What does DUI, DWI, or OWI mean?

Trey

Victoria, TX.

Trey, 

Depending on the jurisdiction, this criminal offense may also be referred to

as driving while intoxicated ( DWI ), driving while impaired (also DWI ),

operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated ( OWI ) or operating a motor vehicle

while intoxicated ( OMVI ).

DUI charges are usually based on a person’s BAC or blood alcohol

concentration and may be determined by the administering of a breath, blood or

urine test (which is usually conducted if drugs are suspected).

Great Question.

Will my car insurance go up if my insurance company never finds out that I have a DUI?

Linda

Rockport, TX.

Linda,

According to the Insurance Information Institute, there is an alcohol-related traffic fatality in the United States every 29 minutes. Aside from the risk of killing yourself and others, drunk driving carries with it serious penalties from your car insurance company.

Car insurance companies may check your motor vehicle record only once every three years or when you’re applying for a new policy. It’s possible that accidents, tickets and DUIs may never make their way to your official motor vehicle record. However, if your insurer does discover your DUI and classifies you as a “high-risk driver,” shopping around at renewal time is the best strategy, as car insurance rates will vary greatly among insurers. On the other hand, a rate hike may be the least of your problems; your policy could be cancelled or nonrenewed, especially if you are currently in a preferred car insurance rate class. Then you’ll be forced to look for new car insurance with the double-whammy of a DUI and a cancellation on your record.

Great Question.

Jesus

Corpus Christi, Tx.

Jesus,

 If there is anything that could drive your car insurance cost sky-high it’s a drunk-driving (DUI) conviction.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, there is an alcohol-related traffic fatality in the United States every 29 minutes. Aside from the risk of killing yourself and others, drunk driving carries with it serious penalties from your car insurance company.

Car insurance companies may check your motor vehicle record only once every three years or when you’re applying for a new policy. It’s possible that accidents, tickets and DUIs may never make their way to your official motor vehicle record. However, if your insurer does discover your DUI and classifies you as a “high-risk driver,” shopping around at renewal time is the best strategy, as car insurance rates will vary greatly among insurers. On the other hand, a rate hike may be the least of your problems; your policy could be cancelled or nonrenewed, especially if you are currently in a preferred car insurance rate class. Then you’ll be forced to look for new car insurance with the double-whammy of a DUI and a cancellation on your record.