Finding out that your partner has been convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired (DWI) can significantly impact various aspects of your life, including potentially increasing your car insurance rates. Insurance companies often view individuals with DUI/DWI convictions as high-risk drivers, which can lead to higher premiums for their policies.

Navigating Car Insurance Rates After a DUI/DWI Conviction

Option 1: Excluding Your Partner

One way to manage potential increases in your car insurance rates is to exclude your partner from your policy. This means they are not covered to drive your car under your insurance. While this can lower your rates, it also means your partner cannot legally drive your vehicle. If they do drive your car and are involved in an incident, you could face significant financial and legal repercussions.

Option 2: Including Your Partner

Alternatively, you may choose to include your partner on your car insurance policy. This option is likely to increase your premiums, especially following a DUI/DWI conviction. However, if your partner needs to drive—for work, for example—it's essential to have them properly insured. You might consider insuring a less expensive vehicle in their name or shopping around for policies that offer better rates for high-risk drivers.

What If My Partner, Excluded from the Policy, Gets into an Accident?

If you've excluded your partner from your car insurance policy and they still drive your car and have an accident, your insurance company may deny any claims related to the incident. This could leave you responsible for any damages or injuries out of pocket. Moreover, allowing an excluded driver to use your vehicle could lead to accusations of insurance fraud, potentially resulting in the cancellation of your policy and difficulty obtaining affordable insurance in the future.

Preventing Increases in Your Car Insurance

To avoid increases in your car insurance premiums, consider the following steps:

• Review your current coverage to ensure it matches your needs.
• Increase your deductible if you can afford to pay more out-of-pocket in the event of a claim.
• Reduce or eliminate any unnecessary coverage.

Conclusion

A partner's DUI/DWI conviction doesn't have to spell disaster for your car insurance rates. By carefully considering your options and taking proactive steps, you can manage the impact on your premiums. Remember, every insurance company handles DUI/DWI convictions differently, so it pays to shop around and discuss your situation with your insurer to find the best solution for your needs.

Questions? We're here to help!

For more information or if you have specific questions about how a DUI/DWI conviction could affect your car insurance, please don't hesitate to contact us at (203) 265-5681. Our team at Ferguson & McGuire Insurance is dedicated to finding you the best and most affordable insurance solutions.