The legal ramifications of driving under the influence (DUI) are far-reaching, affecting everything from one’s ability to have a license to their professional and personal life and even their survival. Perhaps you haven’t even considered it, but you may wonder, “Can I acquire life insurance after a DUI?”
Although you knew that getting affordable vehicle insurance was unlikely, you might not have considered that a DUI could make it difficult to get even affordable life insurance. Life insurance premiums can be higher even if you have a spotless medical history, take no drugs, and have no significant family history.
If you’ve recently been charged with driving under the influence and are trying to obtain insurance, this post will explain the details insurance companies need to approve your policy.
How Does It Work?
You will be considered a high-risk applicant for life insurance if you have a recent DUI on your record, but that doesn’t imply you can’t acquire coverage. The life insurance application process often involves a 20-minute conversation during which you’ll be asked several questions.
To what extent you have had any driving under the influence convictions is one of those queries. Above all else, please be truthful in your responses. If you don’t admit your guilt, you’ve committed “false substantial misrepresentation,” which can lead to additional legal trouble.
If you respond with a “yes,” your life insurance consultant will do some additional research into your status as a high-risk individual. The possible outcomes are as follows:
- Since the life insurance agency in Houston needs at least two years to form a reliable opinion about your character, they will likely deny your application if you have a recent DUI conviction.
- The typical waiting period for a life insurance plan is three to five years, so if your DUI happened within that time frame, you might still be eligible. However, other variables, such as your well-being and any other possible unfavorable indicators, will influence whether or not you qualify for a reduced cost. Again, a professional agent is your best resource for understanding your choices.
Let’s say you’re anywhere between the three to five years range. You may be required to submit to a blood test as part of a standard medical examination. If you are applying for life insurance after DUI, you will need a blood test that specifically looks for an enzyme called Gamma Glutamyl Transferase.
The enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase moves gamma-glutamyl functional units, as the name suggests. Due to its prevalence in several human tissues, especially the liver, is a reliable indicator of alcoholic liver disease.
Increased levels are another warning sign, so you may be requested to do a Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin (CDT) blood test. This test reveals recent binge drinking during the last two weeks. During this time, heavy drinking is indicated by five or more drinks consumed daily. A positive test indicates liver damage from excessive alcohol usage, which will likely result in a denial of your application.
How Does It Affect Your Life Insurance Rate?
Although it may seem unattainable, it is possible to find reasonably priced life insurance even after a DUI conviction. Your options for life insurance coverage after a DUI conviction can change depending on how long it’s been since your conviction, so it’s best to work with a professional who can support you explore your options.
Is It Possible To Get A Good Life Insurance Plan After A DUI?
The excellent thing is that even if you make the poor choice to go behind the wheel after drinking, that won’t affect your ability to receive affordable life insurance. You may, however, be required to demonstrate that you aren’t a habitual offender and are not suffering from any alcohol-related health difficulties.
Work with a reputable insurance agent who can assist you in applying, and be prepared to pay extra for a short-term life insurance policy today to apply for a better policy and rate later, once you have spent sufficient time to be eligible for preferential rates.
Your needs are unique, and at Franklin Life & Annuity, we’re delighted to provide further analyses just for you. Since 2002, our team has been helping clients with their life insurance needs, whether for term life or final expense insurance. Contact us today and get a quote on our life insurance and final expense insurance agency.