Q: How does a first DUI affect auto insurance?

A: In North Carolina, it is a DWI and generally will not affect your insurance at all unless you are convicted. If convicted, your insurance will skyrocket in price possibly to the point of simply being unaffordable for some people. If so, one option is to purchase a used beater type car outright so that you can put the bear minimum liability insurance on it. Of course, if you have to go that route, that puts you at risk from uninsured / under insured motorist.

A: GREAT QUESTION.

For a more complete answer, check out: https://www.carolinaattorneys.com/how-much-does-a-dui-cost-over-10-years.html

It’s pretty safe to assume that if you’re CONVICTED of driving while impaired, your rates are going to skyrocket. But there is more to it than just that. The type and quality of insurance you’re going to be able to get can be affected. There are a lot of moving parts.

Insurance companies vary in their coverage, for substandard risks, and related DUI insurance costs.

Preferred car insurance rates may be taken away. That means not only can the insurance company refuse to give discounts, they may under the law raise your rates or include a surcharge.

In North Carolina, you’re required to carry insurance on your car. That means the carrier has to offer insurance. It doesn’t necessarily mean they have to offer the best coverage or the best rates. They may place you in a “high-risk group,” and charge accordingly.

Don’t kid yourself, if you’re convicted of DWI, you’re going to be considered a “risk” by your insurance company. Some states call this “pooled risk,” “assigned risk,” “high risk” or the “reinsurance facility.”

Best bet is to retain an experienced NC DWI lawyer for more in-depth legal advice.

Great question though! Best of luck to you.

Bill Powers

NC DWI Defense