What Are the Effects of a DUI on My Car Insurance?
Charged with a DUI? Here’s what you should understand about the impact of a drunk driving charge on your motor vehicle insurance.
Connecticut DUI Consequences
First offense DUIs are charged as misdemeanors, but they can still result in harsh punishments like incarceration, suspension of your driver’s license, hundreds of dollars in fines or more, and mandatory rehabilitation or drug and alcohol counseling. Subsequent offense DUI’s are charged as felonies, and if you have multiple DUIs on your record, the sentencing will be harsher each time. Additionally, you’ll likely see changes to your motor vehicle insurance coverage. You could be dropped from your policy or charged more for the same coverage. You may also find that it’s harder to find new coverage if you shop around.
What Your Car Insurance Company Looks At After a DUI
Motor vehicle insurance carriers assess an individual’s risk of getting into an accident before deciding whether to provide coverage and at what cost. Insurance carriers can access your criminal record and state driving record at any time and usually review both prior to renewing your policy. A record of driving under the influence is typically considered an extreme risk factor for car accidents, as do other related traffic offenses like speeding and reckless driving. The higher your risk of causing a motor vehicle accident, the more difficulty an insurance carrier will have justifying a policy.
Was the DUI Charged to Another Person Driving Your Car?
If someone else was driving your car and charged with a DUI, your insurance rates should not go up since it is the individual on the policy that is covered and not the vehicle. However, the reverse is a concern — if you are arrested for a DUI while driving a friend’s car, your own insurance rates will likely go up since you are the insured.
Facing DUI Penalties? Get Help from an Experienced Eastern Connecticut DUI Lawyer
The punishment for a DUI conviction in Connecticut is harsh and has the potential to wreak havoc on your life, career, and relationships. It’s important that you get legal help as soon as possible to help protect your rights under Connecticut and federal law. You can be confident prosecutors will work hard to see that you’re found guilty, and you need someone in your corner to defend you.
Iron Chris Immigration & Criminal Defense can help you navigate the challenges of a DUI charge and will work hard to see that your case is dismissed or your sentencing reduced. Call now at 860-530-1781.
