How Long Does DUI Affect Car Insurance Rates

Reader’s Question:

I got a DUI three years ago. How long does my DUI affect car insurance rates? My insurance rate is still high!

Ben

Brooklyn, NY

 

The amount of time your DUI will affect your insurance rates depends on both your insurance company guidelines and your state’s regulations. States differ on how long a DUI or DWI stay on your driving record. It may stay on your MVR for as little as a few years or remain there permanently depending on the state and the situations regarding your DUI. As long as the infraction is on your DMV record, it is likely to affect your car insurance rates.

Each insurance provider has its own method of rating and evaluating people. To find out how long your DUI will remain on your record, contact the DMV in your state. To find out how long your insurance company is going to charge a higher rate, contact your insurance broker. Even after the offense is dropped from your record, your current insurance provider will have it on their records and may still charge your accordingly. It may be advisable to shop around for quotes from other insurance providers after your record is cleared.

How Drivers with DUI Can Affect Car Insurance Rate

Reader’s Question:

My friend drove my car and he got convicted of a DUI. How will this affect my insurance rates?

Jairus

Thank you for asking Jairus.

If an offense is written to a motorist only and not against the motor vehicle, typically, it is the driver’s record that will be affected. If this is the case and your friend got convicted of a DUI in his or her name only then it would usually be their driving license and insurance rates that would be affected by this citation.

Most states have tough laws against driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. A court conviction of an individual operating while intoxicated, OWI, includes penalties such as a 48 hour jail sentence for a first offense, course or seminars for drinking drivers and substance abuse evaluation and or treatment. This is conviction may also come with a fine of up of to $1000.

Goodluck!

MariCAR