How to find affordable car insurance in Connecticut after a DUI

Finding cheap car insurance soon after a DUI conviction isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI typically leads to a larger cost increase than does any other driving violation — more than an at-fault accident, reckless driving, or racing.

If you're cited for DUI in Connecticut, your car insurance rates are bound to rise: it's just a question of how much extra you'll pay. If you're convicted of a DUI violation, it's important to shop wisely and compare insurance rates to find the cheapest option.

The best auto insurance after a DUI in Connecticut

If you are convicted of a DUI or DWI offense in Connecticut, it’s key to weigh your insurance choices with care. Car insurance rates in the wake of a DUI can deviate widely depending on the insurer. For instance, the cheapest car insurance company after a DUI in Connecticut, State Farm, advertises annual premiums 52% better than the state mean insurance premium with a DUI.

The second cheapest company for car insurance with a DUI in Connecticut is Progressive. The most expensive option is Amica.

CHEAP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR DRIVERS WITH A DUI

The easiest way to limit your losses post-DUI citation is to compare policies. Compare auto insurance policies online or contact an insurance expert to weigh your choices and discover a relatively cheap DUI insurance policy.

Learn more about car insurance and DUI violations.

How does a DUI impact auto insurance in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a DUI offense will lift your annual car insurance rate by an average of $1,174. That’s 6% more than the national average rate hike after a DUI.

CAR INSURANCE WITH A DUI IN CONNECTICUT — AVERAGE ANNUAL COST

Connecticut DUI laws

Driving under the influence is also called “operating under the influence,” or OUI, in the state of Connecticut.

In Connecticut, you're considered to be DUI/OUI when your blood alcohol concentration reads 0.08% or higher. The BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%. Those under 21 years old are considered DUI if their BAC reads 0.02% or higher.

DUI penalties in Connecticut

First-time DUI convictions are usually considered misdemeanors in Connecticut. Connecticut's lookback period is 10 years, so multiple DUI offenses within this period will result in stricter penalties. Second and subsequent DUI convictions within the lookback period are often treated as felonies.

First-time DUI offenses in Connecticut are:

• Two days to six months in jail
• $500 to $1,000 in fines
• 45-day license suspension
• Interlock ignition device installation for six months

Those with first-time DUI offenses may be able to have their charge dismissed by attending an alcohol education program. Successfully completing this program will be in lieu of a first-time DUI offense, though DMV records will instead show attendance in the program.

A second-time DUI/OUI offense in Connecticut leads to:

• 120 days to two years in jail
• $1,000 to $4,000 in fines
• 45-day license suspension
• Required installation and use of an IID for one year

A third DUI offense in Connecticut will result in:

• One to three years in jail
• $2,000 to $8,000 in fines
• Permanent license revocation

In all cases, a BAC over 0.16% amplifies the severity of penalties, fines, and jail time you will face.

DUI penalties for underage drinkers in Connecticut

Drivers under 21 years old and with a BAC reading of 0.02% or higher are considered OUI in Connecticut.

First-time underage OUI offenders are subject to:

• Up to six months in jail
• $500 to $1,000 in fines
• 45-day license suspension
• Required installation and use of an IID for one year

A second underage OUI offense leads to:

• 120 days to two years in jail
• $1,000 to $4,000 in fines
• 45-day license suspension
• Required installation and use of an IID for three years

A third underage OUI offense results in:

• One to three years in jail
• $2,000 to $8,000 in fines
• Permanent license revocation

First-time underage OUI offenders may be able to attend an alcohol education program in lieu of an OUI charge. Dismissal of the charge requires successful completion of 10 to 15 sessions, fees between $550 and $750, and participation in a victim impact panel.

In addition, 16- and 17-year-old OUI offenders in Connecticut will have their license seized by the police when charged with an OUI. The license will be kept by the police for 48 hours and then automatically suspended. The minor's vehicle will also be towed at the minor's or parent's expense.

Sources and references:

• https://www.ct.gov
• https://dui.drivinglaws.org
• https://www.ruaneattorneys.com
• https://www.dmv.com
• https://www.dmv.org
• http://www.dui-usa.drinkdriving.org
• https://dui.drivinglaws.org
• https://www.koffskyfelsen.com