A drunk driving conviction is difficult to keep a secret. You have a criminal court record that can affect employment or decisions on your housing situation. Your DMV or vehicle licensing agency is immediately informed of your arrest or citation, and the “need to know basis” of information sharing continues to grow. Just like when you are given a speeding ticket or reprimanded for reckless driving, you “earn” points on your driver’s license for a drunk driving conviction. Those “points” are shared with your DMV, the court system and within a network of other states, as well. Plus, eventually (if not immediately), your car insurance company will be informed of your drunk driving conviction… and your ignition interlock requirement.
Your car insurance company needs to know about your drunk driving conviction. You could have caused damage to personal property, to passengers in your vehicle, or to others on the road. Since statistics show that a drunk driver has driven under the influence of alcohol around 80 times prior to a conviction, your insurance company understands the danger involved and will act accordingly. However, if you install a car breathalyzer or an ignition interlock device, you could potentially qualify for a reduced rate after your drunk driving conviction. That’s a plus in your column.
Even though your insurance company will know about your ignition interlock and drunk driving conviction, the consequences you’re facing will not last forever. As long as you follow the terms and conditions of your conviction, you may be surprised at how quickly you get your life back, including your good standing with your insurance company. There are no secrets where drunk driving is concerned, and your ignition interlock requirement shows your car insurance company that you are seriously committed to a better, brighter future.