Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal offense in Illinois. The consequences of driving while above the legal limits are severe, including higher auto insurance premiums.
If convicted of criminal charges, you can face a restricted driving permit, days or hours of community service, a criminal record, loss of driving privileges and loss of a clean driving license, loss of commercial driver's license, hours or days of community service, and possible jail time. Your vehicle may be impounded for at least 12 hours after an arrest.
Illinois law requires auto insurance providers to increase your premium for three years after a conviction for driving with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit. The insurance coverage to drivers increase can be as much as 300 percent, significantly raising your annual premiums.
However, after three years, your insurance quote will be reset as if the DUI never happened. Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing an alcohol education program or defensive driving course.
If you are facing a DUI we are here to help. Call our office today at 847-999-7616 to schedule a free consultation with a Lake County DUI defense lawyer.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction
If you are convicted of driving with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit in Illinois, you will face harsh penalties. These include fines, jail time, license suspension, community service, and alcohol education.
Insurance policy rates will also increase for three years, with some insurers refusing coverage for criminal convictions. The increase can be as high as 300%, resulting in much higher premiums. After three years, high-risk insurance rates will reset as if the DUI never happened. Some licensed insurance agents may offer discounts for completing education programs or defensive driving courses.
It is important to understand these insurance laws and address these consequences if you have been convicted of a DUI in Illinois.
What is the Impact of a DUI on Your Car Insurance in Illinois?
Drunk driving in Illinois has consequences. This includes losing cheap car insurance and paying higher insurance costs. A DUI is a major violation and can raise your premiums for three years. Your auto insurance company may cancel your policy or increase your premium by up to 300 percent. This means your annual insurance costs will go up significantly.
Some high-risk auto insurance companies may also require additional coverage for alcohol-impaired driving convicts. These drunk driving citation consequences are temporary and insurance companies reset your rate after three years. Some insurers offer discounts for completing alcohol education programs or defensive driving courses.
Anticipate an Increase in Insurance Rates
Getting a DUI in Illinois raises insurance rates. Insurance companies view DUI drivers as a higher risk, so they charge them more. After a DUI conviction, car insurance premiums typically go up by 300%. This could mean going from $600 to $2400 or higher in annual premiums.
The rate increase lasts for three years, but discounts may be available for completing alcohol education or defensive driving courses. After three years, insurance companies have to reset rates as if the drunk driving incidents never occurred.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates in Illinois Following a DUI Conviction
Getting a drunken driving conviction in Illinois can lead to higher average car insurance premium rates due to being considered a high-risk driver. Other factors may also be considered by insurers when setting rates.
How Old You Were at the Time of Your DUI
If a person under the age of 21 receives a DUI in Illinois, they will face both criminal and administrative penalties that can have significant impacts on their life.
If You Have Moving Violations On Your Record
Getting a DUI in Illinois can lead to increased insurance premiums or being denied coverage, especially if you have a history of moving violations.
Do You Have Previous DUIs?
If you get a DUI in Illinois, the consequences get worse with each additional conviction. A first-time offense can lead to up to one year in jail, fines up to $2,500, and a suspended driver's license. Insurance rates will also go up for at least three years. A second DUI offense means even higher fines, more jail time, and longer license suspensions, and insurance companies may refuse coverage or charge high premiums.
Insurance Companies
Insurance companies in Illinois are strict about DUI convictions. After a DUI, your premiums will likely increase a lot and your policy might be canceled. The increase depends on the offense severity, statutory summary suspension driving record, whether it's a first-time DUI conviction and the insurance company. On average, premiums go up by 300%.
What Methods Do Insurance Companies Use to Discover a DUI?
Insurance companies carefully check if their customers have any DUI convictions. They get information from the DMV, police reports, and credit reports to evaluate the risk of insuring motor vehicle drivers with DUI convictions.
How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance?
DUI convictions in Illinois can result in significantly higher car insurance rates for three to five years or longer, depending on your coverage and the type of DUI.
What Is an SR-22 and Do I Need One?
An SR-22 form is proof of financial responsibility required by Illinois for certain driving offenses. It is necessary to reinstate your license after a DUI or other alcohol-related offense. The SR-22 shows you have the minimum liability insurance required by law and proves your financial responsibility in case of an accident.
In Illinois, you must file an SR-22 if convicted of a DUI or other alcohol-related offense. The length of time you need the SR-22 depends on the severity and circumstances of your conviction, typically three years.
Will Insurance Rates Go Up If You Didn't Cause an Accident But Had a DUI?
In Illinois, getting a DUI can increase your auto insurance rates, even if you didn't cause an accident. It's required by law to have liability insurance, and a DUI conviction can make your insurance company see you as a higher risk, leading to higher premiums.
Contact an Experienced DUI Attorney
If you are arrested for DUI in Illinois, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. A DUI conviction can result in high costs and legal trouble, such as increased insurance rates and potential jail time. Our Illinois DUI attorneys understand the legal system and will advocate for your rights. Contact an experienced lawyer today for a free initial consultation.