Car Insurance Companies Hit Drunk Drivers Where it Hurts Most

We've all heard horror stories about young drunk drivers running off the road and killing themselves, snuffing out all of their potential in the name of one night of intoxicated fun. Worse yet are the stories of innocent children who are run down by drunk drivers and killed or seriously injured. We've all heard these stories, and most of us have even been affected in one way or another by drunk driving, or at least we know someone who has. But even when no one is hurt or killed, drunk driving can have a tremendous cost.

For years, police have been trying to crack down on drinking and driving, but to little avail. Ironically, it is car insurance companies who have begun hitting drunk drivers where it really hurts - square in the wallet.

The Cost of Drinking and Driving - Case Study: New York

In New York, the cost of drinking and driving can be quite substantial. Like many states, drunk drivers in New York have their cars towed. The cost of this "service" is $100. Secondly, drunk drivers are taken to jail, with the cost of bail at least $250. Assuming you hire an attorney, you're looking at another $2,000, and your fines and fees will total at least $685 - and that's if you're a first-time offender.

So you're looking at $1,035 plus attorney's fees. Think you can skip the lawyer? Well, maybe you can - but maybe you'll end up sharing a cell with someone a lot less pleasant than Otis the Mayberry Town Drunk, so you better count on spending at least $3,000. But even this greatly underestimates the cost of a DWI, because it doesn't factor in the increases in your car insurance rates.

Ever Taste a $12,000 Beer?

Maybe your love for expensive imported beers is what has landed you in trouble, but I bet you've never tasted a $12,000 beer - talk about a "bitter beer face!"

In addition to all of the fees mentioned above, you also have to pay for a driver responsibility assessment, a drinking driver program, an alcohol evaluation, a conditional license fee, license reinstatement, going to a victim impact panel, probation supervision, and finally, you'll have to pay into a victim assistance fund. But just wait until your car insurance company gets a hold of you - you can expect to pay an additional $7,500 over the course of the next several years until your DWI no longer has an impact. And again, this is only if this is your first offense! Otherwise, that $12,000 beer may suddenly appreciate to $24,000 or more. Not even the finest French wine has value like that!

Everyone Deserves the Lowest Car Insurance Rates Possible

People make mistakes, and everyone deserves a second chance. But a third? Fourth? Fifth? Fifteenth? At some point, drunk drivers should be off the roads. But this is a decision for the legislative branch to make, not car insurance agents. Just as the job of an attorney is to defend even his guilty clients, car insurance agents have a responsibility to get everyone the lowest rates. The more numerous your "indiscretions" the harder getting you the best deal will be, but carinsurancerates.com makes it easy for you to shop around. Many car insurance companies cater to high-risk drivers, while others try to wash their hands of them by overcharging. No one deserves to pay more than they have to, so do the self-righteous, overcharging companies (and yourself) a favor by finding a better deal. You've made it his far, and now you're only a few clicks away!