In the state of New Jersey, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a severe criminal offense. This offense carries a range of penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, a DUI conviction’s consequences can extend beyond these legal penalties. The financial repercussions of this offense haunt you for years, as it can drastically raise your car insurance. Therefore, if you’ve been charged with DUI, you need a skilled Bergen County DUI Attorney to craft the best legal defense to avoid harsh penalties. Please continue reading to learn why your auto insurance rates will increase after a DUI in New Jersey.
Why Do Your Auto Insurance Rates Increase After a DUI in New Jersey?
When facing criminal charges for DUI, it’s essential not to overlook the potential insurance consequences you can face, as they can follow you for years. When insurance companies determine an appropriate car insurance rate, they examine your risk. Their biggest concern is your potential risk of an auto accident. If insurance companies review your driving record and find a DUI conviction, you will see a significant spike in your insurance rates because you will be deemed a “high-risk driver.”
Operating a vehicle while influenced by drugs or alcohol impairs your judgment and critical abilities needed to navigate the roadways safely. You’re more likely to be involved in an accident without critical skills behind the wheel. Ultimately, this makes you a massive concern for insurance companies as they imagine the potential claim payouts they’ll be forced to front.
How Long Will a DUI Affect My Car Insurance Rates?
Before you renew your car insurance policy, your insurer will review your driving record. Generally, insurance companies will only look back between three to seven years. However, a DUI will stay on your record permanently in New Jersey. Every insurance company follows different standards when reviewing a driver’s records. Therefore, the insurance company can look back even further to calculate an appropriate insurance rate based on your potential risk.
It’s crucial to note that many insurance companies choose not to renew or terminate a policyholder’s coverage after a DUI conviction. Whether or not they continue to do business with a policyholder is at their discretion. This is usually when a driver has subsequent DUI offenses on their record. Nevertheless, if you are charged with DUI, it will affect your auto insurance rates for several years, making it difficult to obtain affordable coverage.
If you’ve been charged with DUI in New Jersey, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated attorney from The Law Office of Carl Spector, who can help protect your future.
