How Impaired Driving Can Affect Car Insurance Quotes
Crashes caused by impaired driving are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in this country, yet drivers still continue to get behind the wheel after consuming too many alcoholic beverages. This blatant disregard for the lives of others can cost a person financially, emotionally, and land them a lengthy prison term and driving suspensions. Car insurance quotes are drastically affected for those who have been convicted as an impaired driver as well.
An impaired driver can be guaranteed to have this charge on their driving record for a minimum of three years from the conviction date. Having your license suspended could keep this on your record for a total of six years. When renewing an insurance policy or obtaining car insurance quotes through a new insurance agency, you can be sure that the insurance agent will review your previous driving record and see that you have this charge. Impaired driving is a serious offence that places a driver into a high-risk category. Insurance companies base their premiums on risk and chances are, once convicted of a DWI, an insurance company will consider you a high risk to re-offend.
If a driver is convicted of driving while impaired, they will have their license suspended and the insurance company will be promptly notified. The insurance company can make one of several decisions. They can opt to cancel the insurance policy, or they will make the offender list a valid driver on the policy. Once your policy has been cancelled, it can be very difficult to secure an insurance policy elsewhere.
Each state implements their own insurance laws, but most require high risk drivers, such as an impaired driver, to obtain a SR-22 form. This form is proof that a driver carries liability insurance and reinstates a suspended license. The local DMV must be notified if the SR-22 has been cancelled or lapsed and if this occurs, the driver is no longer eligible to drive and the license is once again revoked. Insurance rates will skyrocket until the impaired driving charge is no longer showing on the driving record.
If an impaired driver causes an accident and is convicted, insurance companies will not cover damage to the offender's car nor will they cover most medical expenses for injuries the offender has received. This can result in hefty out-of-pocket expenses.
Society knows that driving while impaired is illegal and threatens lives. It also comes with many financial and legal ramifications. Choosing to not drive while impaired will result in enormous insurance and court costs and you will be ensuring the safety of yourself, your family, and others who share the road.
