Driving while under the influence can lead to serious injury or death. According to the NHTSA, 39% traffic-related deaths in Hawaii were caused by intoxicated drivers. There are many financial consequences to a DUI in Hawaii. The most important is a higher rate of car insurance. According to Bankrate, vehicle insurance premiums almost quadrupled following a Hawaii DUI.
Hawaii DUI laws
Driving impaired can be described in two terms. It may be referred to as DUI. Both refer to driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated. DWI Hawaii also includes impairment caused by alcohol or drugs.
An arrest for driving while impaired could be made if the blood alcohol level is .08% higher than normal. Officers may also charge drivers with DUI with lower blood alcohol levels if they suspect that the driver is using drugs or other pharmaceuticals.
A Hawaii DUI penalty for a First Offense is a one-year mandatory revocation, if you refuse to take a chemical sobriety exam. A driver with an alcohol blood limit above the limit will be required to spend at least 48 hours or up to five days in jail depending on the severity of the offense. The DWI penalty Hawaii includes a $150 to $1,000 fine. For a second conviction, a Hawaii DUI penalty will result in higher fines and longer prison sentences.
What a DUI can do to your Hawaii car insurance
A DWI Hawaii conviction can have serious consequences. Many insurance companies will soon flag policyholders as high risk once the Hawaii DUI is on their records. Your coverage could be cancelled or denied. You can dispute the non-renewal or cancellation notice. Although there is no guarantee that you will win, it might be worth your while. You can prepare now by researching the cost and best low-cost insurance carriers.
You still have plenty of time to research if your policy is canceled. Car insurance companies must notify you in writing if you are going to be canceled or not renewed. This usually happens 30 days before or more. Consider the cost of a different vehicle insurance policy instead of waiting for the notice to arrive in the mail. Switching to car insurance may prove worthwhile because the cost of coverage might be lower with another provider.
You can see that Hawaii has the highest increase in car insurance rates following a DUI. Coverage that was once approximately $1,000 per year has quadrupled to 280%. You can save your wallet and budget by finding ways to reduce the $3,000 increase.
After a DUI in Hawaii, you can find car insurance
Many insurance companies in Hawaii are specialized in providing coverage for certain types of customers. Insurance companies may be more open to providing affordable insurance for DUI-charged drivers than others. Below are the average car insurance premiums for one year according to Banrate.
USAA is the most affordable, but it can be difficult to get. You will need to be a member of USAA based on the service you have rendered in the military. State Farm insurance offers affordable coverage for DUI victims and is more affordable than the other options.
Questions frequently asked
What can I do to save money on my car insurance after getting a DUI in Hawaii?
According to Bankrate, car insurance premiums almost quadrupled after a DUI conviction in Aloha. Even if your premiums are small, there may be ways to lower them. You can save money on your car insurance by shopping around. Switching to a different carrier may be worth it if you find lower rates.
What will a DUI in Hawaii do to my criminal record?
Hawaii DWIs will be on your record for 10 year, which could complicate the job-hunting process. Most employers will ask you if you were convicted of any crime. Commercial driving requires you to follow stricter regulations. If you have a DUI conviction, it may be difficult to get employment at a shipping company.
Which are the top car insurance companies for a DUI in Hawaii
Bankrate’s study of the impact on car insurance rates after driving under the influence convictions found that Allstate, State Farm and Geico have the lowest premiums. These four companies are the biggest in the country. They all offer homeowners insurance. This could help you save money if you combine coverage.