Auto Insurance Rates and Drunk Driving Charges
A drunk driving conviction carries serious legal consequences, including fines, potential jail time, and license suspension. Also, a financially damaging long-term effect is the increase in auto insurance rates. Have a conversation with a Clearwater criminal lawyer about how a conviction could affect your insurance and what steps you can take to mitigate the costs.
How to Avoid Excessive Insurance Costs After a DUI
When you are convicted of drunk driving, insurance companies view you as a high-risk driver. As a result, your premiums can skyrocket. On average, drivers with a DUI conviction in the state of Florida can expect their auto insurance rates to increase by anywhere from 50% to 200%. This can translate to thousands of dollars in extra costs each year.
For example, if you were previously paying $1,500 annually for auto insurance, a DUI conviction could increase your premiums to anywhere from $2,250 to $4,500 per year. Some providers may even cancel your policy altogether, leaving you scrambling for coverage at exorbitant rates.
If you’ve been charged with drunk driving, taking proactive steps can help minimize the financial burden.
- Challenge the charge. A DUI conviction is not automatic. Working with an experienced defense attorney may help you get the charges reduced or dismissed, preventing the steep insurance hike.
- Shop around. Not all insurance companies handle DUI convictions the same way. Some providers offer more reasonable rates for high-risk drivers.
- Consider a driving course. Completing a state-approved traffic safety course may help demonstrate responsible behavior and could lower your rates.
- Improve your record. Maintaining a clean driving history post-DUI and working on your credit score can help lower your premiums over time.
There are other ways a lawyer can help too, including by challenging the evidence involved in a case or negotiating for a lesser charge. Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests are not always accurate, so there are situations where a legal professional can scrutinize the evidence and argue for reduced or dismissed charges. And in some cases, a lawyer may be able to reduce the DUI charge to reckless driving, which carries fewer penalties and less impact on insurance.
Every case has its own details to review. For instance, it may be appropriate to fight for a limited license following a charge. So, if your license is suspended, an attorney can help you apply for a hardship license, allowing you to drive to work and other essential locations.
Take Action to Protect Your Future
A DUI conviction can lead to skyrocketing insurance rates and long-term financial hardship. Yet with the right legal strategy, you can fight the charges, minimize penalties, and sidestep high expenses. If you’re facing a Florida DUI, consult with a Clearwater criminal lawyer as soon as possible to explore your options and work toward the best possible resolution.
Could your actions today decide whether your bills go up or remain the same? Share where you are today and your worries about the future with the legal team at King Law Group. Schedule your confidential consultation today.
