Common Insurance Issues After A DUI Charge

Driving under the influence comes with many consequences that you need to be ready for. Among these severe consequences are the astronomical auto insurance rates that come with a felony or misdemeanor DUI conviction. Most of these common issues stem from the fact that certain states like Tennessee keep a DUI conviction on your record for life. Click to learn more about how an attorney can help you.

Insurance Companies Increase Premiums or Cancel Plans

Driving under the influence is considered reckless driving. Because the driver poses a higher risk of causing an accident, the auto insurance company will double or triple their premiums. Forbes reports that the insurance increase for Tennessee drivers is as high as 67%. Insurance companies can cancel a driver’s plan if they’ve had more than one DUI or caused an accident with injuries or property damage.

Insurance companies are major brands that want to grow their business and keep their profits coming in. If an auto insurance company is seen as lenient on drunk drivers, they could lose clients who value safety and their insurer watching out for them. They are looking out for their reputation just as much as they are looking at their wallet.

At Least A Decade Of High Rates

When you have a DUI on your motor vehicle record, it triggers a surcharge or rate increase. Every state determines its surcharge, or how far back the insurance company looks at a driver’s motor vehicle record. In the state of Tennessee, a DUI can affect your insurance rates for up to 10 years or maybe even longer, depending on certain factors related to your DUI.

Additional DUI Consequences

There are numerous ramifications following a DUI conviction, in addition to fines and jail time. First, you could lose your educational opportunities or scholarships if you are in college. With a revoked license, you will have to opt for online classes since you will not be able to drive to the campus. You may also find it difficult to find an apartment since landlords are uncomfortable with renting to tenants with a criminal record. Shocked friends and family may treat you differently after discovering what happened.

If you are applying for a job, then your DUI conviction will show up when your potential future employer runs a background check, and the majority of companies do not want to hire someone with a criminal record. A DUI can affect you even if you already have a job. Excessive time spent away from work because you were in jail, had to make court appearances, or were required to complete community service could have a negative effect on your employment. Worse, if you have a job that requires you to drive, then you could be fired since you can’t complete your job duties after your license has been revoked, and the auto insurance company that your employer has a policy with would take issue with you driving on official business.

A DUI Attorney Can Help

An experienced DUI attorney will offer you a confidential and free case evaluation and could get your charges dropped or significantly reduced. It is imperative that you contact a DUI lawyer immediately to get the legal advice that you need.