Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs (DUI) is a leading cause of death in the United States. New York drivers who are found driving under the influence will face a criminal charge, fines from the court and a suspension of their driver’s license. This can have a lasting impact on your life for many years. The factors that determine your level of impairment in New York are how much alcohol you have drank, what you ate before drinking, how long you drank, your gender, body weight and gender. Driving with a blood alcohol level (BAC) above.08 is considered DUI in New York. Commercial drivers who have a BAC below.04 are considered DUI.
A New York DUI can make you a high-risk driver. You may not be approved for insurance depending on how serious your case is. You will be required to pay substantially higher premiums than you would have otherwise paid, even if your case is approved. New Yorkers will have to pay an average $4307 per year for car insurance after being convicted of DUI. This is 86 percent higher than the usual cost of New York car insurance.
New York DUI laws
Driving under the influence in New York can result in a license being revoked, heavy fines, and even imprisonment. New York law stipulates that for a first offense you must pay $500 to $1,000 in fines and serve up to one-year in jail. You will also have your license suspended for at least six months. A second offense within 10 years will result in you having to pay $500 to $1000 in penalties, up to four years imprisonment, and your license being suspended for one year. A third offense in a span of ten years will result in you having to pay between $2,000 and $10,000 in fines and spending up to seven years in prison. Your license will also be suspended for one year.
Your license will be revoked if you accumulate 11 points within an 18-month period. You will also be responsible for any traffic violations or convictions you have during your DUI arrest. Your New York driving record will be recorded for ten years after a DUI conviction. It will be very difficult to find a lower insurance premium during these ten years.
What a DUI means for your New York car insurance
A DUI conviction in New York is a crime. You are therefore considered a high-risk driver by insurance companies. This means that you might not be approved for insurance depending on the severity and extent of your case. Your annual premium will be higher if you are approved for an insurance quote.
New Yorkers will pay on average 57 percent more to get car insurance. This is lower than the average national rate, where drivers in the U.S. typically pay a 99 per cent increase. The cost of insurance in New York is still higher after a DUI, at $4,307, whereas the national average costs $3,336, as illustrated in the chart below.
Drivers convicted of DUI are often required to submit an SR-22 form or FR-44 form at the New York DMV. A FR-44 or SR-22 will prove that you have insurance in accordance with New York’s minimum requirements.
After a New York DUI, you can find car insurance
Even after a New York DUI, getting approved for car insurance can be challenging. Many car insurance companies will consider you a high-risk driver. Car insurance companies might reject your application if you are convicted of more than one DUI in a short period of time. You will have to pay a substantially higher premium if you are approved for insurance.
The best rates for DUI in New York are offered by some of the leading car insurance companies. According to Bankrate’s research, Progressive is USAA, Erie and American Family are the top-rated insurance companies that offer the most affordable care insurance rates for DUI victims. Below is the table that shows each insurance company’s average annual premium following a DUI.
Progressive’s average annual premium for New York DUIs is more affordable than the others, but New Yorkers have the option to get discounts that could lower their costs. You may be eligible for a discount if you have completed a New York defensive driving class.
Questions frequently asked
What will a New York DUI do to my criminal record?
New York DUI is a crime and it is against the law. A DUI conviction may remain on your record for up to 15 years.
After a DUI, what is the best car insurance in New York?
Your driving record, credit score, age and gender will all play a role in determining the cost of your car insurance. Every car insurance policy follows its own set of guidelines and rules for underwriting.
What if I get a DUI and want to be covered?
The factors that affect your ability to get car insurance after a DUI include the type of car insurance you have applied for, your driving record, and the risk you are willing to take on the insurance company. Although Progressive, USAA, and Erie offer car insurance in New York, the final decision is influenced by other factors.
