Friday 12 March 2010

DUI Insurance Rates - The Cost is More Then Money


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Did you know, DUI insurance rates are just one part of the cost of a DUI moving violation? The three major areas of cost with a DUI moving violation are time, insurance rates and actual money. In this article we'll look at all three to see what the true cost to you really is.

What part does time play in the cost of a DUI?
No matter where you were going when you were arrested, now you're going to be processed at the police station. That will take some time. At some point, you will need to meet with your lawyer and spend some time at court. You may even have to take the time for a driving or alcohol class. The time you need to do these things is time that is taken from your family, friends and even job. In the end, you may even lose your job, if it depends on your ability to use an automobile.

How much could my insurance rates go up?
If you get a DUI while insured with a national standard provider, they will either drop you, and you'll need a new carrier, or transfer you to their high risk division, if they have one. If you get transferred to their high risk division your coverage could rise up to 400%, or to where it became unaffordable for you to continue your coverage. There are estimates from the state of Illinois that say, the average high risk insurance could cost $1500 a year more, for at least three years.

Don't forget, you could be paying higher rates for up to eight years before qualifying for standard rates again, and that's only if you can keep your record clean.

How much money will I spend on a DUI?
In 2004 the Southern California Automobile Club did research on the cost for a first-time DUI in that state, the total was $12,116. Included in this total cost were fines, penalties, towing and impound, alcohol education, an increase in auto insurance, victim fund, license reissue fee, booking, attorney and legal fees. In terms of actual cash outlay for a first-time DUI, that's a lot of money. Prices, no doubt, have gone up since then.

As you can easily see, there's a lot more that happens when you get a DUI then just your insurance rates going up. It will take personal time for you to straighten up the situation you found yourself in. Your rates will go up. You'll spend a lot of money in cash to set things right.

Maybe if you'll think of this, not just the DUI insurance rates, then you won't have that second drink and drive home, you could be pulled over for speeding five over or a tail light out, you never know. Don't drink and drive!

Recommend : Blog Insurance, Auto Insurance TH55

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