In New York, a person who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater is considered to be driving while under the influence (DUI). DUI is a serious criminal offense that has strict penalties. Convicted individuals can expect consequences such as fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, they may not realize the other negative repercussions associated with such an offense. A DUI can affect a motorist’s auto insurance rates as individuals charged with this type of criminal offense are considered “high-risk” drivers. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a DUI, contact a qualified Rockland County DUI Attorney who can help defend your rights in court. In addition, please continue reading to learn how a DUI conviction can significantly affect your auto insurance rates.
How can a DUI affect your insurance rates in New York?
When an insurance company calculates their insurance rates they examine motorists’ driving history and record. They then determine an appropriate quote based on their future risk of being involved in an auto accident. As mentioned above, individuals who are charged with a DUI are considered “high-risk” drivers as they are more likely due to their reckless actions to be involved in an auto accident. This potential future risk causes insurance companies to charge higher rates to individuals convicted of DUI. According to statistics, in New York, auto insurance rates increase after a DUI conviction by 57%. Ultimately, a DUI will increase a motorist’s yearly auto insurance rates substantially.
Will it affect my rates forever?
DUI convictions stay on a person’s record permanently. This means that when an insurance company digs into motorists’ driving history to determine their future risk of being involved in an accident, they will see a DUI conviction and any other moving violations. However, most insurance companies only look back on a driver’s record for 3 to 5 years. It ultimately depends on the insurance company as different companies may look even further back. Unfortunately, a DUI conviction can affect insurance rates for several years. In addition, a DUI conviction could result in an insurance company terminating a policyholder’s coverage or cause them to not renew their policy. Some insurance companies may find an individual charged with a DUI to have too high of a risk of being involved in an auto accident. Especially if this is an individual’s second or third DUI offense.
Ultimately, a DUI conviction will cause a dramatic increase in yearly premium insurance rates. If you have been charged with a DUI it is imperative to retain the legal services of one of our skilled and determined team members. Our firm can help investigate the circumstances of the DUI and help gather pertinent evidence to seek reduced or dropped charges. Allow our firm to represent your interests in court today.
