your car insurance to rise to just under $3,400
• On the other hand, the national average for car insurance following a DUI is about $2,550

Essentially, you should expect your car insurance in Florida to jump by close to 50 percent. Clearly, this is an expense that you would rather avoid. Furthermore, drinking and driving can place yourself and others in harm's way.

What Other Factors Might Impact Your Car Insurance Rates?

Of course, a conviction for a DUI is not the only factor that is going to play a role in your car insurance rates. Some other factors that may play a role in your insurance premium include:

• Your Age: Remember that car insurance companies are going to charge you a higher premium if you pose a greater risk to them. In general, younger drivers are less experienced than older drivers. Therefore, they are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. The younger you are, the more expensive your car insurance is going to be, on average.
• Time Since Your Last Incident: There is a saying that time heals all wounds. For example, if you have gone three years without a ticket or an accident, then tickets and accidents will fall off of your driving record when it comes to car insurance, allowing your rates to return to normal. The longer you go without another DUI, the less expensive your car insurance will be. Even though car insurance companies may handle this differently, there is a chance that your car insurance rate will go back to normal a few years from now even with a DUI conviction.
• Your Location: In addition, the location in which you have your car registered may also play a role in your car insurance premiums. For example, if there are more accidents in a certain location, car insurance premiums are probably going to be more expensive in that location.

Finally, it is also important to understand that if you get multiple DUIs, your car insurance is going to go up even higher. There is a chance that your car insurance company may even cancel your policy altogether.

How Did My Insurance Company Find Out About my DUI?

If you are arrested, charged, and convicted of a DUI, you may be wondering how your car insurance company found out about this in the first place. Remember that arrest records are public knowledge. Therefore, if the insurance company knows how to look at the court documents, there is a chance they may have found you this way. Furthermore, if there was an accident stemming from your DUI, the insurance company probably already has a copy of this report. It might indicate that you are drinking at the time of the accident, causing them to do further research.

Addressing a DUI with the Help of a Lawyer

A DUI is a costly issue to handle. If you have to replace your car, you might be wondering how you can make ends meet. The financial penalty you will have to pay when it comes to car insurance is also a significant issue. Reach out to a trained attorney to make sure that your rights are defended if you have been charged with a DUI.