Will a Nevada DUI jack up my car insurance premiums?
Contents
- 1 Will a Nevada DUI Jack Up My Car Insurance Premiums?
- 2 DUI Penalties in Nevada
- 3 How Much Will a DUI Raise My Car Insurance in Nevada?
- 4 Will My Insurance Company Drop Me After a DUI?
- 5 SR-22 Insurance Requirements After a Nevada DUI
- 6 How Long Will a DUI Impact My Insurance in Nevada?
- 7 Tips for Saving on Car Insurance After a Nevada DUI
- 8 Don’t Let a DUI Derail Your Life – Call Spodek Law Group Today
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Nevada, you’re likely worried about the legal consequences – jail time, fines, a suspended license. But have you considered how a DUI conviction could impact your car insurance rates? Unfortunately, a DUI can cause your premiums to skyrocket. At Spodek Law Group, we understand how stressful and overwhelming this situation can be. Our experienced DUI attorneys are here to help you navigate the complex legal process and minimize the long-term fallout from a drunk driving arrest.
DUI Penalties in Nevada
First, let’s review the potential criminal penalties for a first-time DUI offense in Nevada:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- $400 to $1,000 in fines
- 90-day driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory DUI school
- Possible ignition interlock device
While these direct consequences are serious, the indirect impact on your car insurance premiums can be even more devastating financially. Insurance companies view drivers with a DUI as high-risk and will almost always raise rates substantially after a conviction.
How Much Will a DUI Raise My Car Insurance in Nevada?
So just how much can you expect your car insurance to go up after a DUI in Nevada? While the exact increase will vary based on your specific circumstances and insurance company, the average premium hike is about 56% according to MoneyGeek’s analysis.For example, let’s say you were paying $1200 per year for full coverage car insurance before your DUI. After a conviction, your annual rate could jump to around $1872 – an increase of $672 per year. Over the course of 3-5 years (the length of time a DUI typically stays on your driving record), that adds up to thousands in additional insurance costs.Some real data on how much major insurers in Nevada may raise rates after a DUI:
Insurance Company | Avg. Annual Premium Increase After DUI |
---|---|
State Farm | $807 |
Allstate | $1216 |
USAA | $884 |
Progressive | $1310 |
*Note: USAA is only available to military members, veterans and their families.As you can see, the financial consequences of a DUI extend well beyond the initial fines and fees. Hiring an experienced DUI defense lawyer can help you fight the charges and potentially avoid a conviction – which is the best way to prevent insurance rate hikes.
Will My Insurance Company Drop Me After a DUI?
In addition to raising your premiums, your current car insurance company could choose to cancel your policy after a DUI – especially if it’s not your first offense. While Nevada law prohibits insurers from canceling your policy in the middle of a term, they can decline to renew your coverage once the policy expires.If you do get dropped by your insurance company after a DUI, you’ll be forced to seek coverage elsewhere as a “high-risk” driver. Not all insurers are willing to take on the added liability of covering someone with a recent DUI. You may have to turn to specialty insurers that cater to high-risk drivers, often at exorbitant rates.The bottom line is that a DUI conviction makes finding affordable car insurance extremely difficult. The skilled DUI attorneys at Spodek Law Group will explore every possible avenue for getting your charges reduced or dismissed to minimize the impact on your insurance.
SR-22 Insurance Requirements After a Nevada DUI
After a DUI conviction in Nevada, you’ll likely be required to carry an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility. An SR-22 is not a type of insurance, but rather a form your insurer files with the DMV to verify you have the state minimum liability coverage.In Nevada, you must maintain an SR-22 for 3 years after a DUI conviction. During this time, if you let your insurance lapse or cancel your policy, your insurer is required to notify the DMV and your license will be suspended.SR-22 insurance is typically much more expensive than standard coverage. The filing fee alone can be $25 to $50, and then your premium will be inflated because you’re now considered a high-risk driver. Some insurance companies don’t even offer SR-22 policies.At Spodek Law Group, we know how difficult and stressful it can be to secure affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI. We’ll work tirelessly to clear your name and protect your driving privileges so you can get back on the road without breaking the bank.
How Long Will a DUI Impact My Insurance in Nevada?
A DUI will stay on your driving record for 7 years in Nevada, but most insurance companies only review the last 3-5 years of your history when setting rates. That means you can expect to pay inflated premiums for at least 3 years after a DUI conviction, though some insurers may continue to hold it against you for up to 7 years.The only way to completely avoid the insurance consequences of a DUI is to fight the charges and win. At Spodek Law Group, our battle-tested DUI lawyers know how to pick apart the prosecution’s case and get charges dismissed or reduced. We’ll leave no stones unturned in defending your rights and protecting your future.
Tips for Saving on Car Insurance After a Nevada DUI
If you are convicted of a DUI, there are a few strategies you can employ to help offset the inevitable premium hike:
- Shop around. Don’t just accept the new inflated rates from your current insurer. Get quotes from multiple companies, including those that specialize in high-risk drivers.
- Increase your deductible. Agreeing to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim can lower your monthly premiums. Just make sure you can afford the higher deductible if you do have an accident.
- Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer discounts for completing an approved traffic school or defensive driving class after a DUI.
- Bundle your policies. Insuring your home, motorcycle, or other assets with the same company as your car can often earn you a multi-policy discount.
- Pay your premium in full. Many insurers charge a fee for monthly billing. If you can swing it, pay your 6-month or annual premium all at once to avoid this extra cost.
Of course, the most effective way to keep your insurance affordable after a DUI arrest is to hire a skilled defense attorney and fight the charges. At Spodek Law Group, we have a proven track record of success in getting DUI cases dismissed or reduced to lesser offenses. We know what’s at stake and we’ll work tirelessly to protect your freedom and your financial future.
Don’t Let a DUI Derail Your Life – Call Spodek Law Group Today
A DUI arrest is a devastating event that can impact every aspect of your life, including your car insurance premiums. But you don’t have to face this overwhelming situation alone. The experienced DUI defense attorneys at Spodek Law Group are here to stand by your side and fight for your rights.We understand the fear and uncertainty you’re feeling right now. We know how much is at stake – your freedom, your finances, your future. That’s why we pour our hearts and souls into every case we take on. We’ll leave no stones unturned in building the strongest possible defense on your behalf.When you hire Spodek Law Group, you’re not just getting an attorney – you’re getting a partner and an advocate. We’ll be there for you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final resolution of your case. We’ll keep you informed and empowered throughout the process so you can make the best decisions for your unique situation.