Now that marijuana has become legalized for recreational use in Washington State as part of initiative I-502, we wonder: What does this mean for your insurance?
After all, whether you are driving under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of pot, you are still “driving under the influence” and can be pulled over by a police officer. According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, a DUI offense is defined as follows:
“Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to operating a vehicle while affected by alcohol, drugs, or both. This applies to both legal and illegal drugs, including prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs.”
As part of their Target Zero campaign, Washington State Troopers and officers work hard to enforce DUI Laws by sponsoring drug recognition training for officers, conducting expanded DUI patrols, and raising public awareness.
While random DUI checkpoints have been declared unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court in the 1980’s, there has been a recent push by Washington State lawmakers to bring back sobriety checkpoints, according to a KING5 News Article from earlier this year.
Effects of Marijuana on your Auto Insurance
A DUI can have significant legal and financial consequences. If you are arrested and/or convicted for DUI of marijuana, your license may be suspended for 90 days to several years, in addition to you being charged with significant fees.
In order to reinstate your driver’s license, you must file a SR-22 certificate of insurance. This certificate provides proof that you have sufficient liability insurance and/or are able to pay for any damages you may cause while you are driving.
A SR-22 will prevent you from qualifying as a preferred driver with many insurance companies, and will drive your car insurance rates up significantly for many years.
While car insurance providers don’t necessarily look at whether or not you consume marijuana, they do care about your driving record and whether you get convicted of DUI. These factors will contribute to the determination of your car insurance rates.
Effects of Marijuana on your Life Insurance
Whether you smoke cigarettes or pot, smoking is a significant factor when it comes to obtaining Life Insurance, and life insurance providers will take a close look at it. Irregardless of your overall health, smoking will disqualify you from preferred status.
That said, different rating algorithms apply whether you use marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes.
Your life insurance rates will also be affected if you have a DUI on your record.
The bottom line is that even though Washington voters have approved legal recreational use of marijuana, it still needs to be consumed responsibly and can have significant effects on your insurance plans.
Questions? Please give us a call at 425-379-9200!