Let’s face it, finding affordable high-risk insurance after a DUI can be difficult. Many insurers prefer not to work with high-risk drivers, and the ones that do are sometimes difficult to find. Once you find an insurer to work with you, you’re going to be labeled a high-risk driver, thus paying a lot more for car insurance than you normally would. A DUI is certainly one of the biggest mistakes you can make with your car. However, mistakes are there to learn from and help you not to make them again. So, if you’ve been labeled a high-risk driver, you may be curious as to what the next steps are. How much can you expect to pay? Can you revert to a safe driver title once labeled high-risk? Here’s what you need to know regarding high-risk insurance and DUIs.
DUIs: What you should know
A DUI is an acronym for Driving Under the Influence, which is also known as Impaired Driving. Driving Under the Influence, or Impaired Driving is when you operate a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Contrary to popular belief, a DUI charge isn’t limited to just cars. They can also be given if you are under the influence and behind the wheel of a boat, motorbike, or ATV.
For years, DUIs were most commonly associated with drinking and driving. However, it also includes driving while high or under the influence of any drugs. Nowadays, numerous tests, known as field sobriety tests, can detect alcohol in your system. This includes multiple tests as well as the usage of a breathalyzer, a device that can read a person’s alcohol level when blown in. The higher the alcohol or drug content in your system, the worse punishment that you could face. Since the legalization of marijuana in 2018, the government has also come up with methods of determining whether or not a driver is driving while high.
When it comes to DUI, there are three classifications when it comes to the alcohol content in your blood.
- Zero BAC (Blood Alcohol Content). Drivers under the age of 21 or those who are novice drivers MUST keep a Zero BAC.
- Warning BAC. If the driver has a blood alcohol content between .05 and .08, as tested by the BAC blow test or a Standard Field Sobriety Test there are severe punishments.
- DUI BAC. If any driver has a blood alcohol content of higher than .08, they will immediately be charged with DUI.
What punishments come with a DUI?
For a young or inexperienced driver, the punishment for having ANY alcohol content in your system whatsoever is severe. The absolute minimum punishment includes an immediate 24-hour license suspension. If convicted, the license will be re-suspended for at least 30 days. On top of this, a fine will be issued. Depending on the level of alcohol in your system, you may also face jail time.
To put this into perspective, for anyone who fails a Standard Field Sobriety Test or blows in the Warn Range of .05 and .08, punishments are immediate. If you are a first-time offender, you can expect a 3-day license suspension and a fine. A second offense within 5 years will result in a day license suspension. On top of this, mandatory education program and a possible fine. A third offense within 5 years results in a 30-day license suspension, mandatory education, a 6-month ignition interlock, and a fine. It is important to keep in mind that if you are in a car accident as a result of driving intoxicated, you can expect your punishments to be much more severe.
For anyone who tests over the 0.08 limit or is deemed impaired by a Drug Recognition Expert OR refuses any kind of drug/alcohol test – they’ll immediately be subject to a 90-day license suspension, a fine, and a 7-day vehicle impoundment. It’s important to know that these are the punishments that are issued then and there. The case will go to court and further punishments are very likely when it comes to DUI. For a full list of possible DUI charges and punishments, read the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Impaired Driving and DUI laws.
High-Risk Insurance: What you should know
High-risk insurance is a type of auto insurance specifically for high-risk drivers. Drivers with a high-risk designation are made by insurance companies based on previous driving records. One of the most common reasons to be labeled a high-risk driver is if you have been issued a DUI. However, there are multiple other ways one can be deemed a high-risk driver. Some examples of these include:
- Drivers who have been in many minor traffic incidents.
- Drivers who have been caught speeding excessively/street racing.
- Drivers who have two or more at-fault accidents.
- Drivers who have accumulated many tickets for a variety of reasons.
As mentioned above, it can be difficult for a high-risk driver to find an insurer. Another major impact of being a high-risk driver has on you is your ability to access cheap insurance. This is especially true in finding cheap DUI insurance. As fewer insurers work with high-risk drivers, the competition for insurance rates is less. At the same time, the connection between high-risk insurance and DUIs often comes at a higher premium.
Generally, if you’re convicted of a DUI, you will immediately get classified as a high-risk driver. So, how much can you expect to pay? The designation makes auto insurance significantly more expensive on average. You could see your car insurance premiums go up by two, three or even five times as high as a driver with a clean record.
How can I get rid of the high-risk driver label?
To clear a DUI from your record, and remove the high-risk insurance designation, you will need to be a clean driver for several years. Most insurance companies will keep your history on file for up to a maximum of six years. However, Some insurance companies keep your history on file for three years. If you have kept a clean record during this time, you will once again be able to access cheap car insurance from almost every provider. A DUI is a horrible thing, but learning and not doing it again will eventually lead to a normal life.
Managing your DUI and high-risk insurance is best done with care and time. Coming back from this mistake will unfortunately take a few years. However, the good news is that the high-risk label can eventually be removed from your file. When it does your access to cheap car insurance rates, along with the stigma of having a DUI will disappear. However, this will take a lot of care when it comes to your driving habits. Some good methods to follow are:
- Drive less – this is the best way to avoid all car-related issues.
- Take a driving lesson – a professional can point out your driving habits that cause problems.
- Drive safe. Never risk another DUI – if you’re planning on drinking, take a cab or public transit!
- Be patient. In as few as 3, and at most 6, your record will clear.
At the end of the day, everyone makes mistakes. However, avoiding driving after drinking any alcohol is key to keeping yourself and others on the road safe. If you have any questions or inquiries about high-risk insurance and DUIs or are simply in the market, contact us at isure or request a quote today!
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