New Jersey DUI Auto Insurance: Cost of Drunk Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nationwide in 2006, 17,602 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes -- an average of one almost every half-hour. These deaths represent about 41 percent of total traffic fatalities that year.

There is no price that can be put on the human cost of these tragic deaths and injuries. But what people often fail to realize is how expensive it can be to drink and drive when no accidents are involved.

In New Jersey, a first offense drunk driving violation for driving under the influence (DUI), based on blood alcohol levels between .08% and .10%, results in the following fines, fees and surcharges:

• 3 month loss of your driver’s license and a $100 fee to restore it
• Up to 30 days in prison
• $1,000 surcharges each year for three years (levied by the Motor Vehicles Commission)
• A fine between $250-$400
• $230 fee for the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
• $100 drunk driving fund fee
• $100 Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Fund fee
• $75 Safe Neighborhood Service Fund
• $100 MVR attendance fee
• Minimum Total: $3,955

These costs are only the DUI related costs imposed by New Jersey State (this information can be found at the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Web site). There is also a significant impact on one’s auto insurance. When you receive 9 insurance points on your license for a DUI, it can lead to losing your New Jersey auto insurance. It could also lead to you being turned down by auto insurance companies for a new auto insurance policy in New Jersey. A sizeable increase in your auto insurance premium goes along regardless of whether you are non-renewed after your DUI.

If you get dropped by your New Jersey auto insurance company for a DUI, you may find that obtaining new auto insurance is a challenge. Many New Jersey auto insurance companies do not want to offer coverage to someone who has a DUI on their record. Many companies consider people with a DUI on their record a high risk.  However, this does not mean you should be considered uninsurable. If you are a New Jersey driver with a DUI, High Point Auto Insurance may just be the solution you are seeking. When you call High Point at 1-800-516-9242, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your needs, and you could be back on the road sooner than you think.

Remember, the costs of drinking and driving are significant and the harm it can cause can be tragic. Please do not drink and drive.

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