{"id":5217,"date":"2023-01-02T10:42:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-02T10:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=5217"},"modified":"2024-10-15T03:46:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T03:46:22","slug":"dui-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/dui-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"DUI Insurance: Understanding How a DUI Impacts Your Insurance Rates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-a-dui-affect-my-car-insurance-rate\"><strong>How Does a DUI Affect My Car Insurance Rate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>DUI insurance rates refer to the cost of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/\">auto insurance<\/a> for drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These rates are typically higher than standard insurance rates due to the increased risk associated with drunk driving. Insurance companies use a variety of factors, including the severity of the DUI offense and the individual&#8217;s driving history, to determine the cost of insurance for a DUI conviction. It is important for drivers to understand the impact of a conviction on their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/dui\/\">DUI insurance rates<\/a> and take steps to find the best coverage at the most affordable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A clean driving record is a vital component for anyone who wants to ensure their safety and that of others on the road. It means that the driver has a history of following traffic laws and regulations, and has not been involved in any accidents or received any traffic violations. This is essential for getting the best insurance rates and proves the driver&#8217;s responsibility and reliability. A clean driving record also shows that the driver is a safe and conscientious individual who takes the responsibilities of driving seriously. It is a reflection of a driver&#8217;s driving skills and helps to increase the level of trust and confidence other drivers have when sharing the road with them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-getting-back-on-the-road-after-a-dui\"><strong>How much can a DUI raise your car insurance rate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After a conviction for DUI, you\u2019ll be paying significantly more for your <a href=\"http:\/\/&quot;https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/california\/   &quot;\">car insurance<\/a>. DUI insurance is often more expensive than other car insurance, but over time with a history of safe driving, your rates can go back down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting a DUI is embarrassing and has significant consequences. We all make mistakes, so the key is to deal with the fines and penalties and move forward. Finding affordable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/dui\/\">DUI solutions<\/a> , can help you put it behind you and get back on the road safely and quickly. Keep in mind that with a DUI in your background, the policy rate increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s look at the specific process in three states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What You Need to Know if You Get a DUI\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BzQdKbp2yXQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dui-in-california\"><strong>DUI in California<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In California, a first-offense DUI is a misdemeanor. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/driver-education-and-safety\/dmv-safety-guidelines-actions\/driving-under-the-influence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A DUI conviction<\/a> stays on your record for ten years to show prior offenses that impact insurance cost eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a first DUI, you\u2019ll pay fines that can get into several thousand dollars. You could receive 48 hours to six months in jail. However, in most cases, a judge orders probation with no mandatory jail time. You\u2019ll need to complete DUI school, which consists of 30 hours of classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll face a six-month license suspension, but you can generally apply for a special restricted license that allows you to drive to work and school. You\u2019ll also be required to install and use an ignition interlock device (IID) for the first six months you resume driving, whether on a restricted or regular license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you start driving again, you\u2019ll need your insurance company to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/california\/sr-22\/\">file an SR-22 in California<\/a>. This means you\u2019ll need to ask your insurance company for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/california\/dui\/\">DUI insurance in California<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-texas-dui\"><strong>Texas DUI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re driving under the influence in Texas, you\u2019ll be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.txdot.gov\/inside-txdot\/division\/traffic\/safety\/sober-safe\/intoxication.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">charged with a DWI<\/a>. A first offense requires three days in jail followed by probation, along with thousands of dollars in fines. You\u2019ll need to take a 12-hour DWI course. Online courses are not accepted, so you\u2019ll need to attend in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a first-time offender, you can lose your license for 90 days to a year. However, like in California, you can apply for a restricted license right away if you use an interlock device. To resume driving, you\u2019ll need&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/texas\/dui\/\">DUI Insurance in Texas<\/a> with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/texas\/sr-22\/\">SR-22.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dui-in-illinois\"><strong>DUI in Illinois<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You will be charged with a DUI in Illinois if your blood alcohol level is above 0.08%, and penalties will be more severe if it\u2019s above 0.16%. You could face jail time, community service hours, and thousands of dollars in fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DUI offenders must also complete a drug and alcohol evaluation, which may lead to enrollment in a recommended treatment program. There are also DUI impact classes where DUI defendants hear about the results of impaired driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Illinois suspends the license of a first-time offender for a minimum of six months. However, you may be able to get a driving permit if you use a breath alcohol ignition interlock device. You\u2019ll also need an SR-22 and DUI insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-sr22-or-what-is-dui-insurance\"><strong>What Is an SR-22?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you regain your license after a DUI, the state will require your insurance company to verify that you have an insurance policy with at least the state minimum requirements. The way the insurer makes that guarantee is by sending an SR-22 form to the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your insurance lapses, the insurance company must immediately notify the state. You may face license revocation or additional fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-dui-insurance-so-expensive\"><strong>Why Is DUI Insurance So Expensive?