A driver facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges in Georgia is at risk of a variety of consequences. Judges can sentence people to probation, meaning they are subject to close court oversight for months.
They might incarcerate someone. DUI defendants often have to pay large fines and court costs. They may also lose their driver’s licenses, which can create several secondary financial consequences. When they do regain their driving privileges, their DUI conviction can have an impact on their mandatory liability insurance coverage.
Substantially increased costs
Every driver pays a different amount for liability insurance coverage. The amount the company charges for a policy depends on someone’s age, the amount of coverage they need, where they live and even through driving history. Insurance companies look at someone’s driving record when issuing a new policy or renewing an existing one. Even if a driver doesn’t report a DUI to the company directly, their insurance provider may soon learn about it.
A DUI on someone’s record can lead to a major increase in insurance costs. The average driver in Georgia pays roughly $2,609 for a year of full coverage. After a DUI conviction, that amount increases to $4,869. That’s an 87% increase in premium costs. It can be hard for people to absorb those increased costs for multiple years.
The loss of coverage
Some insurance companies have higher standards than others. People may find themselves unable to continue carrying the same type of insurance after a DUI conviction. Particularly in scenarios where someone has a prior DUI offense, they may need to acquire a policy from a different company that offers higher-risk policies. Someone with a DUI on their record may only be able to select between a handful of insurance providers. They may also need to have the company file an SR-22 form with the state to prove they have coverage.
Fighting back against a DUI successfully is the only way to avoid criminal penalties and secondary consequences, such as increased insurance costs. Those who understand how long a DUI could affect their lives may decide that fighting those charges is a worthwhile endeavor.