Duis: Getting Auto Insurance After

Getting auto insurance with two DUIs is challenging, but not impossible. You will likely be considered a high-risk driver, and your rates will be much higher than average. Some insurance companies will not insure drivers with a DUI, but some major companies like Progressive, State Farm, and Geico do. You may also need to file an SR-22 form to prove you have insurance, and your license may be suspended.

DUI insurance rates

After a DUI conviction, it's important to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the most affordable coverage. Some companies, like The General, specialize in high-risk insurance and may offer more affordable rates. Additionally, taking a defensive or drink-driving rehabilitation course can help lower your rates.

In terms of reducing the cost of car insurance after a DUI, there are several strategies you can consider:

• Maintaining a clean driving record after a DUI can help bring down your rates over time.
• Bundling your auto and home insurance or renters insurance may result in significant savings.
• Increasing your deductible can lower your monthly payments, but make sure you choose an amount that you can comfortably afford in case of a claim.
• Adjusting your payment method, such as opting for paperless or automatic billing, may provide discounts.
• Shopping around and comparing rates from different carriers is crucial, as each insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines and rates can vary significantly.

It's worth noting that DUI insurance rates can be influenced by state-specific factors, such as population density, the likelihood of accidents, and the average cost of claims. Additionally, some states have different requirements, such as Florida and Virginia, where an FR-44 certification is needed instead of an SR-22.

DUI insurance companies

DUI insurance is not a specific type of insurance, but rather refers to the increase in car insurance rates and requirements following a DUI conviction. After a DUI, you will likely be considered a high-risk driver and may have to file an SR-22 form to prove that you have the legally required car insurance. This is not a one-time cost, and you can expect to pay higher rates for several years.

Some insurance companies may refuse to extend coverage to drivers with a DUI conviction, and your existing insurer could choose not to renew your policy. However, there are insurance companies that cater to high-risk drivers. These include:

• Progressive: Progressive has the cheapest DUI rates among national insurance companies. Full coverage car insurance from Progressive costs around $212 per month.
• USAA: USAA offers the lowest rates after a DUI, but it is only available to military personnel and their families.
• The General: The General specialises in high-risk drivers and provides relatively affordable rates. They also tailor their quote process to high-risk drivers, asking if you need an SR-22 filing and including the form with your policy if necessary.
• Erie: Erie is a great option if you live in one of the 12 states in the Northeast and Midwest where it sells car insurance. Full coverage insurance from Erie costs $181 per month after a DUI, on average.
• Travelers: Travelers is one of the cheapest major companies for drivers with a DUI.
• American Family: American Family is another affordable option for drivers with a DUI.
• Dairyland: Dairyland provides options for those with DUI convictions, including SR22 insurance if you don't own a vehicle but need to drive occasionally.

To find the cheapest DUI insurance, it is recommended to shop around and compare rates from different carriers.

SR-22 requirements

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have car insurance that meets the minimum liability coverage required by state law. It is not a type of insurance but a form filed with your state. An SR-22 is typically required if you've been caught driving without insurance or a valid license, or if you have a DUI or DWI conviction.

The SR-22 form is filed by the driver's insurance company directly with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and serves as a guarantee that the driver will maintain the required insurance coverage for a specified period. The cost of filing an SR-22 varies by state and insurance company but is typically around $25.

In most states, drivers with a DUI may be required to file an SR-22. If you live in Florida or Virginia, you may need an FR-44 certification instead of an SR-22. An FR-44 is similar to an SR-22 but requires higher liability limits.

If you need to file an SR-22, you will need to contact your insurance company. Not all insurance companies offer SR-22s, so you may need to switch to an insurer that specializes in high-risk drivers.

The SR-22 will need to be maintained for a specified period, typically around three years. During this time, it is important to maintain continuous insurance coverage. If your policy lapses or is cancelled, your insurance company will notify the DMV, and your license may be suspended.

DUI insurance discounts

If you have a DUI on your record, your auto insurance rates will likely increase. However, there are still ways to save on your insurance premiums. Here are some tips to get discounts on your auto insurance after a DUI:

• Shop around for insurance: Compare rates from multiple insurance companies, as rates can vary significantly between providers. Get quotes from different insurers and choose the one that offers the best rate for your situation.
• Look for discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts that can lower your rates. For example, you may be able to get a discount for signing up for automatic payments, paperless billing, or bundling your auto insurance with a home or renters policy.
• Increase your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your insurance premiums. Just make sure that you can afford to pay the higher deductible in the event of a claim.
• Practice safe driving: Maintaining a clean driving record after a DUI can help improve your insurance rates over time. Avoid traffic violations and accidents, and consider taking a defensive driving course to demonstrate your commitment to safe driving.
• Consult an insurance agent: If you're having trouble finding affordable insurance, consider speaking to an insurance agent who specializes in high-risk drivers. They can help you find the best coverage options and discounts for your situation.
• Improve your finances: Insurance companies may take your credit score into account when determining your rates. Improving your credit score and maintaining a good financial standing can positively impact your insurance premiums.
• Complete DUI classes or programs: Enrolling in state-certified DUI classes or programs can show insurers that you're taking steps to become a safer driver, and you may even receive a discount for completing such programs.
• Adjust your policy: Review your insurance policy and consider adjusting your coverage limits or types of coverage to find a more affordable option. You may need to settle for liability-only coverage or higher deductibles to make your premiums more manageable.

DUI insurance by state

DUI insurance refers to the increase in car insurance rates and requirements that come into effect after a DUI conviction. While there is no specific type of insurance called DUI insurance, rates can increase by up to 296% after a first DUI, depending on the state and insurance company. On average, car insurance rates could increase by about 90% for drivers with a DUI, with the cost of DUI insurance coverage being around $305 per month.

The cost of car insurance after a DUI conviction varies depending on the state. Each state has different insurance laws, population density, and average costs of auto insurance claims, all of which can affect average premiums.

Based on Insurance.com's rates, Michigan is the most expensive state for DUI insurance, with a 156% average increase in car insurance rates. However, North Carolina experiences the highest increase, with rates going up by an average of 310%.

In California, insurance companies cannot raise rates or cancel a policy in the middle of its term. California also removes DUIs from driving records after 10 years, and drivers will not be eligible for any good driver discounts during this time.

In Florida, drivers with a DUI must have higher insurance limits than those with a clean record, and an FR-44 form must be filed to reinstate a license. Virginia has similar requirements to Florida.

Finding DUI Insurance

USAA and Progressive are consistently reported to have the cheapest average rates for DUI insurance. However, rates can vary significantly, so it is recommended to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurance providers.

Some strategies to find cheaper DUI insurance rates include:

• Maintaining a clean driving record
• Bundling policies, such as auto and home insurance
• Increasing your deductible
• Adjusting your payment method, such as opting for paperless billing
• Comparing rates from different carriers

Frequently asked questions