Adult drivers who have a BAC of 0.08 or more are considered driving under the influence in Kentucky. The rules for younger drivers are more strict. A driver under 21 who has a BAC below 0.02 could face a DUI in Kentucky. You could face penalties and increased insurance costs if you are convicted for DUI. A DUI Kentucky conviction results in a 93% increase in auto insurance premiums. This means that you may end up paying nearly twice as much for insurance as you did before your conviction.
Understanding Kentucky’s DUI laws and how it could impact your insurance may help you make better decisions about car insurance. Quadrant Information Services, Bankrate’s insurance team, has partnered up with Bankrate to provide premium information prior and after DUIs in Kentucky. They also have average rates from many major Kentucky car insurance providers.
Kentucky DUI laws
In 2019, there were 10.142 DUI-related deaths in the United States. Kentucky is not an exception to the rule that drinking and driving are serious offenses in many states.
You could face a fine between $200 and $1,000 if you are convicted in Kentucky of DUI. This will depend on your age and whether it is your first offense. Additionally, you could face jail time, license suspension or community service, as well as alcohol and substance abuse treatment.
Certain “aggravating conditions” could result in additional penalties for your conviction. These are some examples of such circumstances:
- Speed limit: 30 mph and more
- A BAC of 0.15 or higher within two hours of driving a vehicle
- Refuse to take a sobriety exam
- Certain roads are not safe for driving.
- Children under 12 years old must not be in the car.
- A crash that causes serious injury or death
The penalty for DUI convictions will vary depending on your individual case. These penalties can be avoided by staying sober behind the wheel.
What a DUI can do to your Kentucky car insurance
Premiums are determined partly by the likelihood of a driver filing a claim in the near future. A DUI conviction on your record will likely make you a high risk driver. Insurance companies will charge higher premiums to compensate for this added risk.
Your insurance company might decide to cancel or not renew your coverage if you are already covered by an insurance policy. High-risk drivers are not covered by all insurance companies. Your company may have to increase your premium . Below is a table showing the average annual premium for full coverage in Kentucky and nationally before and after a DUI.
After a DUI, Kentucky: Finding car insurance
Finding car insurance if you’ve been convicted of DUI may take some more research. You may find the right coverage for you by shopping your policy with several carriers. Each company has its own rating algorithm, so some might be more accommodating to DUI convictions than others.
Below is a table that shows the average premium for full coverage after a DUI. It includes several major providers.
While price is an important consideration when looking for insurance after a DUI conviction, it’s not the only thing to consider. Your premium may be higher now than before your conviction. It is worth looking into the coverages, discounts, and third-party rankings of any companies that you receive quotes from. A licensed agent can help you choose the right insurance to fit your needs and protect your financial future.
Questions frequently asked
What will a DUI in Kentucky do to my criminal record?
In Kentucky, DUIs are considered criminal offenses. You could face jail time, license suspension, mandatory service, fines and community service if you are convicted.
Is my car insurance going to go up after getting a DUI?
Insurance companies consider a DUI or DWI conviction to be high-risk behavior, which could result in fatalities and costly car insurance claims. Your car insurance premiums will likely rise if you are convicted of DUI. This is because your DUI conviction could result in your driving record being considered high-risk. According to Bankrate, the average increase in Kentucky’s annual premiums after a DUI is 93%.
After a Kentucky DUI, which are the best car insurance companies?
There are many car insurance companies offering low average rates in Kentucky. You may not be eligible for coverage if you are convicted of DUI or DWI. Your premium may also be higher than the average rate. You may be able to find lower car insurance by getting quotes from multiple companies that will insure high risk drivers.
