Paul Sanchez
Drunk driving is a serious offence that can have a significant impact on your insurance. Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a severe risk, and insurance companies will often view those with a DUI as riskier to insure, resulting in higher premiums. The increase in insurance rates can be substantial, with some sources stating an average increase of 70% or even 96%. The duration of the increase can also vary, typically lasting between 3 to 7 years, but in some cases, lasting up to 10 years. Additionally, drivers with a DUI may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44, which certifies that they are maintaining the minimum liability insurance coverage. While some insurance companies may refuse coverage for drivers with a DUI, there are insurers that specialise in accepting these higher-risk drivers, albeit with higher rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurance rate | Skyrockets after a DUI |
| Insurance coverage | May be refused |
| SR-22 | Not an insurance policy but a statement of financial responsibility |
| FR-44 | Required in Florida and Virginia |
| Insurance increase | 3-7 years |
| Insurance premium increase | 150% or more in California and Hawaii |
| Average insurance premium increase | $5,252 per year for full coverage |
| Average insurance cost for adults with clean records | $2,679 per year for full coverage |
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What You'll Learn
Insurance rates increase
Drink driving, or driving under the influence (DUI), is considered a severe risk by insurance companies. As a result, insurance rates will increase substantially following a DUI conviction. This is because insurance companies view drivers with a DUI as riskier to insure, and a single DUI conviction can increase insurance rates by 96% on average. In some states, such as California and Hawaii, drivers with a DUI see an average insurance premium increase of 150% or more. The increase in insurance rates can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, and even longer in some cases.
The exact increase in insurance rates after a DUI conviction will depend on various factors, including the state in which the driver lives, their age, driving history, and the severity of the incident. For example, if a driver has a clean record aside from the DUI, their rate may not increase as much. Additionally, some insurance companies may refuse to insure drivers with a DUI, making it more difficult to find affordable coverage.
To manage the increased insurance rates after a DUI, there are a few strategies that can be employed. One option is to bundle policies, such as combining home, auto, or business insurance with the same provider, which can often result in significant discounts. Taking advantage of other discounts offered by insurance providers, such as multi-car discounts, mature driver improvement courses, or paying for insurance upfront, can also help reduce the financial burden.
It is important to note that the consequences of drink driving go beyond insurance rate increases. Drink driving can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and legal ramifications, including possible jail time. It is always best to plan ahead and avoid drinking and driving by choosing a designated driver, calling a taxi or ridesharing service, or refraining from drinking altogether when planning to drive.
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DUI convictions last on record
The length of time a DUI conviction stays on your record varies depending on the state you live in and the severity of the offence. In most states, a DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record for at least five to ten years. However, in some states, a DUI can remain on your record permanently. For example, in California, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for ten years, whereas in Florida, it will remain on your record for 75 years.
In many cases, certain entities, such as law enforcement agencies and government agencies, can still access information about your DUI conviction even after it has been removed from your criminal record. This means that a DUI conviction may still impact your ability to find employment, housing, and insurance, even after it is no longer on your record.
After a DUI, most states require you to file an SR-22 form to demonstrate that you carry the minimum liability insurance. This requirement typically lasts for three to five years and can result in higher insurance premiums. While a DUI conviction may not impact your insurance rates for the entire duration it is on your record, it is likely to result in a significant increase in your premiums.
It is important to note that the requirements and processes for expungement or sealing a DUI conviction from your record vary by state, and not all states allow for DUI expungement. In some states, such as Alaska, Tennessee, and Oregon, DUI convictions cannot be expunged and will remain on your record permanently.
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SR-22 and FR-44 forms
Drink driving is considered a serious offence and can lead to a number of consequences, including an increase in insurance premiums, and the need to file SR-22 or FR-44 forms. These forms are a requirement in many states for drivers who have committed serious driving violations. SR-22 and FR-44 forms are not insurance policies, but rather certifications of financial responsibility. They are filed by the driver's insurance company with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove that the driver has the minimum required auto insurance coverage mandated by the state.
SR-22 forms are required in most states for drivers who have been convicted of offences such as DUI, driving without a license, or multiple traffic violations. The form certifies that the driver will carry the minimum insurance coverage required by their state. It is important to note that SR-22 forms are not always necessary for DUI violations, but a court or state will notify you if it is required. While the SR-22 form does not replace your car insurance coverage, it also doesn't last forever. By maintaining a good driving record and staying safe, your car insurance rates can return to normal after the SR-22 period.
