Most people realize that a DUI conviction will have a negative impact on their car insurance rates; however, few people realize just how much of an impact it will have. Because insurance rates are based on a number of individual factors, and each company has their own formula for determining how those factors affect rates, it is impossible to predict exactly how a DUI conviction will affect your insurance rates. Typically though, a DUI conviction will raise your insurance rates for a minimum of three years post-conviction. The conviction will remain on your criminal record forever unless it occurred in a state that allows for a conviction to be expunged. State laws differ with regard to how long a DUI conviction remains on your driving record but most states retain the conviction for three to seven years. As a general rule, the longer it remains on your driving record, the longer it will impact your insurance rates.
The extent to which your premiums increase can be shocking. It is not unusual for insurance rates to increase 75 percent or more in the first year after an alcohol related driving conviction. Some premiums even double during the first year. By the third year after a DUI conviction your premiums could still be over 50 percent higher. By way of illustration, imagine that you paid $100 per month in insurance premiums prior to a DUI conviction. A conviction could easily cost you an additional $1000 in the first year and another $500 or more each year thereafter until the conviction drops off your driving record.
Knowing what a conviction for driving under the influence will likely cost you should provide you with an incentive to consult with an experienced Nebraska criminal defense attorney right away to determine if you have a viable defense that could result in avoiding a conviction. If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Nebraska, contact the Petersen Law Office 24 hours a day at 402-513-2180 to discuss your case with an experienced DUI defense attorney.