DUI/DWI Charges And Auto Insurance Rates
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are serious offenses that carry a wide range of legal and financial consequences. While most people understand that a DUI or DWI can result in license suspension, fines, and even jail time, many overlook one of the most lasting and costly impacts, including how charges can affect auto insurance rates.
If you’ve been charged with DUI or DWI in Maryland, share the details of your situation with a Baltimore criminal lawyer. Attorneys have the background and talent to fight back and protect your future.
The Financial Toll of a DUI/DWI on Auto Insurance
In Maryland, a DUI typically applies when a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Similarly, a DWI is an offense connected to drunk driving but has a lower threshold. DWI charges are possible when a driver shows signs of impairment with a BAC between 0.04% and 0.07%.
The penalties for either charge may include:
- Fines and court costs
- Points on your license
- License suspension or revocation
- Jail time
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
Beyond the legal consequences, a DUI or DWI can have long-term financial repercussions, especially when it comes to auto insurance. Once a DUI or DWI is on your record, insurance companies view you as a high-risk driver. As a result, your premiums can double or triple overnight.
For example, a driver who was paying $1,500 per year for insurance before a drunk driving arrest may need to pay $3,000 or more after the conviction. Additionally, if the individual was eligible for good driver discounts before the arrest, those may be revoked.
Shopping for New Coverage
In some cases, your current insurance provider may choose to cancel your policy altogether following a conviction. If that happens, you’ll be forced to shop for coverage through insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers. These policies are often more expensive and offer fewer benefits.
Charged drivers may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form as well. These are certificates of financial responsibility that proves the state’s minimum required insurance is carried. Not all insurance companies offer SR-22/FR-44 filings, further narrowing your options and increasing your costs.
A DUI or DWI can remain on your driving record for several years and insurance rate hikes often last just as long. This means you could be paying inflated premiums well beyond the end of any legal penalties.
The best way to avoid the long-term costs of a DUI or DWI conviction is to fight the charge with the help of a defense attorney. A Baltimore criminal lawyer may be able to challenge the validity of the traffic stop or question the accuracy of tests. Negotiating for reduced charges or penalties is also possible in some circumstances.
What consequences are you facing? Criminal, personal, and financial consequences can follow a Maryland arrest. Talk to the attention of the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP to protect your rights. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.
