After a drunk driving conviction, people often find their budgets strained by a variety of expenses. They may need to pay fines, the terms of their sentence may keep them away from work and they may face additional costs related to the maintenance of an ignition interlock device. However, California drivers should be aware of an additional expense related to a charge of driving under the influence (DUI): increased insurance costs.
How much might insurance rates increase?
Nationwide, drivers see an average rate increase of 74 percent after a DUI, amounting to a yearly increase of around $1500. However, drivers in California face much steeper costs. The exact increase to their insurance costs depends on a variety of factors including the city where they live, but California drivers see a 154 percent rate increase on average.
These increases can impact your life and your household budget for many years. Car And Driver notes that a conviction can elevate your insurance costs for seven years after a conviction, although your costs may decrease after a few years.
Protecting yourself from these costs is possible.
A DUI conviction can have a long-term impact on your household budget and many other aspects of your life. As a result, it can be particularly important to reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible after an arrest. The right legal guidance can examine the details of your case and help you build a strategy that protects you from both the legal penalties of a conviction and the other ways a charge can change your life.
