A Rochester driver arrested for DWI or driving under the influence of drugs faces many consequences aside from a possible court conviction.
There are many financial repercussions to a conviction for drinking and driving on top of any fine that may be imposed by the court.
One of the most expensive of these financial repercussions is an increase in auto insurance premiums following a conviction.
Many insurance companies, once they become aware of a drinking and driving conviction, will not renew the defendant’s policy at the end of the policy period.
When this happens, the driver will be forced into the New York State Assigned Risk Program (the “risk pool”).
New York State requires that all automobile insurance companies that provide policies in this state provide coverage for a certain number of people who are considered to be a risk by the insurer based on their driving record.
New York State sets the premium rate for these drivers and regulates the coverage that must be provided.
A driver forced into the risk pool because his or her coverage was not renewed does not get to choose an insurance company.
Instead, the insurer who will be required to provide coverage will be assigned by the state.
Insurance premiums in the risk pool are much higher than for drivers with clean driving records.
Even in cases where an insurance company chooses not to end coverage and the driver is not forced into the risk pool, the driver’s insurance premiums are almost guaranteed to dramatically increase once the insurance company becomes aware of the conviction.
It is not unusual for someone convicted of DWI to see their insurance premiums double or even triple for several years following a conviction.
A conviction for DWI results in expenses that will continue for years following the arrest.
If you need an experienced DWI lawyer to help with your case, call us at 716- 542-5444.
