Getting behind the wheel of a car after one too many drinks is a universally understood bad idea, but there are still millions – potentially over 125 million per year, according to the CDC – that forgo advice and drive while impaired. Drinking and driving can have dire consequences, regardless of whether or not someone is injured in an accident. DUI penalties can range from fines and license revocations to lengthy jail time, but you still might not be out of the clear once those punishments are over. Car insurance rates spike after DUIs, and today, we will discuss the long-term impacts of DUIs on your insurance.
DUI Effects on Florida Car Insurance Rates
There is no way around it – a DUI will almost always result in a rise in your insurance premium. Car insurance premiums fluctuate based on the insurance companies’ view of you as a driver, and DUIs signal to them that you are high risk. In some scenarios, your current insurance provider might stop providing coverage, forcing you to find insurance elsewhere. And when you do, you will be spending much more every month – up to two or three times as much in extreme cases.
Your rate increase (or coverage loss) will likely kick in the next time your insurance policy is up for renewal, and this black mark can stay with you for years. In Florida, a DUI can trigger rate hikes for as many as ten years, potentially costing you tens of thousands of extra dollars.
In addition to rate hikes, Florida drivers convicted of a DUI will likely need to file an FR44 certificate, which proves their insurance status and compliance with insurance regulations. DUI drivers in Florida must carry a higher amount of minimum coverage, so FR44 certificates ensure you maintain this minimum insurance level while on the road.
Finding Cheaper Insurance After A DUI
Despite the seriousness of DUIs, many good people make honest mistakes and still need to find affordable coverage that allows them to keep driving until their rates come back down. You shouldn’t expect similar rates to your pre-conviction premiums, but affordable options exist if you shop around or use an expert insurance agent during your search.
Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple companies should be your first approach. All reputable insurance companies agree that DUIs are a blemish on your driving record, but some companies are known to increase rates more than others. On a similar note, some companies drop their rates back down on a shorter timeframe, granted that you continue to drive with a clean record. It may be wise to look for new quotes at the start of each renewal period to see which option drops premiums the fastest.
An insurance agent can also assist you in finding alternative ways to reduce your car insurance premium, namely through bundling your home and auto insurance. Having multiple insurance plans with the same company usually provides you with better rates, even with a DUI on your record.
If high premiums are still an issue, downgrading your car can help. While your status as a high-risk driver will remain, a cheaper car will help drive down premiums and save you money as you wait out the removal of the DUI from your insurance risk factors.
If you have further questions, call the car insurance experts at Anderson & Associates Insurance Group. We are your local Sarasota and Manatee insurance professionals, and we are ready to help.
