Haris Ashley
A DUI conviction can have serious consequences for your driving record, insurance rates, and personal life. Insurance companies view those with a DUI as high-risk drivers, which results in higher insurance premiums. The impact of a DUI on insurance rates varies depending on location, with some states experiencing significantly higher increases than others. In addition to location, insurance rate hikes after a DUI can be influenced by factors such as driving history, age, and vehicle type. While some insurance companies may refuse to insure drivers with a DUI, others, like Progressive, specialise in providing coverage for high-risk drivers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average increase in insurance rates | 85% |
| Average cost of full coverage car insurance after DUI | $5,185 per year |
| Cheapest insurance company after DUI | Progressive |
| Average monthly cost of full coverage car insurance after DUI | $324 |
| Average monthly increase in insurance rates | $149 |
| States with the highest increase in insurance rates | North Carolina, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Hawaii |
| States where DUI remains on record for 10 years | California |
| Time DUI remains on record | 3-5 years |
| Form required after DUI | SR-22 or FR-44 |
| States where DUI is referred to as OVI | Ohio |
| Average increase in insurance rates in Ohio | 111% |
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What You'll Learn
Insurance companies consider DUI drivers as high-risk
A DUI, or driving under the influence, is a serious offence that can have significant consequences on a person's ability to obtain car insurance. Insurance companies consider DUI offenders as high-risk drivers, which results in higher insurance rates. This is because DUI offenders are seen as more likely to be involved in accidents, cause property damage, or file insurance claims.
The increase in insurance rates after a DUI can vary depending on the state and the insurance company. In some states, a DUI can double or even triple insurance rates. For example, North Carolina has the highest average rate increase of 307%, while Florida and Alaska have the smallest average increase of 28%. The length of time that a DUI affects insurance rates also varies, with some states considering DUIs for three years and others for up to ten years.
Insurance companies typically find out about a DUI through an individual's driving record, which is requested from the state's DMV before each policy renewal. Additionally, some states require individuals with a DUI to obtain an SR-22 or FR-44 form, which proves that their insurance coverage meets the state's minimum requirements. Failing to disclose a DUI to an insurance company will not prevent rates from increasing, and dishonesty may result in a policy being dropped.
While some insurance companies may refuse coverage to DUI offenders, others specialise in providing insurance to high-risk drivers. It is important for individuals with a DUI to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies to find the most affordable rates. Additionally, there may be opportunities to bundle insurance policies or take advantage of discounts offered through professional groups or billing settings changes.
Overall, a DUI is a serious matter that will likely result in higher insurance rates and a classification as a high-risk driver. The best course of action is to be honest with insurance companies and explore various options to mitigate the financial impact of a DUI.
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DUI insurance rates vary by state
The financial consequences of a DUI go beyond insurance surcharges. The American Addiction Centers estimate that a DUI could cost between $10,000 to $25,000, including fines and legal fees.
Car insurance rates after a DUI vary significantly by state, so finding the cheapest rate in your state requires some shopping around. Progressive is the cheapest major company after a DUI, at around $221 per month, or $2,707 per year. However, the cheapest company nationwide may not have the best DUI insurance in your area. Smaller regional companies, like Erie and NJM, tend to have more affordable rates.
The average cost of full coverage car insurance increases from $2,670 to $5,185 per year. However, this average rate varies by state and will differ for every driver based on their insurer and driving record. For example, drivers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Idaho pay an average rate of under $3,000 per year for full coverage car insurance after a DUI, while drivers in North Carolina, Michigan, and California pay over $6,000 per year, on average.
In eight states—California, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont—a single DUI more than doubles the price of car insurance. In Hawaii, a drunk driving ticket triples insurance rates.
A DUI will typically affect your insurance rates for three to five years. However, the length of time varies by state and insurance company. In California, a DUI stays on your record for ten years, and you are not eligible for a good driver discount during that time.
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DUI drivers may be refused coverage
A DUI conviction can have serious implications for your car insurance. While some insurance companies will refuse to insure drivers with a DUI, others will offer coverage at a higher rate. The exact consequences of a DUI conviction on your insurance depend on the state you live in, the insurance company, and your driving history.
Insurance companies may refuse to insure drivers with a DUI because they are considered high-risk. A DUI conviction indicates a higher likelihood of filing a claim in the future, resulting in increased costs for the insurance company. Additionally, a DUI is a serious moving violation that carries a high risk of accidents, injuries, and property damage, and subsequent claims. As a result, insurance companies may choose to deny coverage to DUI drivers to mitigate their own financial risks.
