If you get caught driving under the influence, the ticket itself is sadly not the only price you will pay. Drivers who are arrested for DUI in Washington State often end up paying attorney fees, alcohol education and evaluation costs, court fees, costs, and assessments and even increased car insurance rates/ premiums.
Often one of the longest-lasting financial impacts due to a DUI conviction relates to car insurance increases. In Washington state, car insurance increases will be maintained on a driver’s record for at least five years after a DUI. In fact, car insurance premium increases for the average Washington driver can be almost 2.5 times the initial fine related to the DUI itself. After receiving a DUI, the average Washington driver will see his or her car insurance possibly increase by as much as 54%. The typical Washington state DUI driver will pay approximately $466.80 extra each year for insurance after his/her DUI. Thus, a first time DUI driver may end up paying almost $2,334.01 more for insurance over the course of five years, which can undoubtedly be a real drain on one’s financial well being.
How can a DUI driver minimize insurance costs after a DUI conviction? Different insurance companies give different weighted scales for driving violations like DUI, and thus the DUI driver’s current insurance carrier may no longer be the cheapest provider for insurance. In consideration of this, it may be a sound decision to shop for new insurance coverage. A DUI driver should seek several quotes from several different insurers, and ask about applicable discounts—including those for vehicle safety features and bundling policies—which may be a viable option, regardless of the person’s driving history.
If you (or a loved one) have been arrested and cited for DUI in Washington State you should immediately seek the assistance of a Seattle DUI lawyer. A qualified and respected Seattle DUI attorney, among other things, can quite possibly save you thousands of dollars in court and insurance fees, extent of loss of privilege to drive and amount of jail time to be served. Washington traffic laws are far too complicated for any ol’ attorney to handle. Be smart … hire a qualified and skilled Seattle DUI attorney when arrested for an alcohol and/or a drug related DUI in Washington State.