At Rathburn Law Office P.C., we’ve worked with countless clients facing DUI charges in Indianapolis. One common question people ask is, “How does a DUI affect auto insurance rates?” The short answer is that a DUI conviction will raise your car insurance rates significantly, and those higher rates can last for years.
If you’re wondering how a DUI affects auto insurance rates in Indianapolis, this article will walk you through what to expect. We’ll explain why insurance companies raise your rates after a DUI, how much more you might pay, and what you can do to protect yourself from even worse consequences.
If you’re accused of drunk driving, you need an experienced Indianapolis DUI lawyer.
Why a DUI Affects Auto Insurance Rates
First, let’s talk about why a DUI conviction affects your car insurance. Auto insurance companies calculate your rates based on how risky they think you are as a driver. The higher the risk, the higher the cost to insure you. From an insurance company’s perspective, a DUI is one of the biggest red flags.
When you get convicted of driving under the influence, insurers assume that you are more likely to be involved in a serious accident in the future. Even if it’s a one-time mistake, the data shows that drivers with a DUI on their record are statistically more likely to cause accidents. Accidents cost insurance companies money—sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, to protect themselves, insurance companies raise your rates to make up for that increased risk.
How Much Will Car Insurance Rates Increase After a DUI?
The big question is, “How much more will you pay for car insurance after a DUI in Indianapolis?”
While exact numbers vary depending on the company, the driver’s age, the vehicle, and other factors, a DUI can easily double or even triple your insurance rates. According to industry studies, drivers in Indiana can expect an increase of anywhere from 40% to 100% or more following a DUI conviction.
Let’s say you were paying $1,200 a year for car insurance before your DUI. After a conviction, that number could jump to $2,400 or even $3,600 a year. And these increases don’t just last for a few months. They often stick around for 3 to 5 years, sometimes even longer, depending on how long your DUI stays on your driving record.
For many people, this kind of jump in insurance premiums can be a huge financial burden on top of fines, court costs, and other penalties associated with a DUI conviction.
High-Risk Insurance Policies: What Is SR-22?
If you’re convicted of a DUI in Indianapolis, you will likely be required to file an SR-22 form to get your license reinstated. But what exactly is SR-22 insurance?
Despite what many people think, an SR-22 is not insurance itself. It’s a certificate your insurance company files with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to prove that you carry the state’s minimum required insurance coverage. The SR-22 tells the state that even though you’ve had a serious driving offense, you’re still financially responsible.
The need for an SR-22 usually lasts for three years after a DUI conviction. But here’s the catch: not all insurance companies offer SR-22 policies, and those that do will charge you more because now they consider you a high-risk driver. Even if you had a clean driving record before, one DUI conviction will put you in a different category in the eyes of insurers.
How a DUI Affects Your Ability to Find Insurance
Another painful reality is that some insurance companies may refuse to insure you altogether after a DUI conviction. If you were using a low-cost insurer before, they might drop you once your policy comes up for renewal.
That means you’ll have to shop for a new insurance provider, and you may find that only companies that specialize in high-risk drivers are willing to take you on—and those companies often charge significantly more.
Even if you find an insurer willing to cover you, the process can be stressful. You might have to call multiple companies, fill out more paperwork, and face a lot of rejections before someone agrees to insure you.
How Long Will a DUI Affect Auto Insurance Rates?
Many people assume that once their DUI case is closed and their license is reinstated, life will return to normal. Unfortunately, when it comes to insurance, that’s not how it works.
In Indiana, a DUI conviction typically stays on your driving record for at least 5 to 10 years, and some insurance companies will look back that far when determining your rates. Even after you’re done with court hearings, fines, and SR-22 requirements, your insurance company might still treat you like a high-risk driver for years to come.
That means your rates won’t go back to “normal” anytime soon, and in some cases, you may never see the rates you enjoyed before your DUI—especially if you have other infractions on your record.
How to Lower Car Insurance Costs After a DUI
While there’s no way to completely erase the effects of a DUI on your auto insurance, there are steps you can take to limit the damage and eventually work your way back to more affordable rates.
Hire a DUI Lawyer
A skilled Indianapolis DUI lawyer can help get charges reduced in some cases, lessening the impact on your insurance. For example, if a DUI charge is reduced to reckless driving, insurance companies may view it as less severe, and your rates might not skyrocket as much.
Avoid Tickets and Violations
Once you’re able to drive again, keep your record clean. Avoid speeding tickets, accidents, and any other violations. Insurance companies look for patterns, and showing that you can drive safely for a period of time (usually a few years) will eventually help bring your rates down.
Shop for Lower Rates
Shop around for insurance. Some companies are more lenient than others when it comes to DUI convictions. Working with an independent insurance agent who understands the Indiana market can help you find the best possible rate.
Take a Defensive Driving Course
Take defensive driving courses if your insurer offers discounts for them. Some companies will reduce rates for drivers who complete certified courses, even after a DUI.
The Cost of a DUI Is More Than Just Insurance
It’s important to remember that higher auto insurance rates are just one part of the total cost of a DUI in Indianapolis. You’ll also face:
- Fines and court fees
- License suspension and reinstatement fees
- Possible jail time or probation
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
- Ignition interlock device installation and maintenance costs
When you add up everything, a first-time DUI can easily cost you $10,000 or more over several years. The increased insurance premiums are a big part of that figure and one of the longest-lasting financial consequences.
Why You Need an Experienced Indianapolis DUI Attorney
Given how serious the consequences of a DUI can be, it’s essential to have an experienced DUI defense attorney on your side from the beginning. At Rathburn Law Office P.C. in Indianapolis, we understand what’s at stake.
We’ve helped countless clients fight DUI charges, negotiate for reduced penalties, and navigate the complicated aftermath. The earlier you get legal help, the better your chances are of minimizing the long-term effects on your driving record and your wallet.
Contact Rathburn Law for a Free Case Evaluation
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Indianapolis, it’s natural to worry about the impact on your car insurance. A DUI conviction will almost certainly raise your auto insurance rates significantly, and those higher rates can last for years.
It’s important to remember that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. Depending on the case against you, an experienced Indianapolis DUI attorney can seek to have charges dismissed or negotiate for reduced penalties. At Rathburn Law Office P.C., we’re here to fight for your rights.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Indianapolis and want to know more about how to minimize the damage to your life and finances, contact Rathburn Law Office P.C. today for a free case evaluation. You don’t have to navigate this difficult situation on your own.