In some states, insurance companies are not permitted to cancel your coverage solely based on a DUI conviction. However, they may significantly increase your premium or deny coverage for any personal injury or property damage claims arising from a DUI-related accident. It is important to note that a DUI conviction may also impact your ability to qualify for good driver discounts, further increasing your insurance rates.
If you have a DUI on your record, it is essential to be upfront with your insurance company. While there is no legal obligation to report a DUI conviction to your insurer in most states, non-disclosure can lead to claim denials and fraud accusations. Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies can help you find more affordable rates after a DUI conviction. Additionally, certain states, like California, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont, have laws in place that protect drivers with a DUI from excessive rate hikes.
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DUI drivers can shop around for cheaper rates
A DUI conviction is considered a major violation by car insurance companies. Insurance companies believe that those with a DUI on their record are more likely to file a claim in the future. As a result, insurance companies will surcharge your policy, or raise your rates. The surcharge varies by company and state, but the average car insurance rate after a DUI is $3,593 per year, which is over $1,400 more than a good driver would pay.
However, this does not mean that those with a DUI on their record cannot save money on car insurance. Each auto insurer weighs the seriousness of a DUI differently, so DUI drivers can shop around for the insurer that prices policies best for their situation. Progressive, for example, is the cheapest DUI insurance company according to Forbes Advisor's 2025 analysis, with rates only 24% higher than average. USAA is another good company to check out, as it exclusively sells to military members, veterans, and their families, so it understands their unique needs. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help ensure DUI drivers get the cheapest car insurance rates.
In addition to shopping around, DUI drivers can take other steps to get cheaper rates. For example, DUI drivers can increase their deductible to lower their premiums. They can also ask about discounts they may still qualify for, like bundling their home and auto policies. DUI drivers can also avoid other traffic violations, as insurance companies generally consider the past three to five years of driving history when calculating a DUI insurance quote.
It is important to note that DUI drivers may need to keep an SR-22 or FR-44 form on file for three to five years, depending on their state. This form proves that the driver's insurance limits are high enough to meet the state requirement. Some insurance companies will not file this form, and if the driver has many tickets or accidents on their record, the insurance company may cancel their policy. In this case, the driver may need to turn to a high-risk car insurance company, which will be even more expensive.
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A DUI will stay on your record for several years
A DUI conviction will have a significant impact on your insurance rates, and it will stay on your record for several years, affecting your ability to get insurance and increasing your premiums. The length of time a DUI stays on your record varies depending on the state. In California, for example, a DUI stays on your record for 10 years, while in other states, it may remain for up to 75 years. During this period, you may be classified as a high-risk driver, and your insurance rates may increase substantially.
Insurance companies view DUI as a serious moving violation that indicates a high risk of accidents, injuries, and property damage, and the likelihood of filing claims. As a result, your insurance rates are likely to increase by an average of 85%, with some companies increasing rates even more drastically. Additionally, you may lose your eligibility for good driver discounts, further increasing your premiums.
The length of time that a DUI affects your insurance rates also varies. Typically, you can expect higher rates for up to five years, although this may be shorter or longer depending on the state and your insurance company. After three years, your rates may return to normal levels, but you will still need to keep an SR-22 or FR-44 form on file for three to five years, proving that your insurance coverage meets state requirements.
It is important to note that not all insurance companies deal with DUIs in the same way. Some companies, like Progressive, are known for instituting smaller rate hikes for customers with DUIs, while others may refuse coverage altogether. Shopping around and comparing rates from multiple companies can help you find more affordable insurance even with a DUI on your record.
While a DUI will have financial implications for several years, it is important to address the legal and safety concerns first. A DUI conviction can result in significant monetary fines, driver's license suspension, participation in drunk driving education programs, installation of ignition interlock devices, and even jail time. These consequences can vary by state, and it is crucial to understand the specific laws and regulations in your area.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no official policy called "DUI insurance". The phrase is used to refer to the insurance of drivers with a DUI conviction, as many companies won't insure a driver after a DUI.
Insurance companies consider those with a DUI conviction high-risk customers, so your insurance premiums will likely go up. The increase in your insurance premiums depends on several factors, including your age, location, type of vehicle, and annual mileage. In the US, insurance rates go up by an average of 85% after a DUI, which equates to an increase of $149 per month.
A DUI conviction will remain on your driving record permanently in some states, such as Ohio. In other states, it will fall off after three to five years.
You can reduce your insurance costs by shopping around and comparing quotes from different companies. You should also aim to demonstrate low risk by maintaining good driving behaviour and avoiding further traffic violations.
