When you ask, “Does an interlock affect insurance?” you’re skipping over what really affects your auto insurance. The fact that you got a DUI/DWI is what affects your auto insurance rates. A DUI conviction is expensive. In addition to lawyer’s fees, fines, and jail time, you can expect your car insurance rates to skyrocket. And that’s whether you have an interlock requirement or not.
Depending on what state you live in, your auto insurance rates after a DUI/DWI can go up 28% to a whopping 371%, according to industry calculations. The average increase is 80%. And you can count on the DUI/DWI affecting your auto insurance rates for 3 years. But does an interlock affect insurance?
Required Ignition Interlock Device Installation
If you were convicted of a DUI/DWI, the courts or your state Department of Motor Vehicles may require you to get an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle before you can drive anywhere. All 50 states and Washington DC have ignition interlock laws. And the majority of the states now require even first time offenders to get an IID installed for a certain period of time after a DUI/DWI. You are then required to submit a breath sample anytime you want to start the car, and even while you are driving, to ensure you did not start drinking after you started driving.
In this scenario, it’s unlikely that an interlock affects insurance. After a DUI/DWI conviction, your auto insurance company may actually drop you as a customer. This is because you are now considered a high-risk driver. They don’t care if you have an interlock or not.
Voluntary Ignition Interlock Device Installation
You know how when you’re shopping around for the best auto insurance rates, you see that there are a bunch of available discounts? A discount for bundling with homeowner’s insurance, a discount for a smart student, and a discount for safety devices are the most common.
What’s that? Safety devices? If an auto insurance company will give you a discount for how many airbags you have, or for an anti-theft system, it is entirely possible that they would give you a discount if you had voluntarily installed an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
Some people install an IID voluntarily as part of their own recovery program, or to ensure that a teen driver or college student doesn’t attempt to drink and drive. It may be worth your while to tell your auto insurance company about this, as young drivers are the most expensive to insure.
In this scenario, an interlock might affect insurance. When you call to get a quote, mention the many interlock research studies and statistics that show how effective the devices are in preventing drunk driving. It certainly can’t hurt to ask for a discount.
Schedule Your Ignition Interlock Device Installation
If you are required to get an ignition interlock device installed on one or more vehicles, or if you want to voluntarily install an IID, ALCOLOCK is always ready to help. We provide fast and affordable IID installation at ignition interlock device installation locations across the country. You can easily schedule your installation with a call to the service location that’s most convenient. Before you choose a location, keep in mind that where you get your IID installed is where you will take your car in for service visits. You can also call ALCOLOCK directly at (866) 700-9300.
Plan ahead and pick a day and time for installation where someone can drive you and your vehicle to the service center. If someone else will be driving the vehicle while you have the interlock installed, they can drive you and get training themselves.
Your installation appointment will take about an hour. First, the technician will install the IID in your car. Then, the service tech will calibrate the device to you, as well as anyone else who may drive your vehicle. This may involve you humming and blowing into the device, or the device taking a picture of you to compare in future tests. The technician will also explain what all of the device sounds, lights, and messages mean. You’ll receive a user’s manual to refer to if you have questions about operating the device. You can also call ALCOLOCK 24/7 for assistance.
Finally, you will schedule your first service visit. Every state interlock program requires regular service visits, generally every 30-60 days. Service visits usually take about 20 minutes.