Drunk driving is no joke, and the cost to the driver – even if there is no collision and no one is hurt – can be significant. But many people don’t consider the full financial ramifications of drunk driving. The truth is, the real cost of a DUI is much higher than you think.

It’s a relatively well known fact that a DUI will cost you. There’s the time you spend in court (which will result in missed work hours and lost income), your attorney fees, your court fees, your fines, the cost of reinstating your license, and paying for the inevitable court-ordered substance abuse classes. Oh, and the ignition interlock system that the judge may decide you need, which you also have to pay for.

All of this is assuming that you just got pulled over and didn’t actually hit something with your car. Because a collision ups the ante considerably. The cost of damage to your vehicle, for starters, can end up in the thousands. And while Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, which means that your insurance will not have to cover the cost of damages to the other person’s car, if you damaged property too that can be reflected in increased fines.

But don’t forget bail. That’s not cheap! But if you don’t post bail, you sit in jail, which could cost you your job. Later there will be more lost income when you have to take time off for court dates and community service. Do you suddenly feel the urge to cling to your wallet and weep? Sorry, we’re not quite done yet…

What many people don’t realize is that, on average, the car insurance premium increases after a DUI tend to be about 92.49%. And that’s the national average. As it turns out, Michigan is right up there near the top of the list, just under California and Hawaii, and having some of the highest hikes in insurance rates across the nation.

The reality is that a DUI in Michigan is going to cost you thousands. So if we can give any advice at this point, it would be that you spend the extra twenty bucks on a cab – it may seem like money wasted now, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to what you will have to fork out if you get pulled over.

Think first. Be safe. Don’t drink and drive. But if you do, get the best defense possible. We are here for you.