Online Auto Insurance Shows Reports Millions Admitted to Driving Drunk Last Year
A new study out of Orlando, Florida reports that 4 million people admitted to driving drunk last year in America.
This DUI study could lead to higher levels of required auto insurance, as well as higher fines and more sever consequences for drunk driving. More serious consequence for driving under the influence is a common theme across the nation, especially in Kansas. In fact, the 2011 legislature increased fines this year for drunk driving. However, new 2011 Kansas laws did provide options and opportunities for DUI drivers to obtain a license so long as they have an Ignition Interlock installed on the vehicle.
Some legislators argue that convicted DUI drivers should be required to carry higher insurance coverage than others, due to their tendency to cause injury through drunk driving wrecks. In Florida, state officials require that motorists who are convicted of or plead contest to driving under the influence (DUI) carry higher levels of insurance. All drivers in the Sunshine State must carry a minimum $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and the same amount in property damage liability. Those who are found guilty of certain traffic violations or who are uninsured must carry greater levels of coverage. Policies for those who have been convicted of a DUI must provide for at least $350,000 total in liability coverage per accident. That means a minimum policy would provide up to $300,000 for bodily injury damages caused by a policyholder in an accident ($100,000 per injured person) and $50,000 for property damages caused by the policyholder. The higher coverage levels must be maintained for three years, after which those with clean driving records can opt for lower levels.
The reality is, even if you have a nominal 50/100 policy, if there is a serious wreck, it barely provides even a fraction of the protection and finances actually needed to assist a seriously injured person. So, requiring higher level of insurance seems to make sense on one hand. On the other hand, if it is required, it will then likely lead to higher inflated premiums.