Impaired Driving Charge & Your Insurance
The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it friends, families, presents, and plenty of good food. It also brings festive parties and gatherings, both at work and at home, and those get-togethers can often include alcohol and recreational drugs as well. Relaxing and celebrating is a fun and natural way to let your hair down this time of year, but taking care not to get behind the wheel must be a top priority for everyone.
Impaired Driving through alcohol and/or drug use is a serious offense, and in Ontario, the repercussions are exceptionally strict.
One impaired driving conviction can result in:
- $400 to $2000 fine and penalty
- possible jail time
- license suspension (possibly permanent)
- vehicle impoundment and quite possibly, a criminal record
- impact your auto insurance premiums and/or coverage
A recent study by Arrive Alive cites the overall cost of a drunk driving conviction at about $23,000 including about $18,000 in insurance cost.
Greg Parker of Merit Insurance Waterdown reminds us,
“RIDE programs and DUI awareness will be heightened as we get closer to the holidays. A DUI charge will remove you from your regular market insurance company and could have you pay a premium that is two or more times higher than you are paying now. You could lose any multi-vehicle and possibly multi-policy discount and will limit you to drive only one vehicle, with an ignition interlock system that will be in effect for three years. Don’t chance it; call a friend, a cab or an Uber. I hope this warning serves us all well, stay safe and remember, there is always someone out there waiting.”
If you’re in an accident while impaired or distracted, the cost is serious and amplified so please do not drink, text, or use any drug while driving at any time. Call a cab, an Uber, a Designated Driver, or service, such as Drink & Dial in the Toronto area.
Did you Know?
As an individual or company hosting an event where alcohol is served, you could be held responsible for anything bad that happens that could be connected to the alcohol you provided, known as Host Liquor Liability. Be sure to talk to your Insurance Broker about this coverage before you book your holiday function.
Be safe this holiday season.
