How Does a DUI Affect Car Insurance in Georgia?

A DUI can lead to hardships that go beyond fines and jail time. Anyone convicted of a DUI will also see their insurance rates go up considerably. If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence, you may be wondering, “How does a DUI affect car insurance in Georgia?” The answer can determine how long you’ll have to deal with insurance premium hikes. You can also learn tips for reducing that financial burden.

How Long a DUI Affects Your Insurance Premiums

Although individual insurance carriers set their own policies, most drivers will experience a spike in insurance premiums for anywhere from three to five years. Some insurance carriers may penalize you for several years or longer, depending on your driving record. For drivers with second DUI convictions or those facing a felony DUI, the impact can be especially severe.

During this time, you can expect to pay far above the market rate for insurance. Some insurance companies may even decide to drop you due to the higher risk you pose after a DUI conviction. Other barriers include limited policy options. You can try shopping around for better deals, but insurance carriers routinely check the backgrounds of drivers, so they would likely find that you have a DUI on your record and charge you accordingly for coverage. Even a commercial driver’s DUI or out-of-state DUI can follow you across jurisdictions and affect coverage options.

Why Insurers Label DUI Drivers as High Risk

Insurance companies classify DUI offenders as high-risk. This is because driving under the influence increases the chances that a driver will be involved in a serious accident, which could harm them and others. Due to those very risks, local law enforcement focuses considerable resources on promoting public safety through DUI enforcements. That applies whether the charge involves a less safe DUI, DUI drugs, or an under 21 DUI.

In March 2023, a single statewide DUI enforcement effort led to 167 DUI arrests in just one day, underscoring the scale of the problem. The statistics on the dangers of DUIs are clear. A 2022 study showed that alcohol-related fatalities in Georgia rose from 379 to 507 over three years, making up 24% to 28% of all traffic deaths statewide.

These numbers reflect a clear public safety concern, which insurers are very aware of. If you’re arrested for DUI or multiple DUIs, you might spend the night in Fulton County Jail, Chatham County Detention Center, or DeKalb County Jail before facing serious legal consequences. In cases where a DUI results in serious harm, such as a DUI with Injury, insurers may view the driver as an even greater financial liability.

Strategies to Minimize Insurance Hikes After a DUI

To reduce the cost of maintaining insurance after a DUI, you can start by comparing quotes from high-risk insurance providers. Completing a DUI risk reduction program could slightly reduce the cost of coverage. One of the most effective steps you can take to reduce the cost of maintaining car insurance is to drive safely and maintain a clean record after your DUI.

In other cases, bundling your car insurance with other forms of insurance through one carrier can reduce the cost of car insurance coverage. Avoiding any new violations can also lower your risk profile. Some insurers may reward participation in defensive driving courses. You can call your insurance provider for advice about which steps can lead to reduced monthly premiums. Otherwise, you can wait out the time it takes for your insurance coverage to gradually lower.

How the Decision to Hire a DUI Lawyer Can Prevent Car Insurance Hikes

Given the financial hardships that can follow a DUI, the decision to hire a DUI lawyer can be a critical first step for preventing rate hikes in the first place. A DUI attorney understands Georgia DUI laws and how to navigate DUI cases with precision.

An attorney can fight to get your charges dropped or reduced to a lesser offense that won’t result in as serious a hike in insurance. Your attorney can closely scrutinize the evidence being used against you to find weaknesses in the state’s case.

If police did not have reasonable suspicion that you were under the influence when they pulled you over, your rights may have been violated. An attorney can explore those and other defense strategies so you stand a strong chance of successfully fighting your criminal charges.

FAQs

How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After a DUI in Georgia?

A DUI conviction in Georgia almost always causes a significant increase in car insurance premiums. Drivers may be reclassified as high-risk, which can trigger steep rate hikes or even the cancellation of your policy. The exact increase depends on the insurer and driving history. Most drivers can expect years of elevated premiums.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance in Georgia?

A DUI can affect your car insurance premiums in Georgia for at least three to five years. Some insurers may factor in the offense for even longer. Rates typically remain high throughout that period. Drivers can mitigate these consequences by avoiding additional violations and maintaining continuous coverage. Even if your record remains otherwise clean, you should expect to deal with higher insurance rates for a considerable period of time.

Can You Change Car Insurance After a DUI to Avoid Rate Hikes?

Changing car insurance carriers after a DUI does not prevent rate hikes because the conviction stays on your driving record. Insurers share publicly available data, and most companies will classify you as high-risk. Some carriers may refuse to provide coverage entirely. Shopping for quotes can help, but premium increases are difficult to avoid.

How Long Does It Take for a DUI to Come Off Your Record in Georgia?

A DUI conviction stays on your Georgia driving and criminal record permanently. It cannot be expunged or hidden under the current state law. While insurance companies may stop penalizing after several years, the charge remains visible to employers and law enforcement. Avoiding a conviction in the first place offers the only way to keep a DUI off your permanent record.

Contact Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., Today for Strategic Criminal Defense

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we understand how damaging a DUI conviction can be, both legally and financially. Consequences like increased insurance rates, a permanent criminal record, and the possibility of losing driving privileges and insurance coverage make it critical to act fast.

As a former prosecutor, Mr. Maillet knows what it takes to challenge DUI charges and protect your driving record. We represent individuals across coastal Georgia who are facing DUI allegations. All our clients work directly with our lead attorney and receive clear, accessible guidance from the start. Contact our office today to set up an initial consultation.