Drunk Driving & Insurance: 5 Regrets That Cost You Big

Choosing to drive after drinking alcohol is a risky move. It puts everyone in danger. But did you know it also causes huge financial and personal problems? Especially for your car insurance in Fort Sask. A conviction for drunk driving can lead to many serious issues. They can last for years. At Farnese Insurance Brokers, we want to help our neighbors in Fort Saskatchewan understand these risks. This way, you can make better choices. A single drunk driving incident can seem small at the time. But the regrets can cost you dearly later.

Here are five big regrets people often have after a drunk driving conviction. See how they hit your insurance and your wallet:

Regret #1: Insurance Bills Go Through the Roof

Getting caught drunk driving hits your car insurance costs hard. This is one of the first and biggest problems. Insurance companies see you as a high-risk driver after a DUI. Or after driving while intoxicated. Your rates won’t just go up a little. They can jump way, way up.

Drivers with a DUI in Alberta often see rates go up by 50% to 100% or more. Think about that. You could pay thousands extra each year for coverage that was cheap before. This isn’t just for a short time. These high rates can stay for three to ten years. It depends on your insurer. It also depends on your specific drunk driving charges or DUI charges. The regret? Paying so much extra money, year after year. The money you could have kept.

Regret #2: It’s Hard to Find Any Insurance

A drunk driving record makes insurance pricier. It also makes it tough to get any coverage at all. Many standard insurance companies might drop you. Or they won’t offer you a new policy. You might have to look for “high-risk” insurance. Fewer companies offer this. And the prices are always much higher.

Finding insurance after a DUI is tricky. You might need expert help. This is where Farnese Insurance in Fort Sask comes in. We can help you find insurers who cover high-risk drivers. But be ready for those high prices. The regret here is struggling to get basic auto insurance. This stops you from driving legally.

Regret #3: Paying for Crash Damages Yourself

If you cause a crash while drunk driving, the financial mess is huge. Your insurance might pay for the other driver’s costs at first (liability). But your policy might not pay for damage to your car. Or cover your injuries. Insurance rules often say they won’t pay if you are doing something criminal. Like drunk driving.

This means you might pay to fix or replace your car out of your pocket. You could also face lawsuits. For injuries or damages to others. Especially if the costs are more than your insurance limit. The regret? Facing huge bills. All from a crash that happened because you drove impaired.

Regret #4: Legal Bills, Fines, and Other Fees

Being convicted of drunk driving brings many other costs. It’s not just about insurance. You’ll likely pay a lot for a lawyer. Court fines can be very high. Sometimes thousands of dollars. You might also pay for the required classes. Or for an ignition interlock device in your car.

These costs add up fast. They are a major hit to your finances. Often, people don’t expect them. The regret is all the money you have to spend. Money that’s gone because of the conviction. It just adds more money stress.

Regret #5: A Criminal Record Changes Everything

A drunk driving conviction means you get a permanent criminal record. This affects more than driving and insurance. A criminal record can stop you from traveling to other countries. The United States is one example. It can make finding a job harder. It can even put a strain on personal relationships.

The regret? How one choice affects your name, your job chances, and your freedom. For a long time. It’s a lasting reminder of something that could have been avoided. This cost goes way beyond the money and legal troubles.

The Real Picture: What Stats Tell Us

It helps to know how often impaired driving happens. And what it causes. Statistics Canada says fewer impaired driving cases are reported overall. But crashes causing injury are going up. Crashes involving alcohol and drugs rose sharply in 2023. This shows impaired driving is still a real danger. It leads to sad events and big money problems on our roads.

Source: StatsCAN

Make the Right Choice. Avoid the Regret.

The effects of drunk driving are serious. They last a long time. And they cost a lot in many ways. These five regrets show some of the problems. But there can be more. Don’t let it happen to you. Make the smart choice: never drive when you’ve had alcohol Or drugs. Plan and Get a ride with a sober friend. Call a taxi. Use a rideshare app. Or stay where you are.

Need to talk about your car insurance in Fort Sask? Wonder how things might affect your rates? The team at Farnese Insurance Brokers is here. We can look at your policy. We can talk about what makes rates change. We help you get the best Auto insurance for what you need. Don’t wait for a problem to learn about the costs of drunk driving. Learn the risks now.

Questions People Ask About Drunk Driving and Insurance

Q1: How long does a drunk driving issue stay on my Alberta insurance record?
A: A drunk driving issue can impact your insurance rates for about three to ten years. It depends on your insurance company and the details of the case.

Q2: Will my insurance company always cancel my policy after a DUI
A: Many standard insurance companies might not renew your policy. Or they could cancel it after a DUI. They see you as high risk then.

Q3: Can I still get car insurance in Fort Sask with a drunk driving history?
A: Yes, you can still get insurance. But you’ll likely need a company that covers high-risk drivers. Your insurance payments will be much higher.

Q4: If I cause a crash while driving while intoxicated, does my insurance pay for the damage?
A: Your insurance might pay for damage to others (liability). But your own policy might not pay to fix your car. This is because you were doing something illegal.

Q5: What are the big costs of drunk driving charges, besides insurance?
A: Big costs include lawyer fees, court fines, money for required classes or car devices, and possibly losing your job because you have a criminal record.

Conclusion

As you can see, the real cost of drunk driving goes far beyond a single fine or court date. The regrets are deep and long-lasting, hitting your wallet hardest through soaring car insurance in Fort Sask and other unexpected bills. Drunk driving charges and DUI charges create problems that follow you for years. The message is simple and critical: never get behind the wheel while driving while intoxicated. Protecting yourself, your finances, and everyone on the road starts with that one responsible choice. At Farnese Insurance Fort Sask, we’re here to help you understand your auto insurance needs and make smart decisions that keep you safe and properly covered. Want to talk about how to get the best Auto insurance rates by keeping a clean driving record? Reach out to us today.

Choosing not to drink and drive is the easiest way to avoid these regrets. Drive safely. Make smart choices. Protect your future.

Have questions about insurance? Want to review your plan?

Talk to Farnese Insurance Brokers in Fort Sask today!

Phone:  780-998-0252
Email:  Info@farneseinsurance.com

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