How Can a DUI Impact My Insurance Rates in Red Bluff, California?

Few things are worse than being caught driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Though there is a wide range of penalties that come with DUI charges, including jail time, high fines, driver’s license suspensions, and more, one of the most significant ways in which a DUI conviction can impact you in the long term is your insurance rates. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Tehama County DUI lawyer from Cohen Criminal Law to learn more about how a DUI can influence your insurance rates and how our firm can help fight your charges from the start. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What impact can a DUI have on my insurance rates?

The first thing you should understand is that once you are convicted of a DUI, your insurance company will consider you to be a high-risk driver. Unfortunately, this will result in your insurance rates increasing significantly, or you being dropped from your insurance policy altogether. Further, this can make it more difficult and expensive to find new insurance coverage (as many insurance companies will simply refuse to take drivers with DUIs on their records). Insurance companies typically use a wide range of factors to determine your insurance rates, such as your age, where you live, and, of course, your driving record. If you have a DUI on your record, you can expect it to impact your rates significantly. In fact, in some studies, such as one conducted by ValuePenguin, a single DUI can raise your insurance rates by up to 80%, and this raised insurance rate can last for up to 10 years after your conviction.

What should I do if I’ve been charged with a DUI in California?

If you are charged with a DUI in the state of California, the most important thing you can do is retain the services of a seasoned attorney who can help fight your charges at every turn. The fact is that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and with the right lawyer in your corner, you may have access to a wide range of potential defenses that may help you avoid a conviction altogether. If you have further questions or would like to speak with a lawyer who can best advocate for your future, please don’t hesitate to contact Cohen Criminal Law today. We are on your side, and we will be, every step of the way.