How Will a DUI Affect My Insurance?

To put it simply, insurance companies equate DUIs with high risk driving, and the higher the risk, the higher your insurance premiums will be.

The cost of your insurance is dependent on a number of factors, including –

• Your age
• Your gender
• Your driving history
• The type of car you drive

Having a DUI on your record is just one more factor insurance companies can use as a reason for increasing your rates.

Many people understand that a drunk driving offense on their driving record will equate to increased insurance premiums, but just how much money are we talking? According to esurance®, while the amount varies by the unique circumstances of every case, a typical policy's premiums might increase by a few hundred dollars.

Some insurance companies might even drop your policy completely, but this is usually only reserved for extreme circumstances such as multiple DUIs or DUIs involving serious injury/death. In California, every driver is required to possess insurance. So while your insurance company may drop your policy, you will have to get insured elsewhere.

Another question drivers often ask is "How long will a DUI affect my insurance?" A drunk driving offense stays on your record for 10 years in California. This likely means that the DUI will affect your insurance rates for the same length of time. Prior to January 2007, the reporting period for DUI was 7 years, but this was increased to the current period of 10 years.

Gold & Witham is here to help people stave off DUI convictions. If you were arrested for drunk driving in Orange County, contact a lawyer at our firm today for aggressive defense. If you are never convicted of a DUI offense, it will not affect your insurance premiums. To learn more, contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.