Idaho has 602,170 registered cars as of 2019, which is 33.7% per capita. It also saw a 27% increase in DUI fatalities that year. This made it the 11th most dangerous state for impaired driving. Car insurance for those who have a DUI conviction on their driving record will be affected in the future. Full coverage car insurance in Idaho costs on average $1,786 per year after a DUI conviction. This is 71% more than the $1,045 annual state average. Although Idaho is an affordable state, a DUI conviction can have a significant impact on car insurance rates. It can also make it difficult to obtain adequate coverage. A DUI conviction in Idaho can result in severe criminal penalties and even huge fines. The conviction will remain on your driving record for the rest of your life.
Idaho DUI laws
Idaho’s criminal offense is driving under the influence of alcohol and other controlled substances. Drivers who are caught with blood alcohol levels of more than 0.08%, or higher than 0.02 if they are under 21, will face criminal penalties and license suspension. Commercial drivers who have a blood alcohol level greater than 0.04 may face harsher penalties.
Idaho’s first DUI offenders could face up to six months imprisonment, or up to one year for blood alcohol levels above 0.2%. The driver’s license may be suspended for up to three months and a $1,000 fine could be imposed. A second offense can result in up to five year imprisonment, $2,000 in fines, and a suspension of your driver’s license for at least one-year. The subsequent offenses can lead to up to 10 years in jail, up $5,000 in fines, and up to 5 years license suspension.
If the motorist is found to be suffering from substance abuse, they will need to undergo treatment before they are allowed to drive again. A $250 fine can be assessed for drivers who refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test in order to determine if they are intoxicated.
What a DUI can do to your Idaho car insurance
Every state has its own DUI laws. However, regardless of the severity of the charges, a DUI can have a significant impact on your ability to get car insurance. Insurance companies consider drivers with a DUI as high-risk. This means they are more likely than others to cause an accident.
Insurers will refuse to cover these drivers or charge twice or three times the amount that an average driver would pay, in order to protect themselves against this risk. A DUI can remain on your driving record in some states for three years. However, it will stay there for life in Idaho.
Insurance for cars costs $1,674 per year in the United States for drivers with clean driving records. It almost doubles after a DUI to $3,336 per year. There may be a wide range of price increases between insurers. Companies that offer coverage for high-risk drivers may be more attractive, even though rates are higher.
To have your license reinstated after it was revoked, you will need to file an SR-22 at the DMV. This form will be filed by your insurance company on your behalf. It proves that you have adequate financial coverage to meet the legal minimum requirements. If your insurer doesn’t offer this service, an insurance company that specializes in high-risk coverage can usually provide an SR-22 to reinstate your license.
After a DUI in Idaho, you can find car insurance
Idaho is considered a more affordable state than many other states. It can be difficult to find cheap car insurance that covers a DUI, no matter where you live. Although they offer coverage for high-risk drivers, most major insurance companies charge more than regular policies.
While most major providers like USAA, American Family Farm, and Auto-Owners will provide coverage for drivers convicted of DUI, rates, eligibility requirements, and coverage options may vary. Experts recommend that you compare the coverage options and quotes with several providers in order to find the best fit.
These and other insurance companies may offer discounts to help offset premium costs, but drivers with a DUI might not be eligible. A safe driving program can help drivers with a DUI save money and develop good driving habits. Talk to an agent about the discounts that you are eligible for, and then compare your quotes.
Questions frequently asked
What will a DUI in Idaho do to my criminal record?
Although a DUI conviction in Idaho will remain on your criminal record for life it could have a less significant impact after ten year. Your car insurance will have a major impact on your eligibility, premium costs, and discounts. You could also face jail time for DUI.
What is an SR-22?
To have your Idaho license reinstated following a DUI, accident, or other serious traffic offense, you will need an SR-22. This is a declaration of financial responsibility that proves you have the insurance coverage necessary to reinstate your driver’s license.
What percentage of DUIs in Idaho are considered a felony?
A third or subsequent DUI offense is a felony in Idaho. It can result in stiff criminal penalties including license revocation and up to ten year imprisonment.