The High Insurance Price of a DUI

It's no great secret that a DUI will lead to higher auto insurance rates. But a recent study has shed light on the actual potential insurance rate increase that will result from a DUI or similar violations.

The study examined online auto insurance rates for sample risks in California. The sample quotes took into consideration various circumstances surrounding the DUI, the age of the drivers and other factors that could impact one's rate.

The results varied, with some examples resulting in an annual premium increase of hundreds of dollars; and in other examples the increase was closer to a thousand dollars per year. Age was also a major factor. Rates for a 35-year-old with a DUI on the driving record were over 60 percent lower than a 19-year-old with a DUI. In addition, DUI offenses that resulted in injuries were a major factor when it came to significant rate increases.

Needless to say, drink and driving are a bad combination. Besides the obvious dangers and increased chance for accidents, injuries and death, a DUI will lead to vastly higher auto insurance rates.