The Impact of a DUI on Your Insurance Rates: What You Can Expect

Drinking and driving has been one of the leading causes of death in cars over the past few decades. Every day, innocent lives are lost because someone drives while intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol.

However, not just human lives are affected when someone drinks and drives. Their finances also take quite a hit after receiving a DUI conviction. Increased car insurance premiums are one of the biggest financial burdens resulting from a drunk driving charge.

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first offense—any time you get convicted of drinking and driving, penalties will be imposed on your auto insurance policy.

This blog will outline the definition of a DUI, how it impacts your insurance rates, and how you can get help.

What Constitutes a DUI/OVI in Ohio?

In Ohio, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal offense with harsh DUI penalties.

It is illegal to operate any motor vehicle after consuming illegal substances like marijuana, cocaine, and opiates or legal substances like alcohol. Ohio has strict DUI laws to punish people caught driving under the influence.

The consequences can be severe if you are convicted of a DUI in Ohio. You may face costly fines, potential jail time, and your driver’s license suspension. Furthermore, your auto insurance premiums may skyrocket as insurance companies consider those with a DUI conviction high-risk customers.

Moreover, a DUI conviction in Ohio can have long-term repercussions. Your record may become public, leading to job loss or difficulty finding employment. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid drinking and driving. If you do drink, make sure to arrange for a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service to get home safely.

How Does a DUI/OVI Affect Insurance Rates?

A DUI/OVI conviction can significantly impact your insurance rates. Insurance companies view those with a DUI/OVI as high-risk drivers and may raise their rates accordingly.

In some cases, insurance companies may refuse to renew policies or offer coverage to those with a DUI/OVI conviction.

A DUI/OVI conviction can significantly impact your insurance rates. Insurance companies view those with a DUI/OVI as high-risk drivers and may raise their rates accordingly.

How Much Can a DUI Raise Your Car Insurance Rates?

Drivers with an OVI conviction can expect to pay significantly higher auto insurance premiums than those without. In Ohio, the average increase in premiums for drivers with an OVI conviction is 111%, higher than the national average of 99%, according to bankrate.com.

For instance, if your annual insurance premium in Ohio was $1,034 before the conviction, it could jump to $2,188 per year with an OVI conviction on your record. However, the actual increase in premiums may vary depending on the insurance company, and some may even refuse to insure drivers with an OVI conviction.

Other Factors That Determine Potential Rate Increases

Many factors can determine how much your premiums may increase, including:

• Age — Younger drivers typically face higher rates than older ones due to their lack of experience behind the wheel
• Geographic areas where accidents or DUIs occur frequently will often result in higher insurance costs for everyone living there
• Personal driving record — If you have had tickets or citations before the DUI conviction, they could lead to even bigger rate hikes since they disregard safety regulations and laws while operating a motor vehicle
• The type of car you drive — More expensive cars with powerful engines tend to require higher premiums than smaller vehicles with lower performance capabilities since they pose more risk due to their speed and power.

How Do Insurance Companies Find Out About a DUI?

Insurance companies may find out about a DUI conviction through various means. One common way is through the driver’s Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), which records the driver’s driving history and any violations or convictions. Insurance companies regularly check the MVR of their policyholders to determine risk and adjust rates accordingly.

Moreover, insurance companies may also obtain information about DUI convictions through court records, public records, or police reports. In some cases, insurance companies may even require policyholders to disclose any convictions or violations on their records as a condition of coverage.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Insurance in Ohio?

In Ohio, a DUI conviction can have long-term consequences on auto insurance rates.

A DUI conviction will remain on your driving record permanently. The points on your driving record will fall off after two years. However, you may still be considered a high-risk driver.

The impact on your insurance rates may vary depending on the insurance company and other factors such as your driving history and overall risk profile. Generally, the more time that passes since the DUI conviction, the less impact it will have on your insurance rates.

Therefore, it is still essential to maintain a clean driving record and avoid any future DUI convictions to ensure that your insurance rates remain as low as possible.

How to Avoid a DUI/OVI Conviction in Ohio

Avoiding a DUI/OVI conviction in Ohio is essential to prevent long-term consequences on your driving record, insurance rates, and even your personal and professional life.

Here are some tips to help you avoid a DUI/OVI conviction in Ohio:

• Don’t drink and drive. It’s the simplest and most effective way to avoid a DUI/OVI conviction.
• Plan ahead before drinking. Designate a sober driver, use a ride-sharing service, or take public transportation.
• Understand your legal limit. Ohio’s legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over.
• Be aware of prescription and over-the-counter medications that may impair your ability to drive safely.
• If you are pulled over for a DUI, be respectful and cooperative, and do not provide any incriminating statements or evidence.
• Contact a criminal defense attorney at The Botnick Law Firm to discuss your case and get the legal representation and guidance you need to fight your charges.

Remember, the best way to avoid a DUI/OVI conviction in Ohio is not to drink and drive.

However, if you do find yourself facing DUI/OVI charges, don’t hesitate to contact a criminal defense attorney who can help protect your rights and defend your case.