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/high-risk-auto-insurance\/sr22-what-you-need-to-know\/\">An SR-22<\/a>&nbsp;doesn\u2019t cost a lot on its own. Usually, there\u2019s a one-time filing fee of $25. You don\u2019t have to pay again unless the insurance policy lapses and has to be reissued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, DUI insurance is generally costly. There are two reasons for this: the surcharge for your driving activity (like tickets and DUI) and your overall risk profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-surcharges-for-driving-activity-with-a-dui\"><strong>Surcharges for Driving Activity with a DUI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you get into an accident or have a driving violation, the activity is listed on your auto insurance policy for three or more years. The more serious the offense, the higher the charge will be that\u2019s associated with it. A DUI is considered a very serious incident, so the surcharge is quite expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the required years have passed, the activity surcharge will be removed at the next renewal. This should improve your insurance rates significantly, but it won\u2019t completely return to normal. A DUI significantly impacts the overall risk of you having additional tickets or accidents, which means it can change your risk category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-risk-category-after-a-dui\"><strong>Your Risk Category After a DUI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Someone who has been driving for many years with no tickets and accidents will be a preferred risk, and they get the lowest rates. Someone with less experience, or a driver with a few tickets, is a standard risk with medium rates. A person with a DUI, or many tickets and accidents, is a high-risk driver and has higher rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A DUI will be considered as part of your risk profile for 10 years in some states. That means long after you are no longer paying a specific amount of money for the incident, it can still put you in a higher risk rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, as you drive safely without additional incidents, your insurance rates will decrease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-i-lower-the-cost-of-my-dui-insurance\"><strong>How Can I Lower the Cost of My DUI Insurance?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can possibly lower the cost of your DUI insurance in numerous ways, including shopping around and comparing rates, looking at various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/discounts\/\">car insurance discounts<\/a> and choosing a higher deductible.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"664\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/does-a-dui-affect-my-insurance.jpg\" alt=\"worried woman looking at her dui insurance rates in a laptop\" class=\"wp-image-5222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/does-a-dui-affect-my-insurance.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/does-a-dui-affect-my-insurance-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/does-a-dui-affect-my-insurance-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/does-a-dui-affect-my-insurance-960x637.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/does-a-dui-affect-my-insurance-753x500.jpg 753w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/does-a-dui-affect-my-insurance-295x196.jpg 295w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/does-a-dui-affect-my-insurance-320x212.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/does-a-dui-affect-my-insurance-285x189.jpg 285w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>What can you do to&nbsp;improve your rates? Here are 5 ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-take-a-defensive-driver-class\">1. Take a Defensive Driver Class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We know you\u2019ve already taken a ton of court-ordered classes to get your license back. Unfortunately, those don\u2019t count for a discount on your insurance. However, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/defensive-driver-class-insurance-discount\/\">courses available in almost every state<\/a> that can give you a discount. It is always important to keep in mind that any type of infraction affects your driving record.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re curious which defensive driver classes we can offer discounts for, contact us for more information today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-bundle-multiple-policies\">2. Bundle Multiple Policies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/discounts\/multi-policy-discounts\/\">other insurance products<\/a> besides car insurance. If you need homeowners or renters insurance, you can bundle this with your car insurance and get a multi-policy discount.&nbsp; You might already have homeowners or renters insurance in place, but why not get a quote with a different carrier? You might be able to save money on both policies!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-consider-the-car-you-drive\">3. Consider the Car You Drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/high-risk-auto-insurance\/high-risk-auto-insurance-facts\/\">high-risk car insurance<\/a>, it might be a good idea to drive an older used car instead. This allows you to save money because you might not need comprehensive and collision coverage if you don\u2019t have a loan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Older, reliable cars are often less expensive to fix, so even if you need additional coverage, the premium may be less. If you\u2019re in the market for a car after you get your license back, be sure to get insurance quotes before you make your decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-update-your-driving-mileage\">4. Update Your Driving Mileage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After a DUI, you have restrictions on your driving for several months up to a year. If that means you\u2019re driving fewer miles than normal, be sure to let your agent know. Your driving habits reflect your usage, which might lower your premium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/low-mileage-insurance-discount\/\">less someone is driving,<\/a> the less chance they have of being in an accident. Your rates should reflect that, so be sure you update your driving information regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-review-your-deductibles\">5. Review Your Deductibles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have to have comprehensive and collision coverage on your car, you might consider raising the deductible. The deductible is the amount you pay if your vehicle is damaged, and then the insurance company pays the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, if there was $3,000 of damage to your car and your deductible was $500, the insurance company would pay $2,500, and you\u2019d be responsible for the deductible amount. If you raise the deductible, your insurance premium will be lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just make sure you don\u2019t raise it so high that you put yourself in a financial bind if your car needs to be fixed due to an insurance claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Getting Back on the Road after a DUI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A DUI\u2019s consequences depend on the state you were driving in, the blood alcohol level you had, and if you have previous DUI offenses. If you are under 21, the penalties are likely to be more severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the immediate aftermath of a DUI, you probably won\u2019t be able to drive for several months. Once you\u2019ve attended your hearings, you\u2019ll need to pay all associated fines. Most states also require DUI traffic school, a class where you learn the consequences of drinking and driving and talk about making safer choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-freeway-insurance-can-help-with-dui-insurance-today\"><strong>Freeway Insurance Can Help With DUI Insurance Today<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Needing DUI insurance can be intimidating, but don\u2019t worry. At Freeway Insurance, we specialize in helping you get back on the road quickly and safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We know all about how to file an SR-22 with the state and ensure you have the coverage you need to get back on your feet. If you need a quote on insurance after a DUI, don\u2019t hesitate and contact us today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Does a DUI Affect My Car Insurance Rate? DUI insurance rates refer to the cost of auto insurance for drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These rates are typically higher than standard insurance rates due to the increased risk associated with drunk driving. Insurance companies use [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1002598,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"importance":[],"type-content":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5217"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1002598"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5217"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5217\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10161,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5217\/revisions\/10161"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5217"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5217"},{"taxonomy":"importance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/importance?post=5217"},{"taxonomy":"type-content","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-content?post=5217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}