February 27th, 2010Driving Under the Influence- Auto Insurance Rates go way up!
Have you ever done something really stupid and then regretted it? Most people that drink and drive get behind the wheel not thinking of the consequences. However, the consequences of driving under the influence can go on longer than actually getting in the car.
Many times, we get in the car and don’t think about other people around us drinking and driving, but it happens. If you see someone swerving in and out of lanes, or doing anything could be dangerous, call 911 to report them. This way you get them off the road before they hurt themselves or others.
Often, people drive under the influence of alcohol but don’t get caught. More and more people are making the careless choice of getting behind the wheel after drinking. However, the consequences are colossal, and can go on long after you get caught.
There are many things that can happen when you get in your car after you drink, such as hurting yourself or others, or even killing someone. If you get pulled over for a suspected DUI, you risk jail time, criminal charges, and a ticket. A DUI goes against your record for a very long time. If you get a DUI, it makes your insurance rates go up and takes a long time to get it off. Driving drunk one night can make you pay for a long time to come.
Once a DUI gets on your license, it doesn’t get removed until a certain amount of time lapses. It alerts the insurance companies, who then have no choice but to raise your insurance rates or deny you coverage because of your high risk status. It is law that when you apply for or renew your insurance policy, the insurance company must pull up a driving record, which includes your DUI. The companies then mark you as a high risk driver.
Companies are alerted when you are a high risk driver. In their point of view, one DUI on your record means that you are more likely to get another. The next DUI could be far more serious, with someone critically hurt or injured. If this happens, the insurance has to pay out for those bills. Because of this risk, they will make sure that once you get a DUI you will pay higher rates.
Most insurance companies require you to file a SR-22 once convicted of a DUI. Having an SR-22 states that you have enough insurance to cover you in the case of an emergency, as required by your state. If your insurance goes up, it can stay high for the next several years. Even after the legal fees are over with, the consequence of driving under the influence still lingers for years to come.
So next time you go to a party or to a bar and think you are having fun by drinking, think twice when you get behind the wheel, because the consequences are tough.
Driving under the influence can hurt more than just you.
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