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Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is a serious legal offense in New York and is often penalized heavily. If you’re convicted of a DUI, securing car insurance may become more difficult since insurers might categorize you as a high-risk driver. Nevertheless, not all insurers refrain from providing insurance to DUI convicted drivers. Thus, comparing diverse quotes might assist you in finding an affordable policy.
New York has various DUI classifications, with convictions possible for those driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled drug. Individuals can be convicted if they drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or above. Those driving with a BAC from 0.05 to 0.07 can be found guilty of driving while ability impaired by alcohol (DWAI). Meanwhile, individuals with a BAC of 0.18 or above can be convicted of an aggravated DWI. Drivers under the age of 21 can be convicted with a BAC of 0.02 or higher.
The punishment for these offenses differs based on the type and frequency of the offense, and can range from license suspension or revocation to fines or even incarceration. A DWAI first conviction is the least severe, attracting a fine of up to $500 and a maximum jail term of 15 days, along with a 90-day license suspension. Multiple DWIs can attract fines as high as $10,000 and a prison term of up to seven years. The punishment can be even harsher for multiple aggravated DWIs or if physical harm is caused to others while driving under the influence.
Being convicted of DUI is considered a criminal offense in New York and a DUI conviction may stay on your record for up to 15 years. Because of this, insurance companies often categorize drivers with DUI convictions as high-risk and charge larger premiums for insurance coverage. Compared to the national average, New York drivers pay 74 percent higher for car insurance after a DUI conviction, meaning the average annual post-DWI premium for full coverage insurance is $6,666 or $556 per month.
Despite the challenges of finding affordable car insurance after a DUI conviction, comparing quotes from different companies may help you find suitable coverage within your budget. Different insurance providers may weigh your driving record variously when calculating your rate.
Although New York does not require DUI convicted drivers to file an SR-22 certificate (as required by some other states), maintaining a clean driving record and availing discounts could help reduce insurance costs. Notably, the rate of premium increase varies across insurance providers and depends on factors such as the number and severity of DUI convictions, among other variables. As such, your personal rate may differ from the averages provided.
Commonly asked questions include the legal limit for DUI in New York, the cheapest car insurance after a DUI, whether one can still be insured after a DUI, and how long a DUI stays on your record in NY. Each of these questions is dealt with in a nuanced manner, contingent upon the unique circumstances of the individual involved.
To come up with these insights, Bankrate used Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2024 rates for different ZIP codes and carriers across the United States. The rates were weighted according to population density in each geographical region and are based on drivers that have a clean driving record, possess good credit, and maintain full coverage limits, amongst other factors. These rates are at best illustrative and are meant for comparison purposes. They should not be treated as absolute, given that they would differ based on individual circumstances.
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