DUI vs. DWI: Similarities and Differences (2022)

On the surface there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference between a Driving under the influence (DUI) and drunk driving (DWI) offense. If you are charged with either type of offence, it means that a police officer has determined that you are too disabled to drive. While the precise definitions of these offenses vary from state to state, damage is a DUI or DWI Impact on your mileage is severe everywhere.

We at the Home Media Review team have examined the differences between DUIs and DWIs, the penalties that come with each and how they can affect your car insurance rates. We also researched and evaluated them best car insurance companies to help you find the right coverage for your needs.

The exact details of a DWI versus a DUI vary slightly across state lines, but if you are charged with either, it means a law enforcement officer has determined you are unsafe to drive.

DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence” and refers to reckless behavior caused by driving after consuming alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medication. DWI stands for “driving while disabled” or “driving while intoxicated” and refers to the fact that you were under the influence of controlled substances rather than the resulting actions.

Some states use the abbreviations OUI (operating under the influence), OWI (operating while intoxicated), DWAI (driving with reduced ability), or DUAC (driving with an unacceptable concentration of alcohol) as codes for DWI and DUI charges.

It is difficult to accurately distinguish between a DUI and a DWI as each state has its own laws. What is called a DWI in one state may be called a DUI in another. Find out about the specific laws of your own location to find out what factors make each fee different.

DUI vs DWI: Which is More Serious?

A DWI is usually a more serious charge than a DUI in states that recognize the two as separate offenses. This is mainly due to the fact that a DWI comes with scientific evidence that you operated a motor vehicle while drunk.

The Bund blood alcohol concentration (BAK) is 0.08%, and all states follow that benchmark except Utah, which is 0.05% instead. penalties etc legal limits are much stricter in most states for underage drivers and commercial drivers. You can expect to have yours BAK Level checked with a alcohol test if you fail a Sobriety test in the field.

At a minimum, drivers who receive a DUI or DWI violation face a fine and have their driving license revoked. Many states fine drivers from $500 to over $2,000 after their first violation, and a driver’s license suspension can take three to six months. Your blood alcohol level when caught can affect how long your driver’s license suspension might last.

Other possible penalties upon receipt of a DUI or DWI charge include imprisonment or a specified number of hours of community service. Those caught for either offense may also need to have an ignition locking device installed in their vehicle to check their breath before operating it.

Any criminal charges against you will affect your penalties for a DUI or DWI violation. Many law firms offer free consultations for those with DUI or DWI charges, so you should speak with a defense attorney.

According to our cost information a DUI or DWI Violations can increase car insurance bonuses by more than 70%. How your fare is affected will depend on a number of factors, including your car insurance provider, where you live and what licenses you already have.

You will likely need an approved Form SR-22 or FR-44 to recover your account driver’s license after a DUI or DWI Violation. Your auto insurer will submit this form to your state department motor vehicles (DMV) to confirm that you have adequate minimum liability insurance. As a rule, you must keep an SR-22 or FR-44 for at least three years after a DUI or DWI Arrest.

The easiest way to find cheap car insurance after Driving under the influence is by comparing free offers online. While there are differences between a DUI and DWI feepay far more than most drivers either way unless you’re actively looking for competitive rates.

This was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 11,654 alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities in 2020, a 14% increase from 2019 alone. The NHTSA also estimates that 30% of all crash fatalities in the US involve drunk drivers. Note that these statistics don’t even mention the resulting deaths Driving under the influence of drugs.

Given these numbers, that’s no surprise DUI or DWI Violations lead to significantly higher car insurances bonuses. Expect to pay a high rate for coverage regardless of whether you face one DUI or a DWI Violation.

That goes without saying Driving under the influence is something motorists should never do. The dramatic rise in car insurance rates is just one of the many negative impacts of a DUI or DWI Injury, not to mention endangering other people and yourself.

DUI and DWI: Recommended providers

if you have one DUI or DWI on your driver’s license it can be difficult to find car insurance at your preferred price point. We recommend you Compare car insurance Offers from multiple providers to find the best rates and you can start your search with the companies listed below.

#1 State Farm: Editor’s Choice

State Farm is recognized as the most popular auto insurance provider in the United States and is known for affordable policies and strong customer service. You can unlock discounts if your car has certain safety features and you are willing to take defensive driving course. State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save™ usage-based program is another way to save.

Continue reading: State farm insurance review

#2 USAA: Low tariffs for the military

USAA offers some of the lowest rates in the auto insurance industry, but their policies are only available to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their immediate families. The company ranks high in all regions of the world JD Power 2022 US Auto Insurance StudySM, which focuses on customer satisfaction. When you qualify for USAA’s policies, you can expect low rates and superior service from its agents.

Continue reading: USAA Insurance Review

#3 Geico: Affordable for most riders

Geico generally offers cheap rates along with a wide range of coverage options. You can save on your insurance bonuses B. by bundling different Geico insurance policies and by maintaining safe driving habits. Geico also offers savings through its DriveEasy™ usage-based insurance program.

Continue reading: Geico insurance review

DUI vs. DWI: Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about comparing a DUI to a DWI.

Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we have developed a comprehensive rating system to formulate our Best Car Rankings insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to rank the companies based on a variety of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers with the most points topping the list.

Here are the factors our reviews take into account:

• Cost (30% of total score): Auto insurance rate estimates and discount opportunities generated by Quadrant Information Services have been included.
• Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of insurance coverage choices are more likely to meet consumer needs.
• Reputation (15% of total score): Our research team considered market share, industry expert reviews, and fiscal year to assign this rating.
• Availability (10% of total score): Automatic insurance companies with greater state availability and fewer admission requirements scored highest in this category.
• Customer Experience (15% of total score): This score is based on the number of complaints reported by NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings reported by JD Power. We also took into account each individual’s responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness insurance company‘s customer service team based on our own buyer analysis.