How Does Drinking and Driving Affect Your Car Insurance?

Had a fun night out with friends? Don’t make the mistake of getting behind the wheel! Driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs may seem harmless on the spot, but it can lead to serious consequences.

Anyone can make a bad decision. At Assurances Multi-Risques, we are not here to judge you, but to advise you. You can count on our team’s expertise to support you if you ever find yourself in a situation like this.

Learn more about the legal and financial repercussions of drunk driving, as well as its impact on your car insurance.

Arrest for Impaired Driving: What the Law Says

In Canada, impaired driving is a criminal offense. The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is set at 80 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood (the famous 0.08). However, your ability to drive is also taken into account. You can be arrested even if your blood alcohol level is below this limit if your driving abilities are deemed impaired.

This applies to ALL motor vehicles, whether it be a car, motorcycle, snowmobile, or boat.

You don’t need to be driving to be arrested. Simply sitting behind the wheel of a parked vehicle is enough. Even if it’s to keep warm, sleep or wait for a taxi. That’s right, the law prohibits having “custody or control of a motor vehicle” when you have had too much to drink or taken drugs.

And What About Drugs?

For cannabis, the limit is set at 2 nanograms of THC per mL of blood. To learn more on this subject, you can read our article on cannabis and car insurance. Keep in mind that even prescription drugs can impair your faculties.

For more information, you can read the Government of Canada article on laws related to drug impairment.

What Is the Actual Cost?

Even if paying for a taxi may seem expensive, it’s nothing compared to getting arrested for drunk driving.

Here’s what can be expected, even for a first arrest:

1. Immediate suspension of your driver’s license, often for 3 months.
2. Minimum fine of $1,000.
3. Suspension or revocation of your license for 12 to 36 months, and up to 60 months in the case of a repeat offense if your blood alcohol level is really high.
4. Summary assessment (approximately $300) and mandatory therapy if the result is unfavorable (approximately $800).
5. Alcohol ignition interlock device for your vehicle for at least one year (approximately $650).
6. Increased contribution to the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec.

So, according to the SAAQ, an offense for drunk driving costs at least $3,000. Not to mention all the stress and consequences on your driving record.

Drinking and Driving: The Impact on Your Car Insurance

The consequences of impaired driving directly affect your ability to obtain insurance.

Being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs often results in the cancellation of your car insurance policy for risk aggravation. You will then have to turn to an insurer that specializes in non-standard insurance. This often results in higher auto insurance premiums and limited coverage, since you will be considered a high-risk driver.

If your driver’s license is suspended, you must inform your car insurer. If you make a false statement, your insurer may refuse to compensate you in the event of a claim.

A drunk driving conviction remains on your SAAQ record for 10 years. However, in many cases, you can return to the standard market after 3 years.

Where Your Broker Makes All the Difference

Finding a new insurer after termination for impaired driving can be difficult. A specialized independent insurance broker will be able to help you find the best possible coverage after a license suspension.

At Assurances Multi-Risques, our brokers understand the situation you are in. We are well positioned to defend your case and find among several insurers the option that best suits your circumstances. Our job is to help you get back on your feet and regain insurance stability as quickly as possible. 

If you are already experiencing the repercussions of a suspension or termination, talk to your broker. We are here for you when you encounter insurance issues!

Solutions to Get Home Safely

Your safety is the most important thing! Since drunk driving is not an option, consider these alternatives:

• Contact a Safe Ride Service in your area.
• Assign a designated driver for the evening.
• Sleep over or walk home.
• Leave your car at home and take a taxi or the bus.

Make these small decisions to prevent big consequences!

Summary

• An arrest for impaired driving results in the immediate suspension of your driver’s license for a period of at least 3 months.

• You will likely have to turn to a specialized insurer, which means higher vehicle insurance premiums and limited coverage.

• An independent insurance broker can defend your case and help you find car insurance that is tailored to your situation.

• Vehicle insurers will generally agree to reinsure you on the standard market after three years.