Driving while intoxicated, or DWI, means operating a vehicle while your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher. This traffic offense is taken very seriously in New York, and a conviction carries with it a host of potential criminal penalties, which may include temporary or long-term loss of driving privileges, jail time, fines, and other requirements.
These penalties alone can have a significant impact on your life. But there are plenty of indirect consequences of a DWI conviction, such as affecting your ability to work if your job requirements include driving. One such consequence is an increase to your auto insurance premiums.
How much will my premiums go up if I get a DWI?
There is no legal requirement to increase your auto insurance rates after a DWI conviction in New York, but as a private business entity, your insurance company has the right to establish its rates based on the risk they assess you as a policyholder. As driving while intoxicated is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do, it should come as no surprise that insurance companies are all but certain to jack up premiums for policyholders convicted of DWI. In fact, after a first DWI in New York your rates should be expected to increase by about 76 percent. Worse yet, multiple DWI convictions could result in you being dropped by your insurance company altogether and becoming essentially uninsurable, even if you manage to retain your license.
Can I avoid an auto insurance hike if I get a DWI in NY?
The best way to avoid the extreme increase to your auto insurance premiums is to avoid a conviction if at all possible. Your New York DWI attorney can advise you throughout this process, which may involve negotiating a plea bargain for a lesser charge or disputing the validity of the DWI charge altogether. Your particular options will depend on the unique details of your case, so it’s imperative that you consult a lawyer if maintaining affordable auto insurance is important to you.
Secure representation from a reliable New York DWI lawyer
While there is no guarantee that you can avoid conviction after being charged with DWI in New York, your best chance at lessening the legal penalties and other consequences such as insurance hikes, is with an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. To learn more about how Sayegh and Sayegh Law can help you fight a DWI charge, contact our firm online or call (914) 222-8161 and schedule a consultation today.
