Without a shadow of a doubt, drinking and driving is a horrendous offense that can be both deadly and expensive. There are thousands of drivers each day that disregard the dangers and the possible fatalities they may cause for getting behind the wheel while under the influence. While many drivers are confident that they can drive impaired, few take into account the fees that come with their reckless decision. The out-of-pocket cost that accumulates from driving under the influence (DUI) goes far beyond a simple ticket and traffic school.
Legal Costs
The moment you are arrested for a DUI, a hefty bill is automatically taxed to your jail experience. Consequences for drinking and driving vary by state, however, the gist of it is you will be:
- Fined – drunk driving can carry state fines upwards of several hundred dollars. This does not include fees you might receive as a result of hitting a person or damaging property.
- Driving Restrictions – Many states will suspend the driver’s license for a few months to a few years. With a suspended license, the cost of carpooling or using public transportation to get around is an added expense.
- Car Impound fees – once you have been arrested, your car is generally impounded if you were driving without a licensed, sober passenger. This could easily add hundreds of dollars depending on how long your car stays impounded.
- Jail time – if there is an accident involved as a result of your drunk driving, you could end up staying in jail which can result in loss of wages.
- Attorney – Hiring a DUI Attorney can come with fees upwards of a few thousand dollars. The fees will increase if you need representation during trial.
- Medical expenses – if you injured another party, you more than likely can be sued for their medical bills and other accident-related expenses and losses.
- Insurance Policy increase – No matter what state you live in, having a DUI on your driving record will increase your premium. This rate change can add hundreds of dollars more to your policy annually. This is due to insurance companies viewing you as a high-risk driver. It may take up to 7 years in some states for the DUI to be removed from your driving record.
As you can see, driving under the influence has a high cost associated with it. Not to mention the emotional distress victims go through after dealing with such a traumatic experience. Bring along a friend or loved one who will be the designated driver for the night or put aside some funds for a taxi. Practicing safe driving is not only for the well-being of others but for the overall well-being of yourself.
Protect Yourself and Your Wallet
A DUI can dramatically impact your insurance premiums, but you don’t have to wait for an accident to make smart decisions about your coverage. Compare car insurance rates today to find the best policy for your needs—and make sure you’re covered in case the unexpected happens. Don’t let the cost of a mistake follow you for years. Get a quote now and drive with peace of mind!