how much does a dui increase insurance in ohio
DUI: DUI stands for Driving Under The Influence. Getting a DUI in Ohio is every drivers worst nightmare. Not only are you looking at heavy fines, court dates, and the potential risk of jail time, but you’re also facing a massive hike in your insurance premiums. Nobody wants that, because we already cant afford the sky-high insurance bills as it is. But theres still hope: you can still get affordable car insurance after a DUI in Ohio – if you just know where to look.
A DUI means higher insurance: Unfortunately, a DUI or DWI conviction (DWI standing for Driving While Intoxicated), is more than just a stain on your criminal record. It also has implications on your insurance record. In particular, getting a DUI in Ohio costs drivers an extra $1500 every year, or around $125 per month on their automobile insurance premium. Thats a lot of money, especially for those who are already struggling to get by on a tight budget.
Comparison shopping: But dont despair just yet. Even if youve already been convicted of a DUI in Ohio, theres still ways you can keep the cost of your car insurance down. The biggest thing you need to be doing right now is comparison shopping. Shopping around for a new insurance policy isnt just a good idea – its essential. You need to compare different policies, different companies, coverage levels and deductibles, to find a new insurance provider in Ohio thats willing to take on the risk of insuring a suspected DUI driver, at a price you can still afford.
The power of discounts: You should also take advantage of discounts where available, and investigate these offers carefully before you commit to a policy. Many Ohio drivers have already saved hundreds of dollars on their automobile insurance, simply by taking advantage of discounts such as those for students with good grades, or those who have a perfect driving record. If your DUI record still qualifies you for such discounts, you should definitely take advantage of them.
Saving money: Another way you can keep the cost of your DUI auto insurance down is to buy a less expensive car. While you might not be able to afford a top-of-the-line sports car with a DUI conviction, you may be able to save even more money on your insurance premiums if you buy an older model car thats still in relatively good condition. As always, talk to your insurance provider to find out what their policy is.
Expect the unexpected: Also keep in mind that a DUI conviction does not guarantee higher auto insurance rates. Unfortunately, some insurance providers will still charge you the same or even higher rates, even if youve been a perfect driver since your DUI conviction. Its important to shop around and compare different insurance quotes, to make sure youre not being taken advantage of.
Additional ways to save money: Another way to save on your auto insurance with a DUI conviction is to make sure youre always driving responsibly. Make sure you always follow the law and practice defensive driving. Keep your driving record clean, and make sure you have the right amount of liability insurance just in case you are ever involved in an accident. The more responsible you are, the better chance youll have of keeping your premiums down.
In conclusion, a DUI in Ohio can cost you thousands of dollars in insurance premiums every year. Thats why its so important to comparison shop to find an affordable policy, and take advantage of any discounts or incentives that may be available to you. You should also consider buying an older car thats still in good condition, to help you save even more money on your auto insurance. Lastly, you should drive responsibly and keep your driving record clean to ensure that your premiums remain as low as possible.
