Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Maryland and can have far-reaching consequences. In addition to legal penalties such as fines, license suspension, and even jail time, a DUI conviction can also impact your auto insurance rates. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of a DUI on your insurance rates in Maryland.
What is a DUI?
A DUI occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Maryland, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If a driver is found to have a BAC level above this limit, they can be charged with a DUI.
Impact on Insurance Rates
A DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies consider DUI convictions as a major red flag and classify drivers with such convictions as high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents and file claims, and as a result, they are charged higher insurance premiums to offset the additional risk.
According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, a DUI conviction can lead to an average increase of 50% in your insurance rates. This increase can last for several years, depending on your insurance provider and the severity of the offense.
Moreover, insurance providers in Maryland are required by law to report DUI convictions to the state’s Motor Vehicle Administration. The MVA maintains a record of all DUI convictions, and insurance providers use this information to determine insurance rates
Ways to Lower Insurance Rates
If you have been convicted of a DUI, there are steps you can take to lower your insurance rates. One way is to complete a Maryland-approved Alcohol Education Program. By completing this program, you can demonstrate to your insurance provider that you are taking steps to become a safer driver and potentially lower your rates.
Another way to lower your rates is to shop around and compare rates from different insurance providers. Some insurance providers may be more forgiving of DUI convictions than others, and you may be able to find a provider that offers lower rates.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that a DUI conviction can also impact other areas of your life beyond insurance rates. For instance, having a DUI conviction on your record can affect your job prospects, as some employers may view a DUI conviction as a sign of poor judgment and irresponsibility. Additionally, a DUI conviction can affect your ability to obtain certain professional licenses or security clearances.
To avoid a DUI conviction, it’s essential to make responsible choices when it comes to drinking and driving. If you plan on drinking, always designate a sober driver, use a ride-sharing service, or take public transportation. Additionally, be aware of the legal blood alcohol content limit and ensure that you are under the limit before driving.
A DUI conviction can have significant consequences, including increased insurance rates in Maryland. If you have been convicted of a DUI, it’s crucial to take steps to lower your rates, such as completing an Alcohol Education Program and shopping around for insurance providers. It’s also important to make responsible choices when it comes to drinking and driving to avoid future convictions and further rate increases. Remember, driving under the influence is not only illegal but also puts yourself and others at risk.
Alpert Schreyer, LLC is a law firm that specializes in DUI defense in Maryland. If you have been charged with a DUI and are concerned about the impact on your insurance rates, our experienced attorneys can help. We understand the complexities of Maryland DUI laws and can work with you to build a strong defense that may potentially result in a reduced charge or dismissal of the case.
Our attorneys can help by:
Reviewing the details of your case: We will carefully review the circumstances surrounding your DUI charge, including the evidence against you and any procedural issues that may have occurred. This will allow us to determine the best course of action for your case.
Building a strong defense: Based on the details of your case, we will develop a strong defense strategy to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights.
Negotiating with insurance companies: If you have already been convicted of a DUI and are facing higher insurance rates, our attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to try to lower your rates.
Representing you in court: If your case goes to trial, our attorneys will represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguments on your behalf to potentially secure a favorable outcome.
At Alpert Schreyer, LLC, we understand the impact that a DUI conviction can have on your life, including your insurance rates. That’s why we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible defense to help minimize the consequences of a DUI charge.