Does a wet reckless affect insurance?

Yes, a wet reckless affects insurance. Although a wet reckless is a less serious violation than a DUI, it is still a conviction for reckless driving with alcohol involved that will raise your insurance premiums for at least 3-5 years as well as remove any good driver discount you currently have with your insurer.

A wet reckless is a plea bargain that may be offered to you if you have been charged with a DUI. It lessens the penalties, including jail time and license suspension or revocation, relative to a DUI.

How a Wet Reckless Affects Your Insurance

• Increases your insurance rates. Even though the penalties for a wet reckless conviction are less severe than they are for a DUI, a wet reckless will still make your insurance rates go up. Drivers convicted of reckless driving see their rates increase by an average of 98%, depending on the state and insurer, and a wet reckless is likely to increase your rates by more. However, your insurance rates will not increase until your policy is up for renewal.

• May require you to get SR-22 insurance. In most states, you will need to have an SR-22 on file after you have been convicted of a wet reckless. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurer files with the state on your behalf, verifying that you satisfy your state’s minimum coverage requirements.

• Removes any good driver discount. Typically, you can qualify for a good driver discount if you have been accident and violation free for 3-5 years. If you are convicted of a wet reckless, any good driver discount you have with your insurer will be removed when your policy is renewed.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to insurance after getting a DUI as well as our picks for the cheapest car insurance companies.