What are the DUI insurance laws in Indiana?
Your first DUI conviction in IN is a class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $5,000 fine, 60 days in jail, a two-year license suspension, and other penalties.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
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Updated February 2024
- Like all states in the US, Indiana has laws regarding driving under the influence
- Not only do you face fines and license suspension, your car insurance premiums will sky-rocket if you’re convicted of a DUI
- Over 200 people died in Indiana in one year as a result of DUI crashes
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign has hit the state that is the host to the spectacular Indy 500, one of the most popular sporting events in America.
It just goes to show that in states, like Indiana, that love fast cars, smart driving is similarly in vogue.
This article details Indiana DUI’s regarding:
- the laws
- the requirements
- the penalties
- the impact on insurance
Before examining the data, it’s vital to stress the benefits of online auto insurance comparison, due to the impact that a DUI in the state of Indiana has on your insurance rates and ability to maintain a viable insurance policy.
Enter your ZIP code in our car insurance comparison tool to get the most affordable car insurance quotes.
Indiana DUI Statistics
The following are a couple of abbreviations of driving under the influence:
- DUI – driving under the influence
- DWI – driving while intoxicated
- OWI – operating while intoxicated
Read more: DWI vs. DUI: What Is the Difference?
All of these are serious criminal offenses within the state of Indiana. Consider these stats from the 2014 driving year:
- 205 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities
- 5,538 alcohol-related crashes
- 2,388 alcohol-related injuries in crashes
That means that in a small city the size of 100,000 people, three people died from an alcohol related driving event. These are sad statistics. One alcohol-related death is too many.
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Indiana DUI Laws
Here is a list of the main laws in the state of Indiana surrounding DUI:
- The legal blood alcohol level limit is 0.08
- For drivers under the age of 21, the blood alcohol level limit is 0.02
- For drivers who hold commercial driver’s licenses, the limit is 0.04
- For levels of 0.15 or higher, the penalty structure skyrockets for the higher abuse level
- Police officers have the right to request a blood, breath, or urine test of any driver who is suspected of driving under the influence
- Once drivers are requested to take a test, they must comply; drivers also have no right to consult an attorney before accepting or denying the taking of a test
Basically, the system is geared towards the idea that if the driver is not guilty, he or she is willing to prove it with a test. A denial is a near presumption of guilt.
Read more: Consequences of Refusing a Breathalyzer Test
Indiana DUI Penalties
Here are the penalties for first-offense DUI conviction:
- A record of a class C misdemeanor
- A minimum jail time of 30 days up to 60 days
- For offenders with a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher, jail time can be extended up to 12 months
- Fines up to $500
- For offenders with a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher, fines can be increased up to $5,000
- A suspended license from between 30 days to up to 2 years
- Court fees of at least $300
- Probation for up to 24 months
Penalties for subsequent DUI convictions stiffen tremendously:
- Jail time can be extended up to 3 years
- Fines may be increased upwards of $10,000
- Probation can last for 3 years
- Driver’s licenses may be suspended for as long as 2 years
Don’t drink and drive. The penalties in the state of Indiana are costly both in terms of time and money. Drivers may even lose their licenses.
Multiple offenses within 5 or 10 years of each other will most likely result in a driver losing his or her license for 10 years and possible for life.
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Indiana DUI Impact on Car Insurance and Insurance Options
Driving under the influence has a major effect upon automobile insurance. In particular, these three items need to be noted:
- First offense DUI convictions significantly increase insurance premiums
- Multiple offense DUIs endanger the driver’s ability to maintain a legal driver’s license
- Drivers may be dropped from insurance policies after alcohol-related offenses
Once a driver commits a DUI offense, he or she becomes classified as a high-risk driver. Multiple DUI offenses show that a driver is a repeat offender and many insurance companies in Indiana will not even deal with those types of drivers.
At that point, comparison shopping online for insurance not only becomes imperative, it becomes a lifeline for the driver who has messed up but willing to make changes in his or her lifestyle.
Keep shopping for comparison rate quotes and see what is available, even after you have committed a DUI, DWI, or OWI alcohol related offense.
Indiana DUI Reinstatement Requirements
Once a driver has lost his or her license, and potentially, his or her automobile insurance, he or she needs to apply for a reinstatement of both. A license will not be reinstated if insurance has not first been approved for the driver.
Look at various insurance companies online to determine what company’s reinstatement procedures and requirements are.
Being aware of the laws and penalties for DUI in Indiana will help drivers to stay safe and make wise choices.
Comparison shopping online for the best insurance at the best rates will help to keep driving affordable for every conscientious Hoosier driver. Do not break DUI laws for insurance.
After all, you do not want to be spending extra on car insurance.
To find the best rates for your needs, simply enter your ZIP code into the FREE comparison tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the DUI insurance laws in Indiana?
In Indiana, a first DUI conviction is a class C misdemeanor, which can result in penalties such as a fine of up to $5,000, 60 days in jail, a two-year license suspension, and other consequences.
How does a DUI conviction affect car insurance rates in Indiana?
A DUI conviction in Indiana typically leads to an increase in car insurance rates. It classifies the driver as high-risk, and many insurance companies may be hesitant to provide coverage or may charge significantly higher premiums.
Are there specific laws in Indiana regarding DUI offenses?
Yes, Indiana has specific laws surrounding DUI offenses. These laws include mandatory blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits, implied consent laws, and penalties for refusing to submit to a BAC test.
What are the penalties for a first-offense DUI conviction in Indiana?
For a first-offense DUI conviction in Indiana, the penalties may include a license suspension, fines up to $5,000, potential jail time, mandatory completion of alcohol education programs, and the installation of an ignition interlock device.
Do multiple DUI convictions within a certain period result in stricter penalties?
Yes, subsequent DUI convictions within a specified period typically lead to more severe penalties. Multiple offenses within 5 or 10 years of each other can result in a driver losing their license for 10 years or even indefinitely.
How does a DUI offense impact car insurance options in Indiana?
A DUI offense classifies a driver as high-risk, making it challenging to find car insurance coverage. Many insurance companies may refuse to provide coverage or charge significantly higher premiums. Comparison shopping for insurance becomes crucial for high-risk drivers.
What are the reinstatement requirements for a driver’s license and car insurance after a DUI conviction?
After a DUI conviction, a driver must apply for the reinstatement of their license. However, the license will not be reinstated without approved car insurance. Each insurance company may have different reinstatement procedures and requirements.
How can I find affordable car insurance after a DUI conviction in Indiana?
Comparison shopping for car insurance is crucial, even after a DUI conviction. By obtaining quotes from multiple insurance companies, you can explore different options and find the most affordable rates available to you.
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