What is a DUI? A DUI is a type of traffic violation, and stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” It is typically given for driving while intoxicated or drunk, although it can also be applied to cases where the driver is under the influence of drugs. A DUI can also be given if a medication warns not to drive while taking the medication, but the driver does so anyway, impairing their driving intentionally.
Some DUIs, however, are not really fair. With so many zero tolerance laws in effect throughout the United States, you could even wind up with a DUI just by driving after taking cough medicine!
What DUI Means to Your Insurance: Having a DUI does the most damage to your insurance premiums. Most states now have laws in place that require even a first time offender of DUI to lose their license for one year. When that year is over and the license can be regained, insurance prices will likely skyrocket.
First of all, you will likely not have insurance while suspended, because you will not be driving. Most companies charge much higher rates to those who have not had insurance in the previous six months.
Additionally, the fact that you have had your license suspended within the last three years will severely hike up your insurance premiums. Finally, the DUI itself will cause a huge increase in the amount you have to pay. In the end, you could wind up paying as much as three hundred dollars per month or more for your car insurance after a DUI suspension.