Applying for Life Insurance with a DUI Charge

A common non-medical risk factor life insurance companies will look at is your driving history, which includes any DUI (Driving Under Influence) charges. Life insurance companies will consider your motor vehicle driving history to help determine your ratings for premiums, and in some cases, may even decline your application entirely. However, it’s important to remember that obtaining life insurance after a DUI is not impossible, but it can cost quite a bit more if you choose the wrong carrier.

We will go over in this blog how a DUI charge affects life insurance applications, including coverage and premium implications. We will discuss efficient ways to negotiate the underwriting process and offer basic tactics for those with DUIs to guarantee reasonable life insurance plans.

In this article:

• What is DUI (Driving under the influence) in Canada?
  • What does impaired driving or a DUI look like in Alberta?
  • What does impaired driving or a DUI look like in British Columbia?
  • What does impaired driving or a DUI look like in Ontario?
  • What does impaired driving or a DUI look like in Manitoba?
• How does my driving history and DUI affect insurance?
  • Driving Infractions
• How long will a DUI affect my insurance?
  • How long after DUI can you get life insurance?
  • How long is insurance expensive after DUI?
• Tips for Improving Your Chances of Getting Approved For Life Insurance After a DUI
• Case Study: Selena from Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Does drunk driving void life insurance?
• Does life insurance pay out for drunk driving deaths?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DUIs and life insurance

What is DUI (Driving under the influence) in Canada?

In Canada, a DUI is considered operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Although you may think that DUI charges only affect your auto insurance, it also plays a part in your life insurance applications. Insurance companies consider DUIs as a risk factor, as they indicate a higher likelihood of accidents, health issues, and premature death. Additionally, if you have a history of reckless driving or partake in motor vehicle racing, it is more of a risk for insurance companies to insure you, thus making it harder for insurers to approve your application at a standard rate. 

As difficult as it may seem to get life insurance after getting a DUI charge, it’s not impossible to get an affordable policy. Working with a life insurance advisor or expert can help you navigate through the different policies that you can choose from, depending on the time since your DUI charge.

Note that in addition to the federal Criminal Code of Canada impaired driving penalties and criminal offences, each province has its own sanctions for impaired driving. Below are the sanctions for impaired driving offences for Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba:

What does impaired driving or a DUI look like in Alberta?

Alberta has 4 programs that can affect impaired drivers depending on their licence status and the amount of blood alcohol concentration: the Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) program, Alberta Administrative Licence Suspension (AALS) program, 24-Hour Suspension Program, and Zero Tolerance Program. Alberta also has an ignition interlock program that requires convicted offenders to install an interlock device in their vehicles, which measures BAC and prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected.

Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) program

Under this program, police officers have the authority to demand a breath or blood sample from any driver they lawfully stop. Refusing to provide a sample can lead to serious consequences, including automatic license suspensions and vehicle seizures. The IRS program applies to fully licensed drivers with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 to 0.08, and has 3 levels for offenses: 

• First offense
  • 3-day vehicle seizure
  • Immediate 3-day license suspension
• Second offense
  • 7-day vehicle seizure
  • Immediate 15-day license suspension
  • Attendance of the “Planning Ahead” course
• Third offense
  • 7-day vehicle seizure
  • Immediate 30-day Driver’s License Suspension
  • Attending the “IMPACT” Program

Alberta Administrative Licence Suspension (AALS) program

This program involves the immediate suspension of a driver’s license and vehicle seizure upon being charged with certain impaired driving offences, allowing for swift penalties and deterrents. The AALS program affects fully licensed drivers and drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program who:

• Have a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08
• Have a concentration of THC over 2 nanograms per millilitre in their bloodstream
• Have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 and 2.5 nanograms of THC per millilitre in the bloodstream
• Refuse to provide a fluid or breath sample

Sanctions include an immediate driving suspension.

