Jeffrey Wade
A DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates, with premiums increasing by as much as several hundred dollars a year. The increase varies widely depending on the insurance company and the state, with rates rising by an average of 85% across the US. In addition to location and insurer, age, gender, driving history, and credit score also influence the extent to which a DUI affects insurance costs. While a DUI typically impacts insurance rates for three to five years, it can remain on your driving record for up to ten years, and even longer in some cases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average increase in insurance rates | 85% |
| Average increase in insurance rates for an 18-year-old | 47% |
| Average increase in insurance rates for a 30-year-old with four DUIs | 52% |
| Average monthly cost of full coverage insurance after a DUI | $324 |
| Average monthly increase in insurance rates | $149 |
| Time taken for DUI to fall off the record | 3-5 years |
| Time taken for DUI to fall off the record in California | 10 years |
| Time taken for DUI to fall off the record in Texas | 5-10 years |
| Average increase in insurance rates in Texas | 52% to 85% |
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What You'll Learn
Insurance rates increase
A DUI conviction will typically lead to a significant increase in insurance rates. The exact amount varies depending on a variety of factors, including age, location, gender, insurance company, and driving history.
Insurance companies consider drivers with a DUI conviction riskier to insure, and some may even refuse coverage. For those that do offer coverage, rates can increase by anywhere from 30% to over 100%. On average, a DUI offender can expect their insurance rates to increase by around 85%, or $149 per month for full coverage insurance. This is based on quotes gathered from every ZIP code in the United States for a 30-year-old man with a 2015 Honda Civic and good credit. However, this average excludes 14 states, and rates can vary widely by company and state. For example, in North Carolina, a DUI more than triples insurance rates, while in Texas, rates increase by 40% to 85% on average.
The number of DUIs also impacts insurance rates. For instance, a 30-year-old with four DUIs can expect full coverage rates to be 52% more expensive than someone with just one DUI. Additionally, insurance companies typically consider a DUI for 3 to 5 years when calculating rates, although this can vary by state and company. In some states, a DUI will remain on your record for 5 to 10 years, and during this time, your insurance rates may continue to be affected.
It is important to note that maintaining a clean driving record after a DUI conviction can help lower insurance rates over time. After a few years, your rates may return to their normal levels, depending on your insurance company and state. Comparing rates from multiple insurance companies can help you find the most affordable option after a DUI conviction.
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Location-based variations
The impact of a DUI on insurance rates varies depending on location. In some states, a DUI will remain on a person's record for three years, while in others, it can stay for up to 10 years. For example, in California, a DUI can affect insurance rates for up to a decade, resulting in significantly higher costs for coverage. Similarly, in Hawaii, a drunk driving ticket can triple insurance rates.
In North Carolina, car insurance rates increase more than fourfold after a single DUI, the largest jump in the country. Michigan has the most expensive rates, with full coverage costing $631 per month, double the rate for drivers with a clean record. This is understandable given that Michigan has the second-highest car insurance rates in the country, even for those with a clean record.
Eight states—California, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont—see a single DUI more than double insurance costs. In contrast, states like Alaska and New York have slightly lower increases.
Location-specific factors such as population density, the likelihood of causing an at-fault accident, and the average cost of an auto insurance claim can also influence insurance rates following a DUI.
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Age and driving history
The number of years since the DUI also impacts insurance rates. Insurance companies typically consider the past three to five years of a driver's history when calculating DUI insurance quotes. The more recent the DUI, the higher the insurance rates are likely to be. Additionally, the number of DUIs on record also affects rates. For instance, a 30-year-old with four DUIs can expect full-coverage rates to be 52% higher than someone with only one DUI.
Maintaining a clean driving record after a DUI can help lower insurance rates over time. While a DUI can stay on a driving record for up to 10 years, insurance companies may only significantly increase rates for the first three to five years. After this period, rates may start to decrease, provided there are no additional DUIs or other driving violations.
It's worth noting that insurance companies may view drivers with a DUI as riskier to insure and may even refuse coverage. As a result, individuals with a DUI may need to shop around for insurance providers who cater to higher-risk drivers and compare rates to find the best option.
In summary, age and driving history are crucial factors in determining insurance rates after a DUI. Younger drivers are likely to face higher increases in rates, and the number of DUIs and the time since the most recent violation also play a significant role. By maintaining a clean driving record and comparing insurance providers, individuals with a DUI can work towards mitigating the impact on their insurance rates over time.
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Policy cancellations
A DUI conviction can lead to policy cancellations by insurance companies. This is because insurance companies view DUI offenses as a significant risk factor. While some insurance companies will cancel your policy outright, others may continue to provide coverage but at a much higher rate.
In Florida, insurance companies have the statutory right to cancel your policy. Florida Statutes Section 627.728 requires that insurance companies provide written notice at least 45 days before cancellation. Other states may have different laws regarding the cancellation of insurance policies due to DUI convictions.
If your policy is canceled, you may need to explore high-risk insurance policies, which are specifically designed for drivers with DUI convictions. These policies typically come with significantly higher rates and may be offered by companies that specialize in high-risk insurance. However, finding a new provider can be challenging, and coverage options may be limited.
To avoid policy cancellation, it is important to be honest with your insurance company and proactively work with them. Some insurance companies may be willing to retain long-standing customers, especially if their agent personally vouches for them. Additionally, completing defensive driving courses or participating in rehabilitative programs can help reduce the impact of a DUI on your insurance rates and potentially prevent policy cancellation.
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SR-22 form requirements
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required for some drivers by their state or court order. It is not a type of insurance but a form filed with the state. This form serves as proof that your auto insurance policy meets the minimum liability coverage required by state law. SR-22 forms are required for drivers who have been convicted of offences such as DUI, driving without insurance, or multiple traffic violations.
SR-22s are also necessary to reinstate a revoked or suspended license. They are typically required for three years, but this timeframe varies from state to state. In California, for example, an SR-22 must be obtained anytime you wish to reinstate your license following a DMV suspension or revocation. It is also necessary to continue driving with an ignition interlock device (IID) installed.
If your insurance policy is cancelled while you are still required to carry an SR-22, your insurer must notify the state authorities, and your driver's license may be suspended or revoked. Your SR-22 is provided by your car insurance company, which will file the form electronically with the DMV. Not all car insurance carriers provide SR-22 coverage, and you may pay higher premiums as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, insurance rates go up by 85% after a DUI, but this varies by company and state. For example, in North Carolina, a DUI more than triples insurance prices, while in Texas, rates increase by 52% on average.
A DUI will typically stay on your driving record for three to five years, but this can vary by state. In some states, a DUI will fall off your record after three years, while in California, it will remain on your record for ten years.
A DUI will generally impact your insurance rates for as long as it stays on your driving record, which is typically three to five years. However, in some cases, it can take up to seven years or longer for insurers to disregard past DUIs when calculating premiums.
You are not legally required to notify your insurance company about a DUI arrest, conviction, or license suspension. However, insurance companies will typically find out about a DUI when running a background check during policy renewal or when you apply for a new policy.
It is recommended to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies, as the cheapest insurer after a DUI can vary depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, consider consulting a DUI lawyer to help reduce penalties or potentially get the case dismissed.
