Dui Auto Insurance: C-Rated Insurers Cheaper?

Getting a DUI will almost certainly increase your insurance rates significantly for years. The national average full-coverage policy for a driver with a clean record is $214 per month, but this increases to $361 per month after a DUI. However, there are still ways to find cheap insurance after a DUI.

The cheapest car insurance companies after a DUI are State Farm, Progressive, and Travelers, according to WalletHub's analysis. Progressive is the best major car insurance company for drivers with a DUI. Full coverage from Progressive costs around $212 per month after one DUI.

It's important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the cheapest car insurance available to you after a DUI conviction.

DUI insurance rates by company

DUI insurance rates vary by company and state, but Progressive is consistently mentioned as having the best average rates for drivers following a DUI. Progressive also offers SR-22 insurance filings, which are essential for DUI drivers who need this form sent to the state. Progressive's rates only increase by $43 per month on average, and the company accepts DUI drivers, raising rates by a countrywide average of about 13% after one DUI.

USAA also offers the best average rates for drivers with DUIs, but only military members, veterans, and their families are eligible for USAA auto insurance. USAA imposes an average increase of 95% after a DUI, but it still has the overall cheapest average rate of $2,751 a year.

Other companies that offer good rates for drivers with a DUI include:

• American Family: This company has better-than-average rates for drivers with DUI convictions and has a very low level of complaints made to state insurance departments.
• Allstate: Allstate has a low rate hike after a DUI, but its overall rates may be higher than other companies.
• Auto-Owners Insurance: This company has high rates for drivers with a DUI, but they are offset by a range of optional coverage options, a good claims process, and a low level of complaints.
• State Farm: State Farm's rates rise by $243 on average after a DUI.
• American National: American National has the cheapest rates on average after a DUI, with drivers paying only $77 a month.
• Indiana Farmers: Indiana Farmers has the second-cheapest rates after a DUI, costing drivers $80 a month on average, but policies are only available in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

DUI insurance rates by state

DUI insurance rates vary by state, and a DUI conviction will generally lead to higher insurance rates for several years.

In the US, the national average auto insurance rate increase for drivers with a DUI is between 65% and 70%, or an extra $1,400 to $1,470 per year. However, this figure is not fixed and can vary depending on the state and insurance company. For instance, in North Carolina, a DUI more than triples the price of insurance, whereas in Pennsylvania, a DUI results in a 45% increase.

Some of the states with the highest DUI car insurance rates include Michigan, where rates double to an average of $727 per month for full coverage. North Carolina also has one of the largest increases, with rates nearly quadrupling after a DUI. In Washington, D.C., and six other states, a single DUI more than doubles insurance prices.

On the other hand, states like Virginia, Maryland, and Alaska experience smaller insurance increases following a DUI.

The length of time a DUI affects insurance rates also depends on the state. In California, a DUI stays on your record for ten years, and you are ineligible for a good driver discount during this period. In other states, a DUI may remain on your record for three to seven years.

DUI insurance costs

If you have a DUI (driving under the influence) on your record, you were caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Most DUIs are misdemeanors, but they come with serious consequences. You could have your driver's license and vehicle registration suspended, pay up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees, and even serve jail time.

A DUI will almost always cause your insurance rates to increase significantly. The national average full-coverage policy for a driver with a clean record is $214 per month, but this increases to $361 per month after a DUI.

According to Forbes, USAA, Progressive and American Family offer car insurance policies for less than $3,000 a year on average for drivers with a recent DUI. However, USAA insurance is only available to military members, veterans and their families.

NerdWallet found that Progressive is the cheapest on average for full coverage insurance if you’ve had a DUI. Progressive's rates increase by 29% on average after a DUI, which is much lower than other companies.

WalletHub found that State Farm, Travelers, and Progressive are the cheapest car insurance companies after a DUI.

Insurfy's research shows that Farmers, Clearcover, and State Farm are the most affordable insurers on average for drivers after a DUI.

The amount you pay following a DUI will be determined by the insurance regulations of the state you live in. For example, Idaho is still relatively affordable, with an average monthly quote of $92 for liability coverage. But getting a DUI in New York could cost you upwards of $192 a month.

Tips for Finding Cheap DUI Insurance

• Research insurance companies and compare quotes from multiple insurers.
• Take advantage of discounts.
• Get rid of unnecessary coverage.
• Improve your credit score.
• Practice safe driving.
• Continue to shop around.

DUI insurance discounts

While a DUI conviction will likely increase your auto insurance rates, there are still ways to find discounts and save money on your insurance. Here are some tips to help you get DUI insurance discounts:

• Shop around for insurance: Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies, as rates can vary significantly. Get quotes for the same level of coverage and consider both national and regional insurance providers. Progressive, for example, is known for offering competitive rates for drivers with a DUI.
• Look for discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts that can lower your rates. For instance, you may be able to save money by bundling your auto insurance with a home or renters policy, signing up for automatic payments, or getting your statements via email.
• Improve your driving record: Maintaining a clean driving record after a DUI can help you qualify for discounts over time. Avoid accidents, traffic violations, and, of course, another DUI.
• Consider usage-based insurance: Some companies offer usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits and offer discounts for safe driving. Progressive, for instance, has a program called Snapshot that can help you earn discounts.
• Take a defensive driving course: Completing a defensive driving course can make you eligible for discounts with certain insurance providers.
• Raise your deductible: Instead of reducing your coverage, consider raising your deductible to lower your premium. Just make sure you can afford to pay the higher deductible in the event of a claim.
• Bundle your policies: Combining your auto insurance with other types of insurance, such as homeowners or renters insurance, can often result in a discount.
• Improve your credit score: Insurance companies may take your credit score into account when determining rates, so improving your credit score may help lower your premium.

DUI insurance duration

The duration of a DUI's impact on insurance rates varies. In Washington, a DUI stays on your record indefinitely and can affect your insurance options and premium for a few years. In other states, a DUI will fall off your record after three to five years, like any other traffic violation. In California, it will stay on your driving record for ten years.

The impact of a DUI on insurance rates also depends on the terms of your contract. As more time passes between the DUI and the present day, the insurance company is less likely to raise your rates because of the charge.

Insurance companies view drivers with a DUI as high-risk, and the surcharge for a DUI can last for three to five years. After this period, the surcharge may drop away, but drivers may not be eligible for good driver discounts for a set number of years. In California, drivers cannot receive good driver discounts for ten years after a DUI.

Frequently asked questions