A DUI or DWI charge can impact your life in a lot of ways, a significant one being the availability and cost of maintaining or obtaining car insurance. Here’s what you should know. 

Consequences of a DUI or DWI in South Jersey 

A DWI or DUI is most often charged as a misdemeanor, which carries fewer penalties than a felony. However, jail time, the loss of your driver’s license, hefty fines, and mandatory counseling still have a negative impact on your life, career, and relationships. Multiple drunk driving charges carry harsher penalties with each offense, and aggravated offenses may be considered a felony. Your motor vehicle insurance will also likely change. Your carrier may raise your rates substantially or drop your coverage entirely. You may also find it more difficult to get new insurance at an affordable rate.

How Will Your Insurance Company React After a DUI or DWI Charge?  

Motor vehicle insurance providers are responsible for assessing the risk of an individual causing a collision before they extend a policy offer. Individuals with higher risk factors are usually either denied coverage or charged a much higher premium. Your criminal and driving records will typically be evaluated before you purchase or renew an insurance policy, and if risk factors like drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving, and other related charges appear, you may find that the insurance carrier has a more difficult time justifying your coverage.

What Happens If It Was Someone Else Driving Your Car Who Was Charged with Drunk Driving? 

While past policies insured the vehicle no matter who was driving it, today’s coverage is for individuals no matter what vehicle they are driving. If someone else was driving your car and got a DUI or DWI, their own insurance would be impacted instead of your own. 

How to Get the Legal Advocacy You Need After a New Jersey Drunk Driving Charge

If you were arrested for drunk driving in South Jersey, you face a number of penalties that can have a significant impact on your life, including fines, jail time, and marred driving and criminal records. Prosecutors in your case will zealously seek out your conviction, making it key to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Your DUI attorney can help you create a solid defense aimed at your exoneration or the reduction of your sentencing. 

Contact Hubert Criminal Defense and Injury Law today to learn more about how you can protect your rights and your reputation following a DWI or DUI charge. Call now at 856-384-6553.