• 90-day licence suspension
• A further driving suspension of one year during which the driver can drive if they participate in the Ignition Interlock Program

Suspended drivers must also attend remedial education courses and will have their vehicle seized for 3 days for a first offense and 7 days for subsequent offenses.

24-Hour Suspension Program

Drivers who are suspected of impairment due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or a medical or physical condition can be removed from the road immediately by peace officers and have their license suspended for 24 hours.

Zero Tolerance Program

New drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing program are subject to a 7-day vehicle seizure and 30-day license suspension if alcohol, cannabis, or illegal drugs are found in their blood at a concentration that is higher than zero but less than criminal limits.

What does impaired driving or a DUI look like in British Columbia?

When it comes to penalties for impaired driving offences, British Columbia imposes both administrative and criminal penalties. In fact, it is not uncommon for a driver to face jail time for a DUI, and in certain cases it is mandatory. Penalties for driving over the legal limit range from fines and license suspensions to lifetime driving prohibitions, light prison sentences, or worse.

British Columbia utilizes a combination of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) and Approved Screening Devices (ASDs). If a police officer suspects you of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, or having done so within the previous three hours, you will be directed to give a breath sample into an approved screening device (ASD). This is known as a breathalyzer test. If your blood/alcohol level is below .05, you will be given a “pass” and not face any consequences. 

If your reading is above 0.05 but less than 0.08, your grade will be a “warn”. The penalties for these offences within a five-year period are as follows:

• First offence: a three-day driving prohibition, a $200 fine, and you must apply to have your licence reinstated including paying all outstanding debts to the government.
• Second offence: a seven-day driving prohibition, possible vehicle impoundment for seven days, a $300 fine, possible referral to the Responsible Driver Program, and the same licence reinstatement penalty.
• Third offence: a 30-day driving prohibition, possible vehicle impoundment for 30 days, a $400 fine, possible referral to the Responsible Driver program and Ignition Interlock Program, and the licence reinstatement penalty.

If your reading is above 0.08 or you fail to provide a sample, a different set of penalties take effect. An officer may issue you a 90-day roadside prohibition at their discretion. This will also include a $500 fine and towing fees as well as further penalties.

Driving over 0.08 is considered a criminal offence, and if you are convicted of impaired driving in British Columbia, the consequences are as follows:

• First offence: $1,000 fine.
• Second offence: minimum of 30 days imprisonment.
• Third or subsequent offence: minimum of 120 days imprisonment.
• It’s important to note that refusal is also considered a criminal offence.

What does impaired driving or a DUI look like in Ontario?

You can face charges if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more, or if you are in the ‘warn’ range (blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 and 0.079). Ontario also splits up the penalties depending on your level of driving experience. It is important to highlight that the legal BAC limit in Ontario is 0.08% for fully licensed drivers, while for novice drivers and commercial drivers, it is a zero-tolerance policy. This means that any presence of alcohol or drugs can lead to immediate penalties.

Under Ontario’s zero tolerance law for young, novice, and commercial drivers, you cannot have any alcohol in your system if you are:

• age 21 or under
• a driver of any age who holds a G1, G2, M1, or M2 licence
• driving a vehicle that requires an A-F driver’s licence or Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR)
• driving a road-building machine

Warn range penalties for all drivers

These penalties apply to all drivers with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) between 0.05-0.079 and/or who fail the Standard Field Sobriety Test (alcohol and/or drugs).

• First time offence
  • 3-day immediate licence suspension
  • $250 penalty
• Second time offence
  • 7-day immediate licence suspension
  • education or treatment program
  • $350 penalty
• Third time offence
  • 30-day immediate licence suspension
  • education or treatment program
  • Ignition Interlock condition for six months
  • $450 penalty

You’ll also have to pay a licence reinstatement fee every time your licence is suspended.

