– Could spur new drunk driving and insurance laws in Florida.
A new study from Online Auto Insurance, an insurance organization that conducts regular research on a variety of issues facing the insurance industry, shows that millions of U.S. motorists drive drunk every year. The study highlights the need for stricter laws regarding drunk driving and notes that the sheer number of people driving under the influence of alcohol may be driving up insurance prices. The study corroborates findings from a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that found that more than 12 million Americans were caught driving while intoxicated in 2010.
The Online Auto Insurance study shows that some 4 million motorists admitted to driving drunk last year, this is in addition to the 12 million the CDC reports were caught driving under the influence. In Florida, this news has led to legislators pushing for more intimidating laws that would have insurers charge more for providing policies to those convicted of a DUI.
Currently, all Floridian motorists are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 personal injury protection policy that would account for damage caused by most accidents. Legislators are considering a new law that would make that minimum for those guilty of DUI to $300,000 as well as a $50,000 policy for property damages caused by driving drunk. Motorists will have to maintain these policies for a minimum of three years of risk having their license revoked and possible jail time.