What can a DUI conviction cost me?

Have you or someone you are friends with ever driven home after enjoying a couple of drinks? Many people don’t think driving home is a big deal if the bar is only a few minutes from their destination. However, the price you can pay for a conviction vastly outweighs the cost of a cab or Uber.

Before you or a friend gets behind the wheel after a night at the bar, consider what Esurance has to say about the total cost of a DUI or DWI. You may just talk your friend into getting a ride and saving a lot of money and hassle.

• Towing and impounding: You cannot drive your car home after your DUI arrest. Expect the police to tow and impound your vehicle, leaving you to foot the bill, which can cost $200 or more
• Penalties and fines: DUI convictions come with hefty fines. For your first offense, expect to have to pay anywhere between roughly $400 to $1,000. If it is not your first time at the DUI rodeo, look forward to shelling out even more. Much more.
• Treatment programs: DUI convictions often include mandatory treatment programs. The program length depends on your BAC at the time of your arrest. Besides fitting program attendance into your schedule, you also need to fit the $600 program into your budget.
• Higher insurance premiums: You can count on your insurance carrier learning about your DUI when it is time to renew your policy. With a DUI, you become a liability, which means paying more in premiums. How much you pay depends on your insurance carrier. Even after cleaning up your driving record in the years ahead, it may still be some time before your premiums decrease.

Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they are tipsy until they are pulled over. If you are arrested for drunk driving in North Carolina, don’t just accept the outcome. Fight back and see if you can avoid getting a conviction on your record in the first place.