Impairment penalties for all drivers

Administrative penalties include immediate license suspensions, vehicle impoundments, and mandatory education programs. Criminal penalties can result in fines, jail time, and longer license suspensions.  These penalties apply to those with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, who fail or refuse to comply with a demand for alcohol or drug testing, or who perform poorly during a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation (drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol)

• First time offence
  • immediate roadside 90-day suspension
  • 7-day vehicle impoundment
  • $550 penalty
• Second time offence
  • immediate roadside 90-day suspension
  • 7-day vehicle impoundment
  • education and treatment program
  • $550 penalty
• Third time offence
  • immediate roadside 90-day suspension
  • 7-day vehicle impoundment
  • education and treatment program
  • Ignition Interlock condition for six months
  • $550 penalty

Penalties for young and novice drivers

If you are 21 and under or have a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence you cannot have any drugs or alcohol in your system. You will face these penalties, plus you can face additional penalties for impairment just like any other fully licenced-driver.

• First time
  • 3-day immediate roadside licence suspension
  • $60-$1000 fine (if convicted)
  • $250 penalty
• Second time
  • 7-day immediate roadside licence suspension
  • $60-$1000 fine (if convicted)
  • education or treatment program
  • $350 penalty
• Third time
  • 30-day immediate roadside licence suspension
  • $60-$1000 fine (if convicted)
  • education or treatment program
  • Ignition Interlock condition for six months
  • $450 penalty

Once convicted, your licence can be suspended for an additional 30 or 90 days, or cancelled, depending on your age and the class of driver’s licence you have. Similarly, you’ll also have to pay a licence reinstatement fee every time your licence is suspended.

What does impaired driving or a DUI look like in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, strict impaired driving rules apply under several initiatives meant to lower incidence and properly punish offenders. Key component of these initiatives is the Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) program, which started on December 16, 2019. Based on the results of an approved screening device, this program imposes instant roadside penalties. Drivers registering a “warn” level, that is, blood alcohol content between 0.05 and 0.079, risk administrative fines including vehicle impoundment for three days and a fine. For more severe infractions, such as registering a “fail” (blood alcohol content at or over 0.08) or refusing to provide a sample, the penalties include a three-month license suspension, vehicle impoundment for 30 days, and a mandatory Ignition Interlock use for one year.

Additionally, the Tiered Administrative Licence Suspension system in Manitoba imposes progressively longer suspensions ranging from 72 hours to 60 days depending on the number of suspensions received within a 10-year period. These administrative actions are complemented by potential criminal charges, which could lead to even more severe consequences including hefty fines, imprisonment, and long-term driving prohibitions depending on the severity and recurrence of the offences.

In Manitoba, the programs for addressing impaired driving include:

Case Study: Selena from Winnipeg, Manitoba

Selena, a 31-year-old sales manager from Winnipeg, found herself facing DUI charges after a routine traffic stop where she tested slightly above the legal limit. Selena was concerned about how this could affect her life insurance options and premiums.

Following the incident, Selena went through the Immediate Roadside Prohibition, receiving a three-day vehicle impoundment and a temporary license suspension. She was determined to mitigate the consequences. This made her reach out to a life insurance advisor for guidance. With professional assistance, Selena explored various life insurance policies that would accommodate her situation.

She worked through Manitoba’s tiered administrative licence suspensions. Selena was also able to successfully secure a life insurance policy tailored to her needs.

Tips for Improving Your Chances of Getting Approved For Life Insurance After a DUI

Improving your chances of getting approved for life insurance after a DUI can be achieved by following a few key tips. Firstly, honesty and transparency are crucial—provide accurate information about your DUI conviction on your application to avoid complications or denial of coverage. Secondly, maintaining a clean driving record by practicing safe driving habits and avoiding further traffic violations demonstrates responsibility and increases the likelihood of obtaining insurance.

Additionally, focusing on your overall health can positively impact your application. Adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular medical check-ups to showcase your commitment to well-being and offset the impact of the DUI. Lastly, if you have struggled with substance abuse, seeking professional help and completing a treatment program can further demonstrate your dedication to overcoming challenges and reducing future risks, improving your chances of getting approved for life insurance after a DUI.

