Reader’s Question:

I got cited for drunk driving for the first time. I may need to look for another insurer. Where can I look for cheap car insurance quotes?

Eric

St. Petersburg, FL

Driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or prohibited or regulated drugs is probably one of the more serious traffic offenses a motorist can commit. A DUI is established when the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 0.08%. Most states have stringent rules when it applies to this crime. Offenders automatically receive two charges when they are caught for DUI. One is an administrative charge that would lead to the suspension of your driver’s license and/or car registration. In really bad cases, your car could even be impounded. The other is a criminal charge that would lead to imprisonment and/or community service. The severity of the punishment of the criminal charge depends on the age of the offender, the extent of the damages caused by the drunk driver, and how good the defending lawyer is.

One thing both charges have in common is the expense. A motorist caught for DUI can expect to be burdened with a considerable amount in legal fines and other fees. Another unavoidable cost after a DUI is high-risk car insurance. This will most likely be ordered by the DMV or the court. Even if it was your first time to commit such an offense, you will most certainly be viewed by the state and car insurers alike as an unsafe or dangerous driver. So, if you are thinking of looking for cheap car insurance quotes, you will have to think of “cheap” within the context of your offense. High-risk car insurance is definitely steeper to obtain than regular car insurance and such an offense is very hard to hide. It will probably be the most glaring item on your driving record.