DUI laws in Kentucky

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drinking and driving kills around 32 people a day across the United States. Drinking and driving is a serious offense in most states, and Kentucky is no different. Drivers over the age of 21 with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher are considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) in Kentucky. Younger drivers can be charged with a DUI or DWI if they have a BAC of 0.02.

If you are convicted of a DUI in Kentucky, you will likely be fined between $200 and $1,000, depending on your age and if it is your first offense. You could also face jail time, license suspension, community service and alcohol or substance abuse treatment.

There are certain “aggravating circumstances” that could add additional penalties to your conviction. Some of the circumstances include:

• Driving over 30 mph or more above the speed limit
• Having a BAC of 0.15 or more within two hours of operating a vehicle
• Refusing to submit to a sobriety test
• Driving the wrong way on certain roads
• Driving with children under the age of 12 in the vehicle
• Causing a crash that leads to serious injury or death

The penalties for a DUI conviction may depend on the individual circumstances of your offense. Staying sober behind the wheel is the best way to avoid these penalties.

How a DUI affects your car insurance in Kentucky

Car insurance companies determine premiums partly based on the likelihood that a driver will file a claim in the future. If you have a DUI on your record, you are likely considered a high-risk driver. To make up for the added risk, insurance companies charge higher premiums. In Kentucky, car insurance premiums increase by 79 percent on average after a DUI.  Although the average increase is high and it may be difficult to qualify with some car insurance companies in Kentucky, with research you may be able to find the best auto insurance that suits your situation and needs.

If you already have an insurance policy, your company may choose to cancel or nonrenew your coverage after a DUI conviction. Not all insurance companies insure high-risk drivers and even if your company maintains your policy, you will likely be facing a steep premium increase. The table below shows the average annual full coverage premiums nationally and in Kentucky before and after a DUI.

Finding car insurance after a DUI in Kentucky

Finding affordable car insurance after a DUI conviction may require a bit more research, but it’s possible. However, each insurance company has its own regulations surrounding whether coverage is available to a driver with a DUI conviction, so you may not qualify for coverage with a DUI in all cases. Shopping your policy to several different carriers may help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

The table below shows the average annual full coverage premium after a DUI from several major providers.

Although price may be an important factor when searching for insurance after a DUI, (considering that your premium will likely be higher than it was before your conviction), premium is not the only factor to consider. You may still want to review coverage types, discounts and third-party ratings and scores for the companies you get quotes from. Talking to a licensed agent could help you to choose insurance that will help to protect your finances and that fits your budget.