DUI Conviction and Auto Insurance Rates

December 20, 2008
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Reader’s Question:

If I get a DUI conviction, what will happen? Will my auto insurance rates go up?

Stephanie

Milwaukee, WI

The statistical data on drunk driving in the State of Wisconsin has been very alarming. With 42% of all traffic accidents that have been related to alcohol and/or drug use in the year 2006 claiming more than 700 lives, the federal government has then toughened up the laws to prosecute these irresponsible drivers severely. Drunk driving in this state falls under the Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) category.

If an individual is arrested and charged with OWI, he or she will be facing administrative and criminal cases. The first one, the administrative case, is where the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles will require an OWI offender to request for a hearing within ten days from the date of citation. Failure to do so will merit cancellation of driver’s license and vehicle registration. The second one is a criminal case and is usually triggered especially if there were serious bodily injuries to other motorists or pedestrians. It is then very wise to obtain the services of a competent OWI lawyer. If an individual cannot afford to hire one, a court-assigned attorney will stand as his or her legal representative. If one is convicted for the first time, monetary penalties have to be paid and may come up to $300. The State of Wisconsin has also mandated that a surcharge of $355 be paid. An OWI offender’s license and registration will also be suspended for a year. Six demerit points will also go to the motor vehicle record. With this much demerits on the driving record, not to mention a conviction, auto insurance premiums will definitely increase. Not only will you be seen as high risk by your insurer, your record will also be closely monitored. Any more citations or tickets could cause a complete cancellation of your auto insurance coverage.

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