Alyssa Lane
A DUI conviction can have serious financial repercussions, with insurance companies increasing rates by up to 70% on average, which equates to an additional $1,470 per year. The length of time that a DUI affects insurance rates varies, but it typically lasts between three and ten years. The duration is determined by the state in which the DUI occurred and the insurance company's policies. In California, for example, a DUI remains on a driving record for ten years, whereas in other states, it may be removed after three to seven years. After a DUI, it is advisable to shop around for insurance, as some companies offer better rates for high-risk drivers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for insurance premiums to decrease | 3-10 years |
| Time taken for DUI to fall off the record | 3-10 years |
| Average increase in insurance rates | $1,470 per year |
| Average full coverage policy cost after DUI | $324 per month |
| Factors affecting insurance rates after DUI | Age, gender, insurance company, location, and time since the ticket |
| Discounts available | Auto insurance discounts |
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What You'll Learn
DWI insurance rates may increase by up to 70% or $149 per month
A DUI conviction can have serious financial repercussions, including a significant increase in car insurance rates. The exact increase in insurance premiums due to a DUI conviction varies across different states and insurance companies. According to Forbes Advisor's analysis, a DUI can cause insurance rates to increase by up to 70% on average, which equates to approximately $1470 per year, or about $122.5 per month, based on national average rates.
In California, a DUI stays on your driving record for ten years, and your insurance rates may be impacted for the entire duration. During this period, you are also ineligible for any "good driver" discounts. However, in most other states, a DUI will only affect your insurance rates for three to five years. After this period, your rates may return to their normal levels, depending on your insurance company.
The length of time that a DUI affects your insurance rates is determined by two policies set by the state: how long convictions remain on your driving record, and how far back insurance companies are allowed to look when setting rates. In many states, a DUI remains on your driving record for seven years, and a second conviction within this period is considered a repeat offense, carrying more severe consequences.
It is important to note that insurance companies may consider DUI drivers as riskier to insure and may even refuse coverage. Therefore, it is advisable to shop around for insurance rates and explore options with companies that offer better rates for high-risk drivers. Additionally, there may be other discounts available that you can take advantage of to help offset the increase in insurance premiums.
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The increase in insurance rates may last for 3-10 years
A DUI conviction will result in a significant increase in your insurance rates. The duration of this hike depends on several factors, including the state where you live, your age, gender, and insurance company. While the standard window for a DUI to impact your insurance rates is between three and five years, it can last up to seven years or even ten years in certain states.
In California, for instance, a DUI conviction will remain on your record for ten years, causing insurance premiums to stay elevated for the same duration. Similarly, Texas charges an annual fee ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for the first three years following a DWI conviction, and your insurance rates may continue to be affected even after this period.
The impact of a DUI conviction extends beyond insurance rates. It can also influence your employment prospects, limit your travel opportunities, and affect child custody agreements. Additionally, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device and maintain special proof of auto liability insurance for a certain period.
To mitigate the financial impact of a DUI, it is advisable to maintain a clean driving record after the incident. Avoiding additional violations and shopping carefully for insurance can help you regain more manageable insurance rates within a few years. Consulting a DUI attorney can also help reduce penalties and potentially get the case dismissed.
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Some insurers will not insure drivers with a DWI
A DWI, or DUI, conviction can have serious consequences for your ability to secure car insurance. While there is no official policy called "DWI insurance", many insurance companies will refuse to insure a driver following a DWI conviction. This is because insurers consider drivers with a DWI conviction to be too much of a risk. They will assess how likely it is that a driver will get into an accident that will lead to a claim and drunk driving is considered to dramatically increase that risk.
In some cases, an insurer will simply charge higher rates for drivers considered to be high-risk. These rates may be significantly more than the rate for a driver with a clean driving record and no criminal history. When they are denied coverage, drivers with DWI convictions may need to turn to different insurers. There are special insurance companies that focus on providing insurance to high-risk drivers, and these companies have rates that are significantly higher to address the degree of risk that the driver will get into an accident.
The length of time that a DWI conviction will affect your insurance rates varies by state and insurance company. In California, a DWI will stay on your driving record for 10 years, and you will not be eligible for a good driver discount during that time. In some states, a DWI will fall off your record after just three years like any other traffic violation. In states with a "lookback" period of seven years, a DWI will no longer count on your driving record after seven years, even if it remains on your criminal record permanently. Your rates will typically go back down once the DWI is no longer on your driving record.
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DWI insurance rates vary by state and insurance company
There is no standard DWI insurance policy, but the term is often used to refer to the increase in car insurance rates after a DWI conviction. The cost of DWI insurance varies by state and insurance company, and several other factors, including age, gender, and driving history.
In most states, a DWI conviction will result in a suspended license for a specific period. The length of the suspension varies by state and whether the driver has had a DWI in the past. A DWI conviction can also result in a significant increase in car insurance rates, with insurance companies considering DWI drivers as high-risk. The increase in rates typically lasts for three to five years but can be as long as ten years in some states, such as California.
The impact of a DWI conviction on insurance rates depends on the insurance company's guidelines and state laws. Some insurance companies may offer better rates for high-risk drivers, so shopping around can help find more affordable coverage. Additionally, discounts and other surcharges may be available to help offset the cost of DWI insurance.
According to Forbes Advisor's 2025 analysis, Progressive offers the cheapest DUI/DWI car insurance, with a 24% average rate increase, compared to the national average of 72%. The cost of DUI/DWI insurance can be as high as $8,933 per year for an 18-year-old driver, reflecting the impact of age on insurance rates.
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Maintaining a clean driving record after a DWI can help reduce insurance rates
A DUI conviction can have serious financial repercussions, causing insurance rates to skyrocket. The impact of a DUI can last for years, with some insurers considering it for up to a decade when setting rates. However, maintaining a clean driving record after a DUI is crucial to mitigating these effects and eventually lowering insurance rates.
In most states, a DUI will impact insurance rates for around three to five years. After this period, your rates may return to their pre-DUI levels, provided you haven't incurred any additional violations. This timeframe can vary depending on state regulations and insurance company policies. Some insurers may deny coverage immediately after a DUI conviction but may accept you after six months or a year.
In California, the impact of a DUI on insurance rates is more prolonged. A DUI conviction will remain on your driving record for ten years, and insurance companies are not allowed to offer "good driver" discounts during this period. As a result, it typically takes ten years for insurance premiums to decrease after a DUI arrest in California.
To minimize the financial burden of a DUI, it's essential to maintain a clean driving record. This means avoiding any additional violations, such as accidents, speeding tickets, or further DUI incidents. By demonstrating improved driving behaviour and a reduced risk profile, you can improve your chances of obtaining more favourable insurance rates.
Additionally, shopping around for insurance and comparing rates from various companies can help you find more affordable coverage after a DUI. Some insurers offer better rates for high-risk drivers, and there may be other discounts available even if the "good driver" discount no longer applies. Regularly reviewing your insurance policy and shopping for new rates after a few years can help you reduce costs.
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Frequently asked questions
A DWI will stay on your record for at least three years, but it can be longer depending on your state and insurance company. In California, it stays on your record for 10 years, and in Texas, you must maintain special proof of auto liability insurance for at least two years following a DWI conviction.
Insurance rates can increase by a lot after a DWI, with some sources claiming an increase of up to 70% or $149 per month. Progressive Insurance claims that their rates only go up by about 13% after one DUI.
You should shop around for a new insurance company after the three-year mark, as your rates may return to normal levels. Maintaining a clean driving record after a DWI can also help reduce your rates over time.
You will likely need to file an SR-22 form or an FR-44 form after a DWI conviction, which certifies that you have the minimum insurance coverage required by your state. You may need to keep this form on file for three to five years.
