Getting Company Vehicle Insurance After a DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can lead to increased insurance rates, license suspension, and even jail time. If you drive a company vehicle and get a DUI, it can negatively impact your employment and make it challenging to get affordable car insurance going forward. This article will explain how a DUI affects company vehicle insurance, your options for coverage after a DUI, and tips for finding the cheapest rates.

How a DUI Affects Company Vehicle Insurance

If you drive a company car or truck and get a DUI, it will likely lead to higher insurance rates for your employer. Insurance companies view DUIs as a major indicator of high risk, so they will raise premiums significantly after a drunk driving conviction.

• For company vehicles, a single DUI can increase insurance rates by 25-50% or more. Multiple DUIs may result in even higher rate hikes.

• Some insurers may choose to drop coverage entirely if there are multiple drunk driving offenses associated with a company’s vehicles

• Commercial auto policies cover anyone who drives the company vehicles. So one employee’s DUI will cause rates to go up for the entire policy, not just that driver.

• Employers may take disciplinary action or terminate employment if an employee gets a DUI in a company vehicle. This is especially likely for positions that require driving.

So if you drive a company car or truck, a DUI could negatively impact not just your own insurance but also your employer’s rates and your job status. That’s why it’s critical to avoid driving under the influence, especially when operating a vehicle owned by your company.

Insurance Options After a DUI

Once you have a DUI on your record, finding affordable auto insurance gets much harder. Here are some of the options drivers have for getting company vehicle or personal car insurance after a drunk driving conviction:

Your Current Insurer – Many auto insurance companies will continue covering a driver after a first-time DUI, but rates will go up significantly. Expect a surcharge for 3-5 years.

Non-Owner Car Insurance – This provides liability coverage when you drive vehicles owned by other people. It’s useful for those who lost their car or company vehicle after a DUI.

High-Risk Insurers – Insurers like GEICO, Progressive, and National General specialize in covering high-risk drivers. Their rates are higher but they won’t deny coverage solely for a DUI.

State Assigned Risk Plans – Every state has an assigned risk plan that provides basic liability coverage if you can’t find insurance elsewhere. Rates are very high though.

Ignition Interlock Discounts – Many insurers offer discounts for having an ignition interlock device installed, which analyses a driver’s breath and prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected.

Usage-Based Programs – Enrolling in programs like Progressive’s Snapshot or Allstate Drivewise, where rates are based on actual driving habits, can help offset some of the rate increase that comes with a DUI.

Tips for Finding the Cheapest Company Vehicle Insurance After a DUI

Here are some tips to help find the most affordable coverage options if you need to insure a company car or truck after a DUI:

• Shop around – Get quotes from at least 5-10 different insurance companies. Rates can vary dramatically, so it pays to cast a wide net.

• Ask about discounts – Insurers offer discounts for things like multi-policy bundles, anti-theft devices, driver training courses, and more. Find out what’s available to help offset the DUI surcharge.

• Increase deductibles – Raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles to $1,000 or more brings premiums down. Just be sure you have savings to cover the out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.

• Limit mileage – If you drive fewer miles in a company vehicle, you can ask for lower rates. Limiting use reduces the insurer’s risk exposure.

• Enroll in telematics – Usage-based insurance programs track driving habits. Safe driving can help overcome a DUI through discounts based on mileage, braking, speed and other metrics.

• Maintain a clean record – The biggest drops in DUI insurance rates come after 3-5 years of safe, violation-free driving. So maintaining a clean record is key to cheaper rates down the road.

• Work with an independent agent – An independent insurance broker who works with multiple carriers can help find you the best rates. Make sure to discuss your DUI situation upfront.

The Bottom Line

A DUI conviction makes car insurance significantly more expensive, especially if you drive a vehicle owned by your employer. But finding affordable coverage is still possible if you’re willing to shop around, enroll in telematics programs, increase deductibles, and maintain safe driving habits going forward. If you need to insure a company car or truck after a DUI, be sure to explain the situation to agents upfront to find your best options.