My son is out drinking with his friends a lot. It’s fine by me as long as he takes care. Once, however, I caught him driving while drunk. What are the consequences of this? Can you tell me about the state sanctions for DUI as well as DUI insurance?

Mary Jane

Baton Rouge, LA

The most frightening thing about drinking under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is that one can get into an accident and suffer unspeakable injuries. For this reason alone, everyone must be cautious in driving. One mustn’t drive if he/she feels unwell or distracted. He/she mustn’t speak on the phone or attempt to do several things at the same time while on the road. Driving a car requires one’s full attention. Being alert and sober is imperative.

As for state sanctions and regulations, Louisiana considers the first DUI as a criminal offense. The punishment includes a fine of $1000 — not an easy amount of money to let go — on top of paying for all the legal proceedings. Mary Jane, one may also face jail time depending on his/her age.

And what constitutes DUI? A drunk driver is any adult with a BAC of at least .08; a minor with a BAC of .02 or higher; and finally a commercial vehicle driver with a BAC of .04 or more. If you would notice, it takes less intake of alcohol for your teenage son to be arrested for DUI.

After the first offense, it is normally mandatory for arrested drivers to show proof insurance so that they can get their licenses reinstated. By the way, DUI insurance is much more expensive because there is a higher probability that the driver will make a claim.

My son had a DUI a year ago here in Indiana and had to get SR22. What is it? Will it affect his insurance premiums? And will it affect his chance of getting an approval for a car loan?

Thomas

Anderson, IN

The SR22 is a form filed by the insurance company to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle affirms that an individual has a certain car insurance coverage. This form is usually required when coverage is provided to an individual who was involved in an accident or was convicted for a traffic violation and was not able to show any proof of financial responsibility at the time of the incident.

Driving under the influence falls under the offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana. In your son’s case, he needed to show proof that he was insured at the time he received the OWI infraction but was not able to provide the police officer with it. This is why he was forced by the state to file for SR22 to show that he now has proof of future financial responsibility if ever he causes an accident due to drunk driving again.

If a motorist has OWI offense, he will be required by the Indiana government to carry high-risk insurance for three consecutive years. If he decides to cancel this coverage, then his license will be cancelled. High-risk insurance coverage also costs more than the average policy. Some insurers may also refuse to renew your son’s policy because of this violation. Other insurers cancel the coverage of their customers cited for OWI altogether.

Regarding his plan to buy a new car, his SR22 requirement should not have a direct effect on the possibility of getting car financing. Since he is planning to apply for a car loan and is worried that his SR22 requirement will directly affect a favorable decision from a lender, then he can always do some more shopping around.

Super cheap rates on DUI insurance