There are several direct costs associated with driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. The penalties that the courts can impose include fines and court costs. Those direct financial consequences can add up to thousands of dollars or more depending on the circumstances.
Many defendants also have to worry about how criminal charges might affect their earning potential and careers. Some defendants might be at risk of losing crucial professional licensing after a DUI conviction. Others may work for employers who have zero-tolerance policies for criminal convictions.
There are also secondary expenses to address. Specifically, drivers with DUI convictions on their records can expect to pay more for their motor vehicle insurance when they regain their driving privileges.
Risk affects policy costs
Insurance providers charge significantly different premiums from one driver to the next. Insurance companies use statistical analysis to determine how much they should charge for coverage. Typically, individuals who pose a greater risk of large claims have to pay more for their policies.
Teenage drivers pay far more for coverage than those in their 30s, for example. Drivers with recent traffic violations on their records typically also pay more for insurance. A DUI is one of the most significant traffic violations.
A guilty plea or conviction can drastically increase how much a person pays for their policy. The average liability car insurance policy in Oklahoma costs $1,787 per year. After a DUI conviction, the average cost for insurance increases by 44%. People pay, on average, $2,566 for a year of insurance coverage after a conviction.
Those increased costs can also affect employers. If a professional drives as part of their routine job responsibilities, they may be unable to fulfill all their job tasks after the state suspends their driver’s license. The company may also refuse to cover additional insurance costs related to the worker’s driving history.
Considering that those increased expenses may last for several years, actively fighting back against DUI charges may be a better solution than entering a guilty plea. Those who do not could pay quite a bit more in insurance over several years and could be at risk of job loss as well.
Drivers accused of intoxication on the road can often defend against their pending DUI charges successfully with the right strategy. Exploring the situation that led to an arrest with a skilled legal team can help drivers avoid insurance premium increases and other consequences associated with DUI convictions.