FR-44 forms, on the other hand, are only required in Florida and Virginia. These forms are mandated for individuals convicted of more serious offences, such as DUIs with higher blood alcohol concentrations or repeat offences. FR-44 forms require higher liability insurance coverage than SR-22 forms, reflecting the severity of the offences. For example, in Florida, an FR-44 requires a minimum bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $50,000 for property damage. Similar to SR-22 forms, FR-44 forms do not last indefinitely and can be removed after a certain period, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years.
The cost of filing SR-22 and FR-44 forms depends on your insurance provider. Some providers may charge a small fee for filing the forms, while others may waive the cost. It is important to note that the forms themselves do not increase your insurance rates, but a poor driving history will. As a result, you may experience higher insurance premiums due to the need to purchase more coverage than you would otherwise.
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High-risk driver insurance
Drink driving is considered a severe offence and is a major marker of driver risk for insurance companies. As a result, a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction can cause your car insurance premiums to increase substantially. This is because insurance companies view drivers with a DUI as riskier to insure and are more likely to file a claim, so they raise rates accordingly. The increase in insurance premiums will vary depending on the state and insurance carrier, but it can be expected to last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, and in some states, even up to 10 years.
If you have a DUI, some insurance companies may even refuse to provide coverage, and you may be required to switch to an insurer that specialises in high-risk drivers. Progressive is one such company that insures drivers with a DUI violation and can file an SR-22, a statement of financial responsibility that certifies you will carry the minimum insurance coverage required by your state. An FR-44 certification is similar to an SR-22 and may be required in states like Florida and Virginia.
The cost of car insurance with a DUI can be significantly higher than for drivers with clean records. On average, a driver with a single DUI conviction pays around $5,252 per year for full coverage, which is 96% more than those with clean records. In states like California and Hawaii, drivers with a DUI see an average insurance premium increase of 150% or more.
There are ways to mitigate the impact of a DUI on your insurance. One effective way is to bundle your policies and take advantage of discounts offered by providers for combining home, auto, or business insurance. Other discounts may include multi-car, mature driver improvement courses, safety features in your vehicle, or paying upfront.
It is important to note that a DUI will not always result in a dramatic increase in insurance rates. Factors such as your age, driving history, and the time passed since the DUI will influence the increase. For example, if your driving record is otherwise clean, your rate increase may not be as high.
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Discounts and policy bundling
A DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your insurance rates, with some sources suggesting that costs could increase by as much as $300 to $800 more per year, or even 300% in some instances. This is because insurance companies perceive drunk driving as dangerous and reckless behaviour, which increases the likelihood of an accident, and therefore makes you a higher-risk driver.
One way to mitigate these increased costs is to take advantage of discounts and policy bundling. Many insurance providers offer a range of discounts that can help reduce your premium. For example, Progressive offers a range of discounts, including:
- A discount for signing up online or over the phone with a licensed representative.
- A discount for signing documents online and receiving documents via email.
- A discount for paying your policy upfront or setting up automatic payments.
- A discount for insuring multiple cars.
- A discount for homeowners, even if their home isn't insured through Progressive's network.
- A discount for full-time students with a “B” average or better.
- A discount for accident forgiveness, for long-term customers who have remained accident and violation-free.
In addition to these discounts, Progressive also offers savings of around 7% on average when you bundle your auto insurance with other policies, such as home, boat, motorcycle, or RV insurance. Similarly, Infinity Auto encourages customers to bundle their policies, suggesting that this is one of the most impactful ways to lower your insurance increase after a DUI.
It's important to note that some insurance companies offer non-smoker and non-drinker discounts, which can provide valuable savings, but these are not universally offered and often require a clean driving record. Additionally, DUI convictions can affect your eligibility for good driver discounts, with some providers discontinuing these discounts for up to 10 years after a conviction.
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Frequently asked questions
DUI stands for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is sometimes referred to as a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or OWI.
A DUI is considered a serious driving violation and is commonly associated with a significant increase in insurance rates. This is because insurance companies assess a potential customer's risk of filing a claim, and DUI drivers are considered riskier to insure. The increase in insurance rates can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, or even up to 10 years in some cases.
You can explore options to bundle your insurance policies, take advantage of various discounts offered by providers, or switch to an insurance carrier that specialises in high-risk drivers.
An SR-22 is a statement of financial responsibility that may be required after a DUI. It is not an insurance policy but rather a form filed by your insurance company stating that you are maintaining the minimum liability insurance coverage required by your state.
