Will Your Partner's DUI Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?

A speeding ticket can raise your car accident premiums by 21% and an accident by about 41%.

According to Forbes Advisor's analysis, DUI convictions top the list of things that will jack up your rates - you could end up paying as much as 74% more in premiums.

In Colorado, DUI is defined as driving with a BAC of .08% or higher. These offenses are usually documented and can be expensive - the average first-time DUI offense can cost as much as $10,000 in fines, attorney's fees, and other associated expenses.

This blog post will explore how a DUI can affect your car insurance rates, as well as some steps you can take to minimize the impact.

Will My Partner's DUI Affect My Car Insurance Rates?

Sharing a car with your partner can help you save money on gas and maintenance, but it could also have an impact on your insurance rates. If your partner is convicted of a DUI, your car insurance premiums could go up as a result.

The exact amount will vary depending on your insurer and the value of your vehicle, but it's important to be aware that a DUI conviction can have an impact on your rates. You may want to consider shopping around for a new insurer if your rates go up too much as a result of your partner's DUI.

How Long Will a DUI Affect My Car Insurance Rates in Colorado?

The effect of a DUI on your car insurance rates will vary depending on the insurer, but it's typically around three to five years.

Some insurers may offer discounts for completing a DUI education program, so it's worth checking with your insurer to see if this is an option.

The best way to avoid an increase in your car insurance rates is to avoid a DUI conviction in the first place. 

If you are convicted of a DUI, you can complete a DUI education program and shop around for a new insurer for better rates.

How Does an Insurance Company Know if You Have a DUI?

When you apply for car insurance, you'll be asked to disclose any convictions on your driving record. This includes DUIs. The insurer will then use this information to calculate your rates.

It's important to be honest when applying for car insurance, as failing to disclose a conviction can result in your policy being voided.

If you're not sure whether or not to disclose a conviction, it's best to err on the side of caution and tell the insurer about it. They'll be able to give you an accurate quote based on your driving history.

How Can I Minimize the Impact of My Partner's DUI?

There are a few things you can do to minimize the impact of your partner's DUI on your car insurance rates:

• Shop around for a new insurer. Not all insurers will penalize you for your partner's DUI, so it's worth shopping around to see if you can find a better deal elsewhere.
• Consider switching to a different type of policy. If you have a full coverage policy, you may be able to switch to a liability-only policy and save money.
• Increase your deductible. This will lower your premiums, but make sure you have enough saved to cover the increased deductible in an accident.
• Take advantage of discounts. Many insurers offer discounts for things like completing a DUI education program, so be sure to ask about any available discounts.
• Enroll in a defensive driving course. This could help you get a discount on your premiums.
• Avoid sharing a car with Your partner. If your partner's DUI has caused your rates to go up, you may want to consider not sharing a car with them. This will obviously have its own logistical challenges, but it may be the best way to keep your rates low.
• Improve your credit score. This won't have an immediate impact, but it will help you get better rates in the future.
• Keep your driving record clean. This is the best way to keep your rates low, no matter who you share a car with.
• Bundle up your policies. If you have multiple types of insurance with the same company, you may be able to get a discount.

With time and effort, you should be able to minimize the impact of your partner's DUI on your car insurance rates. Note that some insurance companies will continue to penalize you for a DUI even after the conviction has been expunged from your record, so it's important to shop around and compare rates before selecting an insurer.

Other Factors that May Affect Your Car Insurance Rates in Colorado

• The make and age of your vehicle: If you have an older car, you may be able to get by with a liability-only policy.
• Your driving history: A clean driving record will get you the best rates.
• The type of coverage you need: Full coverage policies are more expensive than liability-only policies, but they offer more protection.
• Your zip code: Rates vary depending on where you live.
• The amount of your deductible: Higher deductibles mean lower premiums.
• Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for things like completing a defensive driving course or having a clean driving record.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Colorado?

The average cost of car insurance in Colorado is $1,948 per year or $162 per month. However, your rates will vary depending on factors like your age, the make and model of your vehicle, your driving history, and the type of coverage you need.

Have Questions? Compare Car Insurance Quotes in Colorado Today

If you're looking for car insurance in Colorado, we can help. We've compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in the state so you can compare quotes and find the right policy for your needs.

Get started today by entering your zip code into our quote tool. We'll match you with insurers in your area, and you can start comparing quotes in minutes.