How a DUI/DWI May Affect Your Insurance
There are many reasons why you should never drive while under the influence of alcohol, the most obvious being that you can be killed doing so, or kill someone else. In addition, the fines, court costs, and legal trouble can be enormous, and there is the possibility of jail or prison time, as well.
Aside from these very good reasons, there are very serious insurance implications when you are caught driving drunk.
Here is how a DUI/DWI will affect your insurance in New Mexico.
Your Insurance Rates After a DUI/DWI
Getting a decent price for auto insurance with a DUI/DWI on your record will be very difficult. In fact, finding insurance after a DUI/DWI will not be cheap, easy or fast.
A DUI/DWI will cause your insurance premiums to dramatically increase, up to 200 percent or more. Moreover, when your insurance company finds out about your DUI/DWI, your insurance may be canceled or simply not renewed. After you receive a DUI/DWI, your insurance company will consider you an extremely high risk.
Insurance companies determine how risky of a driver you are, based on the following criteria:
- Your driving record
- How long you’ve been driving
- The type of vehicle you drive
- How many prior claims you have had
- Your age, gender, and marital status
Low-risk drivers qualify for low rates. High-risk drivers, like those convicted of a DUI/DWI, pay higher rates. In addition, it is not uncommon for drivers with a DUI/DWI to be required to pay premiums in advance, every six months. This means a bill for thousands of dollars to be paid to your insurance company on command every six months, just for the ability to drive legally.
Finding Insurance After a DUI/DWI
This being said, there will still be some high-risk insurance companies willing to do business with you after a DUI/DWI. But, you must remember that they can still legally say no to you if you have a history of drunk driving. And they can charge you just about whatever they want.
So, when choosing one of these companies, it is much more important that you shop around for the best rates.
If you still can’t find insurance on the private market, there is still a residual auto insurance market – one of last resort, which is made up of a pool of companies administered by the state – where you may be able to find the insurance you need to drive legally in New Mexico, despite having a DUI/DWI on your driving record.
New Mexico Defense Attorneys
Drivers facing DUI charges need to discuss their case with a New Mexico criminal defense attorney. The experienced DUI defense attorneys at the New Mexico Criminal Law Offices understand the charges and penalties you are facing, and will work hard to ensure that your rights are protected in court. Call us today at (505) 375-4664 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.