An OVI or DUI conviction comes with severe consequences. Driving while intoxicated poses a danger to you, your passengers, and other people on the road. It also makes you a risk to car insurance companies which is why they try to alleviate that risk by charging increased insurance premiums if you’ve been caught driving under the influence. Before knowing how a DUI or OVI can affect your car insurance, you must first understand what an OVI and DUI are.
What is an OVI/DUI?
OVI stands for operating a vehicle under the influence, while DUI stands for driving under the influence. Being convicted of DUI or OVI means driving or operating a vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under the age of 21, getting caught driving or operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.02% or higher means serious consequences.
Not many people know that you don’t need to be driving to be charged with an OVI or DUI. Being found on the driver’s seat while the vehicle is running is enough to be charged with DUI/OVI. If this is the case for you and you’re unsure what to do next, a Cincinnati DUI attorney from Herzner Law, LLC. can help defend your rights against a DUI/OVI charge.
How a DUI/ OVI affects your Insurance
Ohio has not set ancillary penalties or collateral consequences for DUI offenders. This means no laws allow insurance companies to cancel your coverage or increase insurance premium rates for DUI/OVI convicted drivers. However, since Insurance is a binding contract, your insurer can cancel your coverage anytime. Therefore, your insurance policy may be canceled due to non-payment or a DUI conviction.
While state laws convict offenders based on the severity of the offense, car insurance companies are free to set rates for their current and potential customers. Some insurers may offer incentives or discounts for drivers with no DUI/ OVI record. This means that a DUI conviction will attract higher insurance premiums.
What Factors Affect Insurance Policy Cost?
Several factors determine insurance policy costs, one of which is age. People with years of driving experience pay fewer insurance premiums than young drivers. Auto insurance companies also consider safe driving. The more accidents, convictions, and citations a driver has, the more stringent the terms and conditions and the higher the insurance cost. Insurance companies are compelled to charge higher insurance premiums to drivers with low credit scores.
How a Cincinnati DUI Attorney Can Help
If you are charged with an OVI offense in Ohio, working with a DUI attorney is the best way to ensure your rights are protected. At Herzner Law, LLC, we will help you navigate you through the process.
Your DUI charge may also be reduced to a non alcohol traffic offense when you work with a Cincinnati DUI attorney from our law firm. Contact us today to discover your legal options and learn more about how we can help you achieve the desired outcome.