How does a DUI / DWI affect Auto Insurance Premiums?
When shopping for auto insurance, it is very important to have at least a general idea about how the auto insurance market works. To find a proper auto insurance policy you need to have enough knowledge. This is relevant to many other aspects of life as well. But with car insurance it mostly comes down to a developed sense of responsibility. But some people have a less developed sense of responsibility, which leads them to do things like driving under the influence of alcohol. This can get them in trouble with the law as well as with insurance providers.
A DWI is the abbreviation for Driving While Intoxicated and DUI is the abbreviation for Driving Under the Influence. Each state can use a different term but basically they will all amount to the same thing, which is driving under the influence of alcohol. In recent years there have been many efforts at discouraging people from doing something this irresponsible. In 2008 alone over 11,000 people were killed in alcohol-related car accidents, while statistics show that three out of every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol related accident during their lifetime. Drunk driving is a very big problem and insurance providers recognize the increased risk and therefore are very strict when it comes to applicants which have DUIs on their driving record.
Because insurance providers have to assess a driver’s risk before giving them insurance, a DUI or DWI on your record could seriously damage your prospects of getting affordable auto insurance if any at all. Once you are allowed to drive again, your insurance rates will inevitably increase. Depending on the level of your offense and your previous driving history you may not be able to get car insurance, meaning that you may become uninsurable. Some insurance companies (but not all) offer non-standard insurance which is insurance with many restrictions at a very high premium.
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