DUI Insurance in Alberta

DUI Car Insurance for Alberta Residents

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most serious convictions you can receive as a driver. If you’ve received a DUI as a first offender in Alberta, you’ll be faced with a fine of at least $1,000 and you may receive a jail sentence of up to 18 months, a driver’s license suspension and you must attend an education and treatment program. In addition, your vehicle may be fitted with an ignition interlock device. With a DUI on your driving record, it can be tough to find a reasonable car insurance rate, but Sharp’s Auto Insurance brokers work hard to find you the most affordable car insurance premium in Alberta.

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DUI Car Insurance in Alberta

To better assist Albertans, Sharp specializes in helping drivers find competitive DUI auto insurance rates. Our Alberta Auto Insurance brokers are experienced and can give advice on how to get your license back and inform you about your auto insurance rate changes. We let you know how you can improve your driving record while getting the best insurance rate possible.

How Much does your Insurance go up after a DUI in Alberta

The increase in insurance premiums after a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction in Alberta can be substantial. On average, drivers with a DUI can expect their insurance rates to increase by at least 50% to 100%. For example, if you were paying $1,500 annually for car insurance before the DUI conviction, your new premium could range from $2,250 to $3,000 or more per year.

However, in some cases, the increase can be even higher, with premiums doubling or tripling, depending on various factors such as the driver’s age, driving history, and the severity of the offense.

Furthermore, drivers with a DUI conviction may also face additional costs, such as mandatory enrollment in high-risk insurance programs, license reinstatement fees, fines, and the potential requirement to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles. These additional expenses can further compound the financial impact of a DUI conviction.

Given the significant financial consequences of a DUI conviction, it’s crucial for drivers to understand the risks involved and to prioritize safe and responsible driving habits at all times.

Contact our skilled Insurance brokers in Alberta for more information.

What You Need To Do Next

After your suspension has been lifted, your fines are paid and you’ve completed specific driving courses, you can go get your licence. But before you can go to the registry office to get your licence, you must first have a standard auto insurance policy. Sharp Insurance is happy to secure your insurance following a DUI conviction without any hassle. Our skilled brokers are happy to work with you to help you find the best DUI auto insurance that fits your budget.

Fill out a DUI auto insurance quote request today and one of our brokers will work on your behalf to find you the right coverage.

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What Does a DUI do to your Insurance in Alberta

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction can have severe impacts on your car insurance. Here’s how it can affect your insurance:

Increased Premiums: One of the most immediate consequences of a DUI is a significant increase in insurance premiums.
High-Risk Insurance: In many cases, drivers with a DUI conviction are classified as high-risk by insurance companies. This means they may be required to enroll in high-risk insurance programs, which often come with even higher premiums.
Limited Coverage Options: Following a DUI, you may find that your options for insurance coverage are limited. Some insurance companies may refuse to renew your policy, while others may only offer coverage at significantly higher rates.
Additional Fees and Requirements: In addition to increased premiums, drivers with a DUI may face additional fees and requirements, such as license reinstatement fees, fines, and the installation of an ignition interlock device in their vehicles.
Long-Term Financial Impact: A DUI conviction can have long-term financial implications, as it remains on your driving record for several years. Even after your premiums increase, it may take several years of safe driving to regain access to lower rates.

Overall, a DUI in Alberta can lead to substantial financial consequences and make it more challenging to obtain affordable car insurance coverage. It’s essential to prioritize safe and responsible driving to avoid these repercussions.

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Consequences for Driving Under the Influence in Alberta

Driving under the influence in Alberta can have severe consequences, including:

For a first offense, you’ll face an immediate 90-day license suspension. Following this period, you’ll be able to apply and partake in the interlock program for at least one year. You may also face a vehicle seizure of up to 30 days and you will be required to take a remedial course. You must pay a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first-time offense, as well as towing/impound costs, course costs and interlock costs.
Upon a second offense, you’ll face an immediate 90-day suspension and must apply for the interlock program. You must participate in a remedial course; you may have your vehicle seized for 30 days and be ordered to pay a $2,000 fine. You may also be criminally charged in the event of a second DUI offense.
A third offense will result in all of the above, plus you’ll have to be a part of the interlock program for the rest of your driving life, and you will be criminally charged.

If you are pulled over for suspected driving under the influence and you refuse to provide a breath sample, you may be automatically assigned a .08 BAC level and charged under the Criminal Code of Canada as well as the Immediate Roadside Sanctions.

If you’ve ever had a DUI, you’ll also want to maintain a continuous insurance history. A cancellation or blank gap in your insurance can be a red flag and may result in further difficulty getting insured.

Chat with a Sharp DUI car insurance broker in Alberta or apply for a free DUI auto insurance quote in Alberta to find the best rate possible.

Can You Still Get Car Insurance After A DUI in Alberta?

Is it still possible to obtain car insurance after a DUI? The answer varies depending on your insurer. However, one thing is certain – you can anticipate a rise in premiums, likely a significant one.

It’s crucial to note that failing to disclose your DUI charge to your insurance company could result in non-coverage in the event of an accident, and your insurance policy may be terminated.

The silver lining is that despite a DUI charge, there are still avenues available to you, even if your current provider cancels your coverage.

While finding cheap DUI insurance may be challenging, our team of experts can assist you in securing the most competitive quotes possible, taking into account your current driving history.

How to Keep your Alberta DUI Rates Manageable

It’s inevitable that a driver with a DUI will have higher insurance rates; your premiums could potentially double after a charge.

Here are a few tips to keep your insurance rates low:

Pay your outstanding fines, including all unrelated charges, speeding tickets, parking tickets and your DUI charge.
Do your best to stay insured. If you lose your license because of your DUI charge, try to get re-insured ASAP. It’s better to have a continuous insurance history.
Shop around with the assistance of an expert DUI insurance broker at Sharp Insurance.
Take a defensive driving course, which will freshen up your skills and may even qualify you for a discounted premium.
Make sure you attend all court-ordered and any recommended education or treatment programs.
Drive safely! Avoid adding any unnecessary accidents or infractions to the list. Keep your record as clean as possible to keep your insurance rates reasonable.

Do you want additional ways to reduce your auto insurance rates in Alberta? We’re happy to jump on a call with you to discuss your price options and coverage.

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FAQ’s: DUI Car Insurance in Alberta

Is it possible to get insured after a DUI in Alberta?

Yes, it’s possible to get insurance after you have been charged with a DUI. But know that you’ll always be paying more than if you didn’t have a DUI. In Alberta, DUI car insurance can be limited and more expensive, but it’s better than not being insured at all.

How much will my Alberta auto insurance increase with a DUI?

Insurance rates can easily double, or even triple, following a DUI. It depends on a few factors, such as your existing driving history, the severity of the offense and more. Your costs may vary. A DUI is a serious offense and could have you labelled a high-risk driver.

Will my car insurance rate go back to normal after a Alberta DUI?

It depends on your insurer, but in most cases your DUI charge will be wiped from your record after about three years. For others, however, it may take upwards of six years. A DUI charge can be removed from your driver’s abstract after about three years.