A drunk driving conviction anywhere typically means temporarily losing driving privileges, having to pay a fine and even facing time in jail. Motorists will also see a spike in their auto insurance premiums as a direct result of the DUI. A new study has found that in New York City, that increase is actually more expensive than anywhere else in the country.
NerdWallet conducted a study that reviewed how much auto insurance premiums increase following a DUI conviction. Researchers surveyed 20 large cities and found that New York City tops the list when it comes to the average dollar increase, with premiums raising $1,837.42. The city also holds the second-largest percentage change in premium at 80.4 percent. San Francisco had the biggest percentage change at 149.2 percent.
Clearly, the study shows that the change in insurance premiums largely depends on where the motorist lives. According to the chief actuary for the Insurance Information Institute, providers base those rates on actual experiences in those cities, the makes and models of the vehicles and the cost of repairs. In many cases, traffic density will play a role. The more likely a drunk driver is to hit another driver or pedestrian, the more expensive that accident could be.
There are state regulations that govern drunk driving incidents, which can be a determining factor in insurance rates. NerdWallet points out that motorists have the option of shopping around for a better price. Additionally, anyone who is facing a DUI charge should consult with an attorney.
Source: NerdWallet, “DUI Damage to Your Auto Insurance Quote Varies by Location,” Aubrey Cohen, April 4, 2015