Out of all of the possible driving violations that can land you in legal trouble, a DUI is one that can lead to the highest repercussions. Driving under the influence of an illegal substance can have a heavy impact on lives and your insurance rates. 

Whereas a normal accident may only raise your rates by about 30% for three to five years, a DUI can cause your auto insurance rates to shoot up by 80% or more and remain on your record for 10 years. As long as a DUI is on your record, your auto insurance rates will continue to be affected.

DUIs And Your Car Insurance  

Once you receive a DUI charge, it will go on your driving record as part of the penalty phase. This can have significant ramifications for your driving future.  

Because your record will reflect the DUI, your insurer will likely find out about it. This will either happen immediately or the next time you try to renew your insurance policy. It is one of the clearest signals possible that you are a high-risk driver.  

If they do not cancel your policy (which can happen if insurers cannot afford the risk of covering DUI recipients), then your insurer will likely significantly increase your rates. It’s something you must expect, but it’s also something that your insurance agent can help you control and mitigate.  

The Severity of DUIs  

Many DUIs are deadly. Alcohol, illicit drugs and even prescription drugs can cause severe side effects for consumers. Being drunk or high impairs the way your brain can process and react to new information. Therefore, intoxication in any form is a risk to drivers.  

You have to be able to identify risks and navigate around them quickly. 

The police can often spot individuals suspected of driving under the influence due to the vehicle speeding or drifting across lanes. If they catch you in such a condition, they are likely to charge you with DUI. This is a massive infraction of driving laws, and you must be willing to accept the penalties of committing such an offense.  

Other repercussions for a DUI often include: 

• License suspension 

• Arrest 

• Fines 

• Vehicle impoundment 

• Jail time 

Victims of the DUI may also file a lawsuit against you for additional damages and compensation.  

Drive safely and avoid distractions or intoxication. If you feel any sort of difference in your motor skills, avoid driving.