Had one too many drinks? Slept in your vehicle after a night of heavy drinking? Didn’t have far to drive and thought it was safe, but the police decided otherwise? Every year,
who are asked by the police to take a
What happens after a license suspension for drunk driving?
First, as soon as you are arrested or found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your license will be administratively suspended. In most cases, this suspension will last for three months. A criminal trial will then be held, and if you are found guilty, your driver’s license may be revoked or suspended. The suspension for impaired driving varies from 12 months to 36 months or 60 months in the case of a repeat offense or if the blood alcohol level exceeds twice the legal limit (the suspension is subject to change depending on the judge’s decision). Our best advice is, of course, not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We invite you to read
Do you have to notify your insurer when your driver’s license is suspended?
It is important to note that your insurance contract requires you to report any increase in risk to your auto insurer; a driver’s license suspension constitutes an increase in risk for an auto insurer. It is therefore essential to notify your insurer as soon as possible after your arrest for drunk driving. Please note that this should not be confused with a zero-tolerance offense, which usually results in a 4-point penalty and therefore the loss of your driver’s license for a minimum of 3 months for accumulating points (this offense must still be reported to your auto insurer). Some insurers, upon learning of your administrative suspension, will continue to insure you since there has not yet been a conviction (and some will do so until your insurance contract is renewed), while others will give you a legal deadline (30 days) to find a new auto insurer.
Will your car insurance premium increase following a suspension for drunk driving?
Obviously, a license suspension for drunk driving can result in several additional costs and inconveniences. The cancellation or non-renewal of your contract will certainly lead to an increase in your insurance premium, since in the eyes of auto insurers, you become a higher risk. It is also important to avoid making any false statements to your insurer, since in the event of a claim, the insurance company may refuse to compensate you. Keep in mind that the truth always comes out in the end and that it is easy for a car insurer to check your SAAQ file. We therefore strongly advise you to contact an independent insurance broker who specializes in insurance for driver’s license suspensions and check with them the insurance rates for your new vehicle before purchasing it to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
In addition, the specialized insurer may request proof of installation of an ignition interlock device or breathalyzer in order to provide coverage for your vehicle. Although the alcohol suspension will appear on your SAAQ driving record for 10 years, insurers may charge higher premiums for several years following a conviction for driving with a blood alcohol level above 80 milligrams or for impaired driving.
Generally, auto insurers will agree to reinsure you after 3 years.
Everyone makes mistakes. It’s important to know how to minimize their consequences. By working with an independent insurance broker, you can benefit from their advice on how to get back into the standard market after your mishap. And if you have one too many drinks, ask a friend to drive you home or use a designated driver service. You can never be too careful!