I know that the penalty for DUI offense here in Washington involves jail time. I’m not quite sure though for how long. Can you tell me? Also, can you tell me the other penalties for DUI conviction?

Beth

Olympia, WA

Sure Beth!

For first time offenders, the penalty for DUI offense in Washington includes a jail time for 24 hours up to one year. However, instead of a jail time, the court may allow you to serve a 15-day home electronic monitoring program, which is the minimum time.

Moreover, the fine would be $350 to $5,000. Also, your operating privileges would be suspended for 3 months minimum or 90 days. And after a month or 30 days, you may get a restricted license depending on the court’s ruling. Also, you may be required to get an ignition interlock for your car which you would pay personally.

It would never be a good idea to be cited for a DUI offense. As you can see, the DUI penalty is serious. Plus, once convicted of DUI, your auto insurance rates will be astronomical. And you will be labeled as a high risk driver and this normally makes it difficult for DUI offenders to get insurance provider that would insure them.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for ways on how you can lower DUI insurance rates, you can use the Internet. Shopping for DUI insurance through the Internet can give you affordable DUI insurance rates. So start getting your insurance quotes now to save on your insurance premiums.

I recently got involved in a car accident here in Washington, and I would like to make sure I file my auto insurance claim correctly so I want to know what things I should remember to do.

Brendan

Seattle, WA

Filing an auto insurance claim is just one of those things in life that we hope we never have to do, but don’t want to end up doing wrong. There are, however, a few things you need to remember before filing that claim:

Do you really need to file a claim?
Yes, it is quite understandable, you pour good money in that auto insurance policy for your vehicle there in Washington, so why shouldn’t you file that insurance claim for that scratch on the bumper? Well, its called a deductible, and it can range from $200 to $750 against the amount of money your auto insurance provider will pay your for the damage repair. So if the damage is less than your deductible it is not cost effective. If the damage is minor and you can afford to have it repaired yourself, it would be highly recommended that you do so.

Remember also that once you file a claim, even just calling to inquire about it, your auto insurance company will tend to look at you as a higher risk customer. And this can cause your auto insurance rates to go up.

Keep track of all information you have, names and contact numbers of the other party or parties involved. Also you might get a call from the other party’s insurance provider for your version of the event so make sure you take down notes, especially who called you and what was discussed.

Is it true that my car insurance provider here in Washington can increase my auto insurance rates during winter?

Claude

Bellingham, WA
It is quite possible for your auto insurance provider there in Washington to increase your rates during the winter season. And you can’t really blame them, winter is a very perilous time to be on the road. The likelihood of getting involved in a car crashes due too icy, slippery roads, poor visibility due to fog or snowstorms and the freezing temperature causing havoc to your vehicles machinery, and even the danger of getting hit by frozen tree limbs and other kinds of falling debris. All these factors significantly increases your chances of filing a claim with your insurance provider, thus making this season a “high-risk” season, and hence the higher auto insurance rates.

It is not that difficult to prepare your vehicle for the winter, though. What you would want to avoid is to file for a claim, since this really a major reason for your insurance rates to increase. Here are some tip’s on how to prepare driving for the winter season:

1. Pre-Winter Checkup – Do take your car to a trusted auto mechanic and have them check your vehicles level of anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluids as well as its heater and defrosting system.
2. Drive with Discretion – If the weather is really bad, refrain from going out.
3. Use major roads – Stick to major roads and highways that are well plowed from snow so less chances of accidents.
4. Prepare for emergencies – have flashlights, blankets, stored food & water and emergency towing numbers handy.

My rates has recently been increased by my car insurance provider here in Washington. I’m wondering if my recent traffic violation got anything to do with it. Can you tell me what factors can affect my insurance rates?

Jeffrey

Seattle, WA

It is quite possible that the added traffic violation ticket against your driving record there in Washington may very well caused your increased auto insurance rates. It really depends on how many violations you’ve had before and how the latest violation could have tipped your record off into a “high-risk” driver. There are other factors to consider whenever an auto insurance provider evaluates, or re-evaluates your record. It is quite possible that falling within a certain age group, such as becoming a senior citizen, could have also caused your insurance to increase. Elderly drivers, along with teenagers, are also considered to be high-risk drivers and therefore the cost of insurance for them is high as well.

Your credit history also has an impact on how your car insurance premiums come out. Simply put, a bad credit rating shows your not able to handle your finances or bills well and this will be taken by insurance companies as an indication of how good you take care of everything else, including how safe you are while driving on the road. It is important to realize that the major reason your car insurance provider will raise their premiums is due to an event or something that you may have done that puts you at a higher probability of filing a claim. The added premium compensates for the added risk the company is taking to insure you and your vehicle.

I need to save money so I may have to cut down on my other expenses. How can I be able to save or lessen the payment for my auto insurance here in Washington?

Niko

Bellingham, WA

The very first thing that you would have to do to save on your auto insurance in Bellingham, Washington is to compare auto insurance from different providers. You may go online and use consumer guides from the state of Washington’s insurance department. These guidelines would give you information on the coverage you need and give you sample auto insurance rates, generally from the largest providers. You need to obtain at least three auto insurance quotes from different companies. Also, in buying a car, consider a low-profile car because cars that cost too much to repair or those which have higher theft rate have higher insurance rates as well.

Asking for higher deductibles could also lower you annual or monthly insurance payments. If in case you file a claim, the deductible is the amount of money that you pay before the auto insurance provider pays for the rest of the damage. If you have higher deductibles, that means you would have lower insurance premium rates. An example is that if you increase you deductible from $200 to $500 on comprehensive and collision coverage, that may lessen your premium by 15 to 30%.

A friend of mine was charged with DUI here in Washington while driving my vehicle. How will his drunk driving case affect my auto insurance rates?

Kailyn

Graham-Thrift, WA

If a friend of yours was charged with DUI in Graham-Thrift, Washington while driving your vehicle, then it would likely not have an effect on your auto insurance premiums. He must have gotten the charge written out to them in his name so that the DUI would go on his driving record and not cause you any troubles.

But if your friend got into a crash while driving your vehicle during this time, then the resulting claims will go on your claims record and hence can have an effect on your auto insurance rates. Insurance normally follows a vehicle first and the motorist second which means that if your friend was drunk driving in your vehicle, then it will be your auto insurance policy that will be gone to primarily and his insurance will be secondary or excess if your limits were exceeded. Also as owner of the vehicle, you have vicarious liability for people you allow to drive it so if all auto insurance limits were exceeded, then in most states, you and the driver could be held accountable for the damage he caused while driving your car.

I think I already have a drinking problem and what’s worse is that it could turn out to be a drinking and driving problem. How do you think I can avoid a DUI with the current situation that I have?

Fred

Shoreline, WA

A DUI  is a very serious charge because it can mean hefty fine and a jail sentence but it is possible to avoid a DUI charge. You have to watch your drinking habit from now on so if you go out drinking, you can have a designated driver who’s not drinking. If you can’t find a designated sober driver, you can call a cab to take you home when you’re done drinking. You may also seek professional help with your alcohol problem.

You can also talk with your loved ones about your effort to avoid a DUI because of your drinking and driving problem. You could be able to work issues out if you talk about what you’re experiencing. If you’re experiencing things that could cause you to want to drink, and especially drink and drive, talk about what you are feeling with those closest to you. You also have to remember that having a DUI charge can cause you a lot of money. Not only you would have to pay lawyers fee, you also have to pay fines and court fees and have an increased auto insurance rates, so think about these things before it’s too late.