Getting car insurance after a drink driving conviction in Australia

If you’ve been convicted of drunk driving in the past, it’s highly likely that your car insurance quotes will be more expensive. If you have a history of driving while under the influence of alcohol, an insurer will likely consider you more of a liability. As the insurer’s risk increases, so does the cost to your hip pocket.

So, if you’re looking for car insurance after a drink driving conviction in Australia, you should keep the following information in mind:

Can I get car insurance as a convicted drink driver?

If you have a single drink-driving incident on your record, a few insurers will still cover you. But the more suspensions you have on your record, the more picky the insurers may get.

Having said that, you may not always have to pay a higher premium for mistakes of the past. Some insurers are less concerned about convictions that happened a long time ago.

When you apply for car insurance as a DUI offender in Australia, you’ll face one of these three scenarios:

1. You won’t be given any cover due to the offence, and your application will be rejected instantly.
2. Your application will be accepted, provided you have only one suspension on your record. However, your premium will most likely be a much higher amount.
3. Your previous suspensions won’t be considered at all. This is an unlikely scenario and should be treated with caution. It’s important to make sure you are getting the appropriate coverage. If your licence was suspended in the past, it will affect the premium cost. 

To get suitable coverage and an affordable premium, it’s a good idea to compare car insurance quotes properly before making a decision.

How will a drink-driving conviction affect my car insurance costs?

The cost of car insurance varies a lot from one provider to another, and may be affected by a wide range of different factors. But remember that the cost of car insurance after a drink driving ban may mean:

• Increased premiums: Many insurers may raise the premium you’ll pay on your policy.
• A higher excess: In order to cover you despite your drink driving conviction, some insurers may ask you to pay an increased excess when you claim, which could last for up to five years.
• No change: It’s possible that some insurers may not consider your drink driving conviction, but it’s still important to make sure you are properly covered.

How to reduce your premiums as a convicted drink driver

Car insurance for DUI offenders in Australia may charge high premiums, but you may be able to take steps to show insurers you are taking the court response seriously:

Take a drink-driving awareness course

There are many courses offered across the country that focus on spreading awareness about drunk driving and the dangers of driving under the influence. Some insurers offer to reduce the premiums if you complete one of these courses.

Get a breathalyser ignition lock

A breathalyser ignition lock is a device that is fitted into your car and prevents it from starting if your blood alcohol content is higher than zero. Sometimes a magistrate will instruct you to get one of these devices fitted if you have a history of drink driving. Some insurers may see it as a way of reducing their risk, too.

Work towards a clean record

Instead of driving, you could consider walking, using public transport or taking ride shares where possible for some time. This could help you keep a clean driving record since your last offence, which could potentially help reduce your future car insurance premium costs considerably.

Will drink driving void my car insurance?

While you can often still get car insurance after committing a drink driving offence, what happens if you already have car insurance and you’re caught drink driving?

If you drive when you’re over the legal blood-alcohol limit, your car insurance won’t cover claims. Some insurers won’t cover claims even if you’re under the limit, but have alcohol in your system. 

If you’ve had anything to drink or are under the influence of drugs, it’s always best to avoid getting behind the wheel.