Unless you’ve been driving with blinders on and your radio off (assuming you still listen to the radio), you likely know that a driving under the influence (DUI) charge can ruin your life. In addition to a soul-crushing arrest, jail stay, and bail expenses, you have to pay for fines and legal fees. However, you might not know that your DUI can also send your car insurance rates through the roof.

Depending on different factors, a DUI can raise your car insurance by nearly 85%

Your car insurance policy is a fragile thing. From your age to your location, your rates can rise and fall readily. Of course, claims like those after crashes can have an adverse impact on your rates. However, a DUI or driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge can inflate your rates to alarming levels.

According to ValuePenguin, a driver with a DUI can expect their rates to skyrocket after their conviction. Specifically, your rates may rise as much as 84% after your first arrest. That’s an average increase of $138 per month. 

Still, every insurance provider offers different incentives and rates. Incidentally, Forbes Advisor reports that American Family, Progressive, and USAA are some of the most forgiving car insurance carriers for drivers with a DUI charge. For instance, Progressive’s average annual rate for a driver with a DWI is about $2,776. In comparison, drivers with a drunk driving charge can expect to pay closer to $3,677 with Nationwide. 

However, in addition to your bloated car insurance rates, your fines and legal fees can easily exceed $10,000. That’s for a first-time conviction, as well. Consequently, repeat offenders can expect more dramatic charges, pricier fines, licensing issues, and even jail time. 

A drunk driving charge can turn your life upside down. In addition to placing other motorists and pedestrians in harm’s way, your poor decision can bring about financial ruin. Therein lies the simple solution: don’t drink and drive.