In some states, DUI and DWI mean the same thing: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. But other states don\u2019t use those terms at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re convicted of driving while intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs, you can expect your car insurance rate to rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the exact definitions vary by state, here\u2019s the difference between a DUI and DWI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DUI stands for \u201cdriving under the influence.\u201d<\/strong> You could be convicted of a DUI if you\u2019re caught driving under the influence of alcohol, legal or illegal drugs, or a combination of all three, depending on your state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n DWI stands for \u201cdriving while intoxicated\u201d or \u201cdriving while impaired.\u201d <\/strong>Similar to a DUI, the definition of DWI varies across states, but generally refers to a criminal offense that occurs when someone drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In almost every state, you\u2019re considered driving \u201cunder the influence\u201d or \u201cintoxicated\u201d if you\u2019re above 21 years old and caught behind the wheel with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, above .08%. Utah has a lower BAC limit of .05%. Drivers convicted of a DWI in some states may be held to an even lower BAC limit of .02% or .04% to discourage drunk driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those under the age of 21 caught driving with a BAC of .02% or lower may be considered under the influence, depending on the state. If you\u2019re underage and caught driving with a BAC of less than .02%, your driver\u2019s license could be suspended or revoked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A DUI or DWI conviction will increase the convicted driver\u2019s car insurance rates. In some cases, it may even result in non-renewal or policy cancellation. Drivers who have their policy canceled or non-renewed should immediately find a new auto insurer to avoid a car insurance lapse<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re able to stick with your current policy or you have to find new coverage, you should expect a rate increase. Auto insurance companies view drivers with DUIs as “high risk,” so they charge more to offer you coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why comparison shopping for the best car insurance<\/a> prices is more important than ever following a DUI conviction. Here are some quotes that drivers with DUIs on their records found via Jerry.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow a DUI or DWI impacts car insurance rates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n