Along with the fines, loss of license, and the potential for jail time, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other substances can have a long-lasting impact on your life. One consequence is increased insurance rates, including the requirement for additional and costly liability coverage.
For people arrested and charged with a DUI in Florida, a common question is how long it will affect insurance if there is a conviction. This will vary on a case-by-case basis, especially depending on factors such as the insurance carrier. In general, car insurance companies in Florida will consider a DUI on your driving record for as long as 10 years.
However, in Florida a DUI conviction will stay on your criminal driving record for 75 years under normal circumstances. This means that the potential for life-altering consequences can be very high and last for a long time for someone with a DUI, even after insurance rates go down.
How much will your insurance go up after a DUI?
Not only can you expect your insurance to increase and stay at that rate for a long time, but rates can increase substantially in Florida. On average, a DUI conviction increases rates 33%, which could be anywhere from $3,600 to $6,000 depending on previous rates.
One costly addition to Florida insurance for people with a DUI on their record is the requirement to purchase additional liability coverage with an FR-44 form.
Added up over the ten years of increased insurance rates, this can mean the total cost of additional insurance for a DUI in Florida could be as high as $60,000. This is not even factoring the many other financial and life burdens that a DUI can bring.
Understanding the Long-Term Costs and Consequences of a DUI
Insurance rates are an added cost that comes after the exorbitant costs and penalties of an initial DUI conviction. DUI laws are there to keep motorists safe and curb the dangerous impact of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. This is why the penalties are so strict. In Florida, the consequences of even a first-time DUI are very steep, and they become even more serious for additional convictions. First-time penalties consist of:
- No less than a $500 fine for .08 blood alcohol content (BAC) and no less than $1,000 for BAC over .15
- Up to six months jail time, and up to nine months if there was a minor in the vehicle or for BAC over .15
- License revocation of 180 days
A DUI conviction also comes with extremely high costs in the form of court fees, towing fees, hardship license fees, probation, and treatment costs. By some estimates, the combined costs of a DUI in Florida can be $3,500 in fees alone, which can go up to over $5,000 when factoring in additional costs.
But the increased insurance rates over a period of ten years can be the most costly part of a DUI by far.
Although it can vary widely, the pure monetary costs of a DUI in Florida including fines, fees, and increased insurance rates can be in the tens of thousands of dollars. What’s more, a DUI can mean lost wages, lost employment opportunities, and lost educational opportunities that can be harder to quantify, yet cost you substantially financially and in your quality of life.
This is why it is so important to ensure that your DUI arrest and charge has been conducted fairly and within your legal rights.
Why You Need Qualified Representation for Your DUI Defense
If you have been arrested for a DUI, there are a lot of factors that can prevent a potential conviction.
Law enforcement officers have very strict rules and guidelines they must follow to ensure they are not violating someone’s rights. From the traffic stop, to field sobriety testing (FST), to administering a breathalyzer, an experienced and qualified DUI attorney knows many of the most common oversights and potential violations that police officers can make during an arrest.
At Clark Hartpence Law, our legal team will work hard to perform an exhaustive investigation around the facts of your case. We’re dedicated to ensuring your rights are fully protected and that you receive the most fair outcome, including the potential to avoid fines, fees, jail time, and increased insurance rates in Florida. Attorney Jeremy Clark was a public defender in the Sixth Judicial Circuit and fully understands the laws surrounding DUI and the tactics used by Florida prosecutors in these cases.
Contact us today at (855) 680-4911 for your free consultation. A DUI arrest does not have to have a long-term effect on your life, livelihood, and insurance rates.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney/client relationship.