How Does DUI Affect Your NY Car Insurance
April is Alcohol Awareness Month this gives us all an opportunity to raise awareness of alcohol abuse and encourage people to make healthy, safe choices.
If you’re caught driving under the influence, it is likely that your NY Car Insurance premium will be affected. Should your driving record shows a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction and you are looking to purchase an auto policy with a company, it generally requests and reviews a copy of your driving record, during which the DUI will be noted. If you’re renewing your auto policy, your driving record also may be reviewed to properly set your insurance rate.
Often points are added to your driving history because of a DUI and the when the insurance companies review the history your premium will be higher than the average driver. Some insurance companies may not even take the chance to insure the driver.
An Sr-22 may be required if you are convicted on a DUI which serves proof that you have the proper amount of insurance that your state has required you to have. Having an SR-22 often places you in the higher risk category with auto insurance companies meaning that you rates could increase and remain at increased rates several years after you receive a DUI.
Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may have a problem with alcohol:
• Do you drink alone when you feel angry or sad?
• Does your drinking ever make you late for work?
• Does your drinking worry your family?
• Do you ever drink after telling yourself you won’t?
• Do you ever forget what you did while drinking?
• Do you get headaches or have a hangover after drinking?
How to Cut Down on Your Drinking (http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/handout.htm)
There are many strategies you can try to cut back or quit drinking. To get started:
• Keep track of your drinking and set a drinking limit.
• Try to avoid places where heavy drinking occurs.
• Ask for help from a doctor, family, or friends.
• If you keep alcohol in your home, keep only a limited supply.
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to health problems, including alcohol poisoning, hangovers, and an increased risk of heart disease. This April, please take this time to educate yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of alcohol abuse particularly to avoid drunken driving accidents that will a negative effect your NY Car insurance.
