Ignition Interlock: Cheaper Insurance?

Having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle will likely not make your insurance cheaper. In fact, insurance rates typically increase after a drunk driving conviction, as offenders are deemed higher-risk drivers. While an ignition interlock device can help lower that risk, insurance companies base their premiums on statistics, and drunk driving convictions are costly. However, there are some cases where insurance companies may offer discounts for safety devices, and it is worth asking your insurance provider about this.

Ignition interlock devices are breathalysers for your car

Today, the use of car interlock devices is not just for drink-driving offenders. It is also a widely-adopted measure among safety-minded individuals, conscientious business proprietors, and caring parents.

If you are convicted of a DUI or 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 most states now require even first-time offenders to get an IID installed for a certain period. You are then required to submit a breath sample any time you want to start the car and even while you are driving, to ensure you did not start drinking after starting the engine.

In this scenario, it is unlikely that an interlock affects your insurance. After a DUI/DWI conviction, your auto insurance company may actually drop you as a customer, as you are now considered a high-risk driver.

However, if you voluntarily install an IID, it may be worth mentioning this to your insurance company, as it could be seen as a safety device. Some insurance companies may offer discounts for safety devices, and it is possible that they would give you a discount if you had voluntarily installed an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

They can help to prevent drunk driving

Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are a powerful tool to prevent drunk driving. They are small, handheld breathalysers wired into a car's electronics that prevent the engine from starting unless the driver is sober. IIDs are easy to use and convenient to install.

IIDs are an effective way to stop drunk driving before it starts. One study found that states mandating them for all drunken-driving offenders had 15% fewer fatalities from alcohol-related car accidents. Ignition interlocks reduce driving while impaired (DWI) repeat offences by about 70% while they are installed. Laws requiring an ignition interlock for all offenders were associated with 26% fewer alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes compared to no interlock law during 2001-2019.

IIDs work by requiring the driver to submit a breath sample to test their breath alcohol content (BrAC). If the BrAC is above the limit (typically 0.02), the car will not start. Some IIDs use a voice prompt to let the driver know they need to provide a breath sample, while others feature a one-button operating system. After starting the vehicle, the driver will need to provide additional breath samples throughout the trip to ensure continuous sobriety. These rolling retests occur at random and usually give the driver about 60 seconds to provide a deep-lung breath sample. If the driver fails a retest, they are instructed to pull over and shut off the car. Failing to do so will cause the vehicle's horn to sound and the lights to blink until the engine is shut off.

While IIDs are effective in preventing drunk driving, they can also cause distractions and lead to crashes. For example, rolling retests require the driver to take a hand off the wheel and blow into the device, which can be challenging and cause distractions while driving. Additionally, some foods and prescription drugs can interfere with breathalyser test results, leading to false positives.

They may not lower your insurance rates

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer for your car. You have to blow into the device to start the car's engine. If your blood alcohol concentration is above the limit programmed into the device, the engine won't start, and the event will be logged. In some cases, jail time may be suspended or avoided if you install an IID.

While an IID can help prevent drunk driving, it may not lower your insurance rates. A DUI conviction is expensive, and you can expect your car insurance rates to increase by 28% to 371% (depending on the state you live in). The average increase is 80%, and the increase will last for three years. Even with an IID, an auto insurance company will probably still see you as a risk on the road. This is because insurance companies base premiums on statistics, and while it is a fact that a DUI offender with an IID is much less likely to reoffend, not everyone takes their commitment to sober driving as seriously.

Additionally, some insurance companies will drop you as a customer after a DUI conviction, as you are now considered a high-risk driver. They don't care if you have an IID or not. Your insurance rates will rise, and even an IID may not be enough to qualify for any discounts.

In some states, a discount is possible after IID installation, but this practice is not yet widespread. According to interlock device company Smart Start, installing an IID when you're not legally required to could demonstrate to auto insurance companies that you are more responsible and, therefore, less risky to insure.

They can be leased or purchased

Ignition interlock devices can be leased or rented from a certified vendor. They cannot be purchased, as they are considered medical devices by the FDA. However, there are different lease options available, and you are not locked into a contract with all providers.

Monthly leases are the most common option, with costs typically ranging from $60 to $90 per month. Some providers also offer bi-weekly payment plans to help manage the costs. The cost of leasing an ignition interlock device depends on several factors, such as the length of time you need the device, the model required by your state, and the frequency of compliance reporting.

It is important to note that there may be additional fees associated with leasing an ignition interlock device, such as installation costs, calibration costs, and early termination fees if you cancel your contract before the end of the term.

When choosing an ignition interlock provider, it is essential to consider your specific needs and compare the lease options, customer service, and potential fees charged by different companies.

They may be required for license reinstatement

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a relatively small device that is wired to a vehicle's electrical system, controlling the driver's ability to start the vehicle. The driver must pass a breathalyzer test to turn on the car. In the US, many states require those found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) to install IIDs in their vehicles.

In some cases, an IID may be required for license reinstatement after a DUI or DWI conviction. This means that in order to get your driver's license back, you will need to provide proof of installation of an IID. The length of time that an IID is required to be installed can vary depending on the state and the number of convictions. For example, in Oklahoma, a first revocation requires an IID installation for one and a half years, while a second revocation requires four years, and a third or subsequent revocation requires five years.

In California, first-time DUI offenders may be able to avoid license suspension altogether by installing an IID, enrolling in an alcohol program, filing an SR-22 form, and paying DMV fees. Courts may also order non-injury first DUI offenders to install an IID for a period of 1 to 3 years.

In Texas, if you receive a court order restricting your ability to operate a vehicle without an IID, your driving privileges will be canceled unless you obtain and install an IID and obtain a restricted interlock license.

While an IID may be required for license reinstatement in some cases, it is important to note that the installation and maintenance fees associated with these devices can be costly. Offenders may also face other financial consequences, such as increased insurance rates, court fees, and fines.

Frequently asked questions