A Minnesota DUI arrest is a serious traffic offense that can lead to severe consequences. Drinking and driving can result in serious accidents or worse. In the United States, there are approximately 30 people who are killed in car accidents involving alcohol every day – 1 death per 50 minutes.
A DUI can result in legal fees, court costs and personal costs to you and your loved ones. You may be subject to stigmatization in your community, and in some cases you could lose your driving privileges.
What does a DUI do to your insurance rates?
The amount one pays for auto insurance will depend on many factors such as the driver’s age, car make and model, driving time, and purpose. Rates could rise if you are convicted of driving under the Influence (DUI), or driving while intoxicated. The charts below show that a DUI conviction can significantly increase your insurance rates in Minnesota.
Average DUI rates in Minnesota vs. the national average
| Pre-DUI | After DUI | Percentage Increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | $1,447 | $2,610 | 80% |
| Minnesota | $1,339 | $2,552 | 88% |
What is the cost of insurance in Minnesota after a DUI?
Your insurance provider will determine how much your premium rises. Your location and credit score will also play a part in determining your premium. Premiums will generally increase after a DUI, regardless of what.
Minnesota DUI rates for minimum coverage
| Provider | Average minimum coverage rate | DUI coverage minimum rate |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | $487 | $3,392 |
| Allstate | $549 | $2,065 |
| American Family | $590 | $648 |
| Auto-Owners | $430 | $962 |
| Country Financial | $519 | $691 |
| Geico | $540 | $1,060 |
| Iowa Farm Bureau | $370 | $750 |
| MetLife | $793 | $2,267 |
| North Star Mutual | $319 | $944 |
| QBE | $1,127 | $1,851 |
| State Farm | $483 | $787 |
| USAA | $461 | $889 |
| West Bend | $380 | $534 |
| Western National | $470 | $470 |
Minnesota rates for DUI coverage
| Provider | Average coverage rate | Full coverage with DUI |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | $1,777 | $6,697 |
| Allstate | $1,614 | $5,409 |
| American Family | $1,176 | $1,360 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,366 | $2,474 |
| Country Financial | $2,022 | $2,856 |
| Geico | $2,051 | $4,144 |
| Iowa Farm Bureau | $1,015 | $2,036 |
| MetLife | $2,011 | $5,034 |
| North Star Mutual | $1,421 | $4,518 |
| QBE | $2,214 | $3,656 |
| State Farm | $1,167 | $1,738 |
| USAA | $1,491 | $2,737 |
| West Bend | $1,306 | $1,922 |
| Western National | $1,739 | $1,780 |
DUI convictions can have long-term consequences
Even drivers with clean driving records and good driving record can be impacted by a DUI conviction. A DUI conviction can have a number of short-term consequences . These include increased insurance premiums, suspension of license, fines, driver education, community service, and even a visit at the local jail.
A DUI conviction can have long-term consequences. They are often a surprise, and can have a significant impact on lives for the rest of their lives. Examples include:
- Driver’s license suspension: A DUI conviction in Minnesota can result in a driver’s license being suspended for up to 90 days, depending on the measured alcohol level. A driver could have his license revoked if he is convicted of a third time.
- Background checks: Nowadays, most employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process. Background checks are permitted under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, provided that data protection measures have been put in place. Background checks may reveal a misdemeanor or felony DUI conviction. This could make it harder to get a job. Sometimes, landlords conduct similar background checks to college admissions departments.
- Employment: A person’s employment could be threatened by court appearances, community service or possible jail time.
- Personal and professional relationships: An arrest for DUI can have a negative impact on your relationships with friends, family, and coworkers. Local media frequently publish both DUI arrests and convictions.
Minnesota DUI law and its legal consequences
Minnesota law states that a driver aged 21 or older is legally intoxicated if they register a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08, or a.04 for commercial vehicle drivers. Depending on the circumstances, a driver may be arrested even if their BAC is not at these levels.
A first conviction can lead to up to 90 days imprisonment, a $1,000 fine, or both. A driver who has a BAC above.20 or is driving with a minor under 16 may face a one-year sentence and a $3000 fine. A second offense within 10 year of the first can result in mandatory 30 days imprisonment or eight hours community service for every day the driver is sentenced to.
Drivers who are convicted of a third offense within 10 years can be sentenced to a one-year term in prison and a fine up to $3,000 The driver’s license may be suspended for a minimum of one year. A fourth conviction in the 10-year period could result in a three- to seven-year sentence and a maximum $14,000. A driver’s license suspension of at least two years will result.
Questions frequently asked
Is there any difference between a DUI in Minnesota and a DWI in Minnesota?
It is possible to get confused between a Minnesota DUI (“Driving Under The Influence”) and a DWI (“Driving While Intoxicated”) in Minnesota. DWI charges are related to strict BAC levels. This means that the driver arrested had a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 and could be convicted, even though they appear completely normal.
However, a DUI conviction does not require specific BAC levels. Instead, it can be based on the observations made by the officer regarding the driving pattern and behavior of the driver.
Can I clear my DUI record to improve my insurance rates?
Minnesota passed a new law in 2015 that makes it easier for certain criminal records to be expunged, including DUI/DWI convictions. While expungement can clear up a criminal record, and may have a positive effect on background checks, it may not affect a driver’s record. Although insurance companies have different policies, most will consider convictions for rates based on three to five years.
Is there another way to lower my insurance rate after a DUI/DWI conviction
Many insurance companies offer ways to lower auto insurance rates, even after a DUI/DWI arrest. You have options such as driver training, increasing your policy deductibles, and bundling policies.
