The consequences of a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charge can have repercussions years after the incident. One of the concerns of first-time offenders and people experienced with these types of charges is the financial burden of the offense.
Your priorities after the incident should be to avoid another charge, get your life back to normal and start driving again. This is where your insurance policy payment comes into play.
The effects of a DWI on your car insurance
Your insurance policy can be affected after a DWI. Usually, car insurance providers consider a list of factors when determining the cost of a policy, such as:
- Type of vehicle and car mileage: A 2010 truck driven daily will have a different insurance policy cost than a 2023 electric car that only gets out of the driveway three times a week.
- Your age and risk factors: Insurance providers calculate how likely it is that you will have an accident. Teenagers and seniors are considered high-risk drivers, and their insurance payments can increase.
- The city where you live and drive: Densely populated cities will have more expensive policies than small towns. This is because they calculate the probability of a collision at your location.
- Your driving record: This is why a DWI offense can modify your insurance cost. The provider will consider your accident and offense history to calculate the cost of your policy.
The insurance company evaluates the likelihood of having to pay reparations or other costs to determine your insurance payment. Some drivers could even receive a nonrenewal notice from their car insurance provider after a DWI.
If you need a new insurance policy, compare the costs and benefits of different companies to decide which is best for you. This can protect you, your automobile and your wallet.
Stop the costs from rising
Suppose a police officer arrests you or a family member for a DWI after a night out. In that case, you can try to minimize the long-term costs and repercussions by seeking legal counsel to help you defend your interests and appeal any applicable sanctions.
Of course, the easiest way to avoid a rise on your car’s insurance policy due to a DWI is to minimize the probability of future offenses. Mistakes happen, and we can see them as learning opportunities. When facing a driving while intoxicated charge, the criminal justice process can be long and confusing, but knowing the answers to your legal questions can help make the process more bearable.
