Jane Dotson
A DUI conviction can have serious financial consequences, including significantly higher car insurance rates. Insurance companies deem motorists with a DUI conviction to be high-risk drivers, and rates can increase by up to 131% or even double or triple. The increase varies by company and state, with an average increase of 85% and a countrywide average of 13%. The length of time that rates are affected also depends on the state, with a range of three to five years, and in California, a DUI stays on your record for ten years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average rate increase across all states | 72% |
| States with the smallest average increase | Florida and Alaska (28%) |
| State with the highest average rate hike | North Carolina (307%) |
| States where a DUI more than doubles the price of insurance | Michigan, North Carolina, California, Connecticut, Georgia, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Vermont |
| State where a DUI triples insurance rates | Hawaii |
| State with the most expensive rates after a DUI | Michigan ($631 per month) |
| Average cost of full coverage car insurance after a DUI | $324 per month |
| Average annual cost of full coverage car insurance after a DUI | $5,185 |
| Average annual cost of minimum coverage car insurance after a DUI | $1,531 |
| Average rate increase for Progressive customers | 13% |
| Average rate increase for Nationwide customers | $244 per month |
| Number of years a DUI stays on your record | 3-5 years (varies by state) |
| Number of years insurance rates are affected by a DUI | 3-7 years (varies by state and insurance company) |
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What You'll Learn
Average insurance rate increases
A DUI will almost certainly lead to higher insurance rates, as insurance companies will consider you a high-risk driver. The increase in insurance rates varies depending on the state and insurance company. For instance, in North Carolina, a DUI more than triples the price of insurance, whereas in Texas, a DUI increases rates by 40%. In Michigan, the average rate increase is $631 per month for full coverage, which is double the cost for drivers with a clean record. In California, a DUI will stay on your record for 10 years, and you won't be eligible for a good driver discount during this time.
The average cost of car insurance after a DUI is $324 per month for full coverage, according to ValuePenguin. This is an increase of 85% on average. However, Progressive, the cheapest major company after a DUI, offers rates of around $221 per month, with an average rate increase of only 24%. The average rate increase across all 50 states is 72%, with Florida and Alaska having the smallest average increase of 28%, and North Carolina having the highest at 307%.
Some insurers, like American Family and Progressive, tend to have smaller rate hikes for customers with DUIs, while others penalize this offense more severely. It's worth noting that some companies, like State Farm, may not even offer policies to drivers with DUI convictions. Therefore, it's important to request quotes from multiple companies to find the most affordable option.
The cost of car insurance after a DUI can also depend on other factors, such as your age, driving history, and the coverage you choose. For example, Erie offers low-cost rates for drivers with a DUI across different age groups, especially for 21-year-olds and 70-year-olds. Additionally, usage-based car insurance or telematics programs can help you earn discounts by tracking your driving habits and rewarding safe driving behaviour.
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State-specific insurance rates
The impact of a DUI on insurance rates varies depending on the state, the insurance provider, and the driver's circumstances. While insurance rates typically increase after a DUI, the extent of the increase differs across states and providers. Here is a state-specific breakdown of how insurance rates are affected after a DUI:
North Carolina
North Carolina has the highest increase in insurance rates following a DUI, with costs more than quadrupling on average.
California, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont
In these eight states, a single DUI conviction more than doubles insurance rates. Additionally, in California, a DUI remains on the driving record for ten years, which can impact insurance rates over an extended period.
Hawaii
A drunk driving ticket in Hawaii results in a triple increase in insurance rates, making it one of the costliest states for DUI insurance.
Florida, Virginia, and Other FR-44 States
In Florida and Virginia, a DUI conviction typically requires filing an FR-44 form, which indicates a need for high-risk insurance with higher liability limits. This type of insurance is more expensive than standard policies and can significantly increase costs for drivers in these states.
Texas
Texas considers out-of-state DUI convictions as prior convictions, enhancing the penalties for a subsequent DUI offense within the state. Texas also has strict license suspension laws following a DUI, which can impact insurance rates.
Maine, New Hampshire, and Idaho
Drivers in these states experience relatively lower insurance rates after a DUI, with average annual costs for full coverage falling below $3,000.
It's important to note that insurance rates after a DUI are influenced by various factors, including driving history, credit score, and specific state regulations. While some states have mandatory filing requirements for forms like SR-22 or FR-44, others may not require these forms but still impose higher insurance rates for DUI convictions. Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies can help individuals find the most affordable rates after a DUI conviction.
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High-risk driver status
A DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your insurance rates and driving privileges, and insurance companies will almost certainly recategorise you as a high-risk driver. This status can affect your insurance rates and eligibility. High-risk drivers are those who have a high probability of filing a claim due to their driving history or other factors. A history of traffic violations, such as speeding or reckless driving, can contribute to this classification.
The length of time you remain classified as high-risk depends on the nature of your infractions and the time it takes to improve your driving habits. It also depends on local laws, with most traffic violations and accidents staying on your driving record for three to five years. More serious offences, like DUIs, can remain on your record for even longer. In California, a DUI stays on your DMV record for ten years, and it may stay on your criminal record for life.
Insurance companies charge higher rates to high-risk drivers to balance the risk of insuring them. The increased liability of insuring a driver convicted of DUI means that some companies may decline to provide coverage altogether, forcing you to seek out high-risk insurance providers. The average rate increase for a DUI conviction varies, with some sources stating an increase of up to 131%, while others state an average increase from $2,670 to $5,185 for full coverage. The cheapest car insurance companies for high-risk drivers include American National, Progressive, and Selective.
To reduce your high-risk status, it is important to maintain your insured status and a clean driving record. Taking defensive or safe driving courses, maintaining good credit, and driving a safer vehicle may also help lower your premiums. Telematics programs offered by some insurance companies can help you slowly earn back your safe-driver status by tracking and rewarding good driving habits.
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Discounts and smaller rate hikes
While a DUI will almost certainly lead to higher insurance rates, there are still ways to minimise these hikes and even earn some discounts. Firstly, it is important to note that not all insurance companies deal with DUIs in the same way. Some insurers, like American Family and Progressive, tend to institute smaller rate hikes for customers with DUIs, while others penalise this offence more severely. Progressive, for example, only raises rates by a countrywide average of about 13% after a single DUI. The amount of time passed since the DUI, as well as your age and driving history, will also factor into the amount by which your rate increases. For instance, if you've never had any accidents or speeding tickets, and your DUI is the only violation on your record, your rate likely won't go up as much.
In addition to choosing an insurer that offers smaller rate hikes, you can also take advantage of various discounts to reduce your overall insurance costs. One way to do this is by enrolling in a telematics program, which monitors your driving habits and rewards safe driving behaviours with discounts. These programs can track real-time driving habits and incentivise smooth braking, steady acceleration, reduced mileage, and minimal late-night driving. By participating in such a program, you can slowly earn back your safe-driver status and qualify for lower rates.
Another way to obtain discounts is by bundling your auto policy with other types of insurance, such as home or renters insurance, with the same company. Many insurance companies offer bundling discounts, which can help offset the higher rates resulting from a DUI. Additionally, maintaining a clean driving record after your DUI can also help you regain your safe-driver status over time and qualify for lower rates. Most insurance carriers start to reduce your insurance rates within three to five years following your DUI conviction. In some cases, it may take up to seven years or longer for insurers to completely disregard past DUIs when calculating premiums.
Finally, improving your credit score can also help lower your insurance premiums. In many states, insurers use credit scores to calculate premiums, so a higher credit score can lead to lower rates and potentially unlock certain discounts. By combining smaller rate hikes from specific insurers with these various discount opportunities, you can mitigate the financial impact of a DUI and work towards regaining your safe-driver status.
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SR-22 form and FR-44 form
If you have a DUI violation, your insurance rate will almost certainly go up. Insurance companies may consider you a high-risk driver and even refuse coverage. A single DUI charge can cause your car insurance rates to nearly double, with average annual costs rising from $2,670 to $5,185 for full coverage and $773 to $1,531 for minimum coverage.
In some states, SR-22 and FR-44 forms are required for drivers with DUI violations. These forms are filed by your insurance provider and show that you have enough auto insurance in place in case you get into an accident. SR-22 forms are for non-alcohol-related motor vehicle violations, while FR-44 forms are specifically for DUI or DWI violations. FR-44 forms are only used in Florida, Virginia, and, in some cases, California. They are required for drivers convicted of a DUI or driving with a suspended license.
The cost of SR-22 and FR-44 forms depends on your insurance provider. Some providers charge a small fee to file the form, while others waive the cost. You may also see an increase in your auto insurance premiums as a result of having to purchase more coverage than you otherwise would. However, this increase is due to the DUI on your driving record and not the form itself.
It's important to note that SR-22 and FR-44 forms are not types of insurance, but rather certificates filed by your insurance provider. If you don't have auto insurance or your current insurer doesn't offer SR-22 or FR-44 forms, you'll need to purchase a new policy from a provider that does.
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Frequently asked questions
A DUI will almost certainly lead to higher insurance rates, as insurance companies will categorise you as a high-risk driver. The increase will depend on the company and the state. On average, insurance rates go up by 85% after a DUI, but this can be as low as 28% in Florida and Alaska, and as high as 307% in North Carolina.
Typically, a DUI will affect your insurance rates for three to five years, but this can vary by state and insurance company. In California, a DUI stays on your record for 10 years.
Some insurers may deny coverage to high-risk drivers, so you may need to look for companies specialising in DUI insurance. If you already have an insurer, they may request that you purchase "high-risk" insurance or even drop you altogether.
Progressive is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with a DUI, with an average cost of $2,485 a year. Other cheap options include State Farm, American National, Erie and Selective.