How does my driving history and DUI affect insurance?

A DUI will affect your life insurance application’s approval status, and how you will be rated for your insurance premiums. The more recent your DUI charge, the less likely you’ll be able to be approved or the more you will have to pay for your premiums. Most insurers will require a minimum of 6 months after a DUI charge, but some will require longer periods of time before you can apply. The number of DUIs you have received over a number of years is also taken into account for your ratings for premiums. Typically, the more DUIs you have, the higher your rating and premium costs.  However, it’s important to note that each insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines and may assess DUIs differently.

Another thing to note is that insurers will not consider your application if your license is currently suspended.

Your driving record will also be taken into account during the life insurance application process. Underwriters will require a Motor Vehicle Report or questionnaire, which will ask about driving infractions (traffic offenses), DUI charges, and license suspensions. To increase your chances of securing life insurance after a DUI, it’s crucial to be proactive in addressing any potential concerns. By understanding how insurance companies view DUIs and taking the necessary steps to mitigate risk factors, you can position yourself as a responsible and insurable applicant.

Driving Infractions 

Driving infractions (also known as traffic offenses) are considered when reviewing your driving record and motor vehicle report. These are non-criminal traffic offenses, but are prohibited by law. These can be anything from speeding, running a red light, failing to stop or yield, or seatbelt violations.

Some life insurers will consider the number and type of driving infractions in the past few years and rate you higher if you surpass a certain amount. Both the years and the number of infractions considered will vary by insurance company, meaning if you have more infractions, looking for a company that is more lenient towards driving offenses will be ideal for you.

How long will a DUI affect my insurance?

The impact of a DUI on your life insurance application can vary based on the recentness and seriousness of the offence. While a single DUI from a few years ago might have a milder effect, multiple DUIs within a brief space of time can have a more significant impact. Insurance providers typically evaluate police reports, court records, and driving history to evaluate the frequency and severity of DUI incidents. 

If you were charged with a DUI within the past 1-2 years, it’s likely you will be denied coverage or have a higher premium cost because there hasn’t been enough time since the charge for the insurance company to confidently assess your behaviour. However, some insurers will allow for shorter periods of time – it depends on the company and where you look. Speaking with one of our life insurance experts can help you find the right company for the period of time since your own DUI charge.

In general, an insurance company will not consider DUI’s from 3-5 years ago. This means that after 3-5 years, you’ll be more likely to receive standard ratings for premiums and be approved.

Does drunk driving void life insurance?

If you already have a life insurance policy in place, drunk driving or driving under influence will not void your life insurance policy. 

Does life insurance pay out for drunk driving deaths?

As part of the contract, life insurance policies cover almost all deaths due to an illness, accident, or natural causes. Motor vehicle accident related deaths are classified under accidental death, and drunk driving will typically fall under this. If the drunk driving death is deemed as a suicide, life insurance companies will still pay your beneficiary, as long as the period covered by the suicide clause has elapsed (which is typically 2 years).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DUIs and life insurance

Finding the best life insurance after a DUI

As difficult as it may seem, it’s not impossible to get affordable life insurance after getting a DUI charge. Working with a life insurance advisor or expert can help you navigate through and compare the different policies that you can choose from, depending on the time since your DUI charge. Remember, it’s crucial to be honest and transparent throughout the application process. Provide accurate and complete information, gather all necessary documentation, and explore different life insurance options to find the best fit for your needs.

At Protect Your Wealth, we would be more than happy to provide further analysis for your specific circumstances. We’ve been providing expert life insurance solutions since 2007, including term life insurance and no medical life insurance. Or, if you are interested in learning more about the options available to you, check out our guide on the best life insurance companies in Canada.

Contact Protect Your Wealth today at 1-877-654-6119  to learn more about your options! We’re proudly based out of Hamilton, and service clients anywhere in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba such as Barrie, Oshawa, Abbotsford, and Morden.