How does a DWI conviction generally impact insurance rates?

A DWI conviction generally results in significantly higher insurance premiums for several reasons. Insurance companies assess risk based on the driver's history, and a DWI conviction is considered a serious offense that indicates a higher likelihood of future incidents. This change in perceived risk leads insurers to charge higher premiums to compensate for the increased potential for claims related to accidents or damages caused by impaired driving.

Additionally, the impact of a DWI conviction can extend for several years, meaning that the elevated insurance rates often persist well after the conviction itself. Drivers with DWI convictions may also find it challenging to obtain coverage, as some insurers may refuse to insure them altogether or require them to seek high-risk insurance options, which typically come with higher costs.

As for the other choices, decreased insurance rates, unchanged rates, or discounts for DWI convictions do not reflect the reality of how insurance companies react to a DWI on a driver's record. Instead, the focus is placed on the increased risk and subsequent financial ramifications that a conviction brings to the driver's insurance profile.