The Potentially Staggering Costs of a DUI

We’ve all been exposed to the messaging; “Don’t Drink and Drive”, “Don’t Drive Impaired”, “Arrive Alive”. Yet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that still, about 1.5 million drivers are arrested for impaired driving annually. That is about one in every 120 licensed drivers in the country.

The impacts of driving while impaired are real. Every day about 30 people die in crashes involving drugs or alcohol. That’s over 10,000 people per year. There are also significant financial ramifications. A variety of factors can impact what a DUI will ultimately cost an individual. Is it a repeat offense? Were there people injured in an accident involving alcohol? What was the blood alcohol level (BAC) of the driver?

When you start adding up the court costs, fines, legal fees, high-risk insurance and potential loss of employment, the costs can be staggering. Here are some examples.

• The average fine and court costs for a first time offender can range from about $400 to $1,500.
• Should a DUI case go to trial, legal fees can range from $5,000 to $10,000.
• Automobile insurance rate increases can amount to $30,000 or more over 10 years.

Other costs may include towing, loss of work, court required classes and driving school. This does not even include costs associated with any other legal action taken against the impaired driver.

The point is, safety risks aside, a DUI will prove to be very, very expensive, and it will make driving more costly for years to come. A DUI conviction will force drivers to acquire high-risk insurance. This insurance may cost thousands of dollars annually. Make no mistake, a DUI conviction will make an impact on your financial landscape.

If you have been convicted of DUI and require high-risk insurance, it will become more important than ever to compare automobile insurance rates. We can help. As independent insurance agents, we have access to multiple insurance companies, some who specialize in high-risk automobile insurance. Contact us to discuss your situation and how we may be able to assist you.

Let’s be clear and add our voices to the “Don’t drink and drive” mantra. If, however, it is after the fact and you need high-risk insurance, contact us.