DUI and Car Insurance in Rhode Island: All You Need To Know!

Receiving a DUI charge in Rhode Island can carry long-term consequences. If you’re convicted of a DUI in Rhode Island, you may face substantial penalties, such as, potential jail time, a license suspension, DUI classes/substance abuse counseling, community service fines, and having a criminal record. It’s important to know that you may also receive penalties if you Refuse to Submit to a Chemical Test. Something that you may not understand is how having a DUI affects your insurance. Read more to find out.

Will My Insurance Premiums Increase Due To a DUI in Rhode Island?

When you’re arrested and charged with a DUI, there’s a good chance that one of the immediate consequences is an increase in your insurance premiums. This happens because insurers usually take into consideration your age, gender, location and the type of vehicle you drive, to calculate your insurance rate. Each person can fall into a different category and, although each company works differently, those who have DUI histories can be considered high risk drivers, which means that you may pay more.

You may pay higher insurance premiums until the DUI is removed from your record. Once the DUI is no longer on your record, your premiums may go back down to normal rates. Because valid car insurance is legally required to drive, its cost is an unavoidable financial burden and when premiums become excessive, obtaining coverage can become unaffordable.

A DUI conviction or a chemical test refusal may also result in administrative penalties through the DMV. If your license is suspended or the court orders the installation of an ignition interlock device, there’s a good chance that these actions may be reported to your insurance provider, causing a spike in your premiums.

While most companies may raise your premiums, some companies may decide to cancel your policy or refuse to renew it all together. When this happens, you may be forced to seek coverage from a high risk insurance provider. There are less providers to choose from and usually, they’re more expensive while offering limited coverage options.

How Much Will My Premiums Rise Due to a DUI in Rhode Island?

Getting a DUI charge or conviction in Rhode Island can lead to a significant increase in your car insurance rates but there isn’t a universal answer to this question because how your premiums will rise will depend on many factors. The percentage changes from state to state, company to company, your personal history and your driving record history.

If you have a clean driving history and are charged with a DUI, you may now be considered a high-risk driver. This may cause your insurance rates to double or even more. However, if you already had violations on your record, the additional cost might not be as noticeable since your premiums were likely already above average. Even so, the DUI will likely lead to an increase.

If your current insurance company becomes unaffordable, it’s a good idea that you start to seek out and compare quotes from other insurance companies and, while every company will likely see the DUI on your record, and they will adjust the rates accordingly, some may offer more manageable pricing than others.

How Does My Insurance Company Get Notified of My DUI Charge or Conviction in Rhode Island?

Once the DMV suspends your license or your DUI conviction is on your record, insurance companies usually learn about this, even if you don’t inform them. Some insurers periodically check DMV databases while others may be informed directly by the state or through public court records.

Once the insurance company finds out, it’s very probable that the current status of your policy will be modified, leading to higher premiums, additional requirements or, depending on the circumstances, they may even cancel your policy.

Will a DUI Charge or Conviction in Rhode Island Keep My Insurance Premiums High Forever?

High insurance premiums may not be permanent. If the DUI charge or conviction is on your record, insurance companies may consider you a high risk driver but once the charges or conviction is off of your record, your insurance rates may gradually go down. Still, you need to be aware that this may take a while since DUI convictions can take several years to come off of your driving record.

You also need to be aware that even if the DUI is no longer on your driving record, in Rhode Island a DUI is a criminal offense and it may still appear on your criminal record. In this case you will need an expungement to fully remove it. You don’t have to try to expunge your record on your own, you can hire an expungement attorney like the attorneys at Ellison Law LLC.

What Should I Do If I Get a DUI Charge in Rhode Island?

If you’ve been charged with a DUI charge in Rhode Island, don’t risk your future. Instead of facing a criminal conviction and higher insurance premiums for years, you should contact an experienced DUI attorney right away. If you are in Rhode Island, contact the attorneys at Ellison Law LLC today to see how we can help you.