Driving while under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can lead to serious consequences, both for the driver and the public. If you’ve been charged with DUI, it’s important to understand your rights and what insurance coverage may be available to help cover your legal expenses.
What is a Dui?
A DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge that can result from alcohol or drug use while operating a vehicle. In most cases, insurance companies will not cover car accidents that occur as a result of a DUI. However, there are some exceptions. If you were arrested for DUI and the police report says that your blood-alcohol concentration was .08% or higher, your insurance company may not cover your car accident.
What are the Penalties for a Dui?
If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), you may face both criminal and civil penalties. The criminal penalties can include up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The civil penalties you may face depend on your state law, but may include a suspension of your driver’s license, a fine, or both.
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid getting a DUI. If you have been drinking alcohol, it is important to remember that even small amounts can increase your risk of getting a DUI. If you are worried about how much alcohol you have had and whether it would make you too impaired to drive, it is best to talk to a doctor or licensed professional about the risks involved in drinking alcohol and driving.
If you do get pulled over for driving under the influence, do not try to drive away. Let the officer take your driver’s license and registration information so that he or she can properly document the arrest. Be polite when talking to the officer and answer all his or her questions truthfully. If you cannot remember what happened before your DUI arrest, do not try to guess.
Will My Insurance Cover My Car If I Got a Dui?
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), your car may be at risk of being taken away or having its value significantly reduced. In most cases, your insurance company will not cover your vehicle if it’s damaged as a result of a DUI. Additionally, if you’ve been convicted of DUI, your car may be subject to additional restrictions, such as a mandatory ignition interlock device. If you’re worried about the implications of a DUI conviction on your car, speak to an insurance specialist to find out whether your policy covers damage caused by DUI and what other steps you can take to protect yourself.
Pros and Cons of Driving after Getting a Dui
Driving after getting a DUI can be a risky proposition, but it’s also possible to risk your car if you’re not careful. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of driving after getting a DUI:
PRO: If you’re convicted of driving under the influence, your insurance rates will likely go up. This is because you’ll be considered an at-fault driver, and your rates will reflect that fact. In addition, you’ll likely have to pay for legal fees and court costs associated with your DUI conviction.
CON: If you get pulled over while driving after getting a DUI, you could face serious consequences. A DUI arrest can result in fines, jail time, and even a license suspension. If you’re caught driving without a license after getting a DUI, you could face additional penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the risks involved when deciding whether or not to drive after getting a DUI. Driving while impaired is never safe, no matter what the circumstances are.
Conclusion
If you’ve been arrested for DUI, the consequences can be quite serious. In particular, if you have insurance, it might cover some of the costs related to your arrest and subsequent court proceedings. However, not all policies are created equal and each one will have different coverage guidelines. If you need to find out whether your policy covers a DUI arrest or not, contact your insurer directly.