We all know that drunk driving is prohibited all over the world and this is basically for the safety of the car owner, driver as well as the passengers.
We all know that drunk driving is prohibited all over the world and this is basically for the safety of the car owner, driver as well as the passengers. Drunk Driving is considered as a violation of road safety traffic rules in Kenya. According to NTSA(National Traffic and Safety Authority), an amount of less than KSh 1,00,000 is penalized in breach of road safety regulations.
But if you think, after paying fine you will get relaxed then buddy, this is the starting of problems. This is worth mentioning that it affects your car insurance premiums majorly.
In fact, Motor Vehicle Act considers that if a person is drunk driving, he is considered incapable of driving the vehicle safely and is likely to get into an accident very easily.
In this blog, let’s discuss the impact of drunk drinking on your car insurance:
1. Why NOT Drink and Drive:
Why you shouldn’t drink and drive ?
A small amount of alcohol can affect the way you drive. This is because the effects of alcohol can be seen in your actions, reflexes, and your driving ability.
Even though it’s illegal, drunk driving in Kenya is a critical problem. NTSA has revealed that around half of total road accidents occurred in Kenya are being caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol.
2. What are the legal implications of drunk driving?
As per Traffic Laws Kenya,
Driving under influence of drink (1) Any person who, when driving or attempting to drive, or when in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, is under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.
And, if you are accused of the higher alcohol in blood, you can’t refuse a blood test or breathalyzer.
In case, you’re proved to be a repeat offender, you could be fined larger amounts and face losing your license permanently.
3. Why is car insurance after a DUI so expensive?
If you are convicted of drunk driving, your auto insurance rates will drastically increase because your insurance provider will look at you as a risky driver.
Secondly, If you’ve been caught in driven drunk once, you will be further seen as someone who is likely to do it again. This is a significant liability for any insurance company. To counteract the cost of possible future accidents while under the influence, insurance companies charge significantly more for premiums.
4. How long will you pay higher premiums?
Each insurance company has its own rule to handle DUI in Kenya. Well, most of the companies raise your insurance prices for a tenure of 3-5 years.
Even if you think that changing insurance provider will save you from paying higher premiums, it’s a clear ‘NO’. Your offense will show up on your profile record. And, your car insurance kenya is definitely going to be priced accordingly.
Now you will come to understand how driving under the influence can make a difference in auto premiums.
5. Will my insurance be possibly canceled?
Not exactly. If you’re condemned for drunk driving in Kenya, first of all, you will lose your driver’s license. Suspension length may vary from state to state, but every province requires a minimum 30-day driver’s license suspension for your first DUI charge. The suspension time may increase with each offense.
After you get your driver’s license back, you will probably want to buy car insurance, but what you are going to notice is that the cost of car insurance premiums has risen dramatically for you. This is typically due to following a drunk driving charge.
In case, you have been charged with DUI offense multiple times, you will not be able to get any insurance at all or if we even assume that an insurance provider is offering your motor insurance, you will find that your benefits are severely restricted.
6. What are the effects of your current auto insurance policy?
If you are involved in a car accident that declares you to be at fault, it is likely that your car insurance company will pay out the benefits to cover the damages caused to third parties. But due to driving under the influence, your car insurance provider will then promptly cancel your policy.
Bottom Line:
When you are planning to drink with friends, make sure that the one who is going to drive is not drinking. If you have a driver, taking him along will be a good idea. You can also prefer to hire a taxi for an evening.
A strict “NO” to driving if you are drunk too much. This may put you as well your fellow passengers in danger.
