Jeffrey Wade
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most expensive mistakes a person can make. If charged with a DUI, you can expect fines starting at $100, but the total cost can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. One of the biggest costs associated with a DUI is the increase in insurance rates, which can add thousands of dollars per year to your expenses. A DUI conviction will generally stay on your driving record for five to ten years, and insurance companies will consider you a high-risk driver, charging you a higher premium to compensate for potential future losses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average increase in insurance rates | $1,495 annually or $124 monthly |
| Average increase in insurance rates (according to February 2025 data) | $2,515 annually for full coverage; $761 annually for minimum coverage |
| Average increase in insurance rates (according to Progressive) | 13% |
| Average monthly cost of full coverage policy | $324 |
| States with the highest increases | North Carolina, California, Hawaii |
| States with lower increases | Texas |
| States where DUI is referred to as DWI | Texas |
| States where DUI is referred to as OMVI | Maine, New Hampshire, Idaho |
| States where DUI is referred to as OVI | N/A |
| Typical duration of DUI on driving record | 5-10 years |
| Typical duration of DUI affecting insurance rates | 3-5 years |
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What You'll Learn
Insurance rates after a DUI conviction
A DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your insurance rates, and the consequences can be severe. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most expensive mistakes a driver can make. While the financial penalties for a DUI vary depending on the state, the cost of insurance following a DUI is consistently high across the US.
Firstly, it is important to note that insurance companies will view you as a high-risk driver after a DUI conviction. This means that your insurance rates will increase, and you may even be refused coverage. Some insurance companies, such as Progressive, will still offer coverage to high-risk drivers, but at a higher rate. Other companies, like State Farm, may not write policies for drivers with DUI convictions at all. The increase in insurance rates can be substantial, with some drivers seeing their rates more than double or triple after a DUI. The exact increase will depend on several factors, including the insurance company, the state, and the driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) level.
The length of time that a DUI conviction will affect your insurance rates also varies. Typically, insurance companies will increase rates for a minimum of three years after a DUI, but this can be longer, ranging from five to ten years, or even longer in some cases. In California, for example, a DUI will stay on your driving record for ten years. During this period, you may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form, which proves that your insurance coverage meets the state's minimum requirements. These forms typically need to be filed for three to five years, and there may be a fee associated with filing them.
While a DUI conviction will undoubtedly impact your insurance rates, there are ways to mitigate the increase. Firstly, it is important to shop around and compare rates from different insurance providers, as some companies may offer lower rates for high-risk drivers. Additionally, some insurers offer telematics programs that track your driving habits and can reward you with discounts for safe driving behaviours. Maintaining a clean driving record, aside from the DUI, can also help to keep your rates lower. Finally, it is essential to be honest with your insurance company and disclose any convictions, as failing to do so could result in denied claims in the future.
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High-risk insurance companies
A DUI can be extremely costly, especially when it comes to car insurance. 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.
If you have a DUI violation, your rate will go up as insurance companies will consider you a riskier driver. Some insurers will refuse coverage, while others, like American Family, Progressive, and Dairyland, will still provide coverage but with a rate increase. Progressive, for example, raises rates by a countrywide average of about 13% after a first DUI.
In some states, a DUI may require you to carry an SR-22 or FR-44 form, which proves that your insurance limits are high enough to meet state requirements. These forms are typically required for three to five years and can increase your insurance rates by 31% to 375%, or about $230 a month.
If you're having trouble getting approved for coverage, you may need to turn to a high-risk insurance company. These policies are even more expensive, but some companies specialize in high-risk drivers, such as:
- Dairyland: Offers auto insurance in 38 states and specializes in high-risk drivers with low credit scores or limited credit history. They issue SR-22 and FR-44 certificates and provide Mexico coverage on all California policies.
- The General: Provides high-risk insurance coverage.
- Erie: Offers full and minimum coverage with accident forgiveness and coverage for pets standard. They have high customer satisfaction scores and some of the lowest premiums for high-risk situations. However, they are only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
- USAA: Offers the cheapest car insurance for DUI drivers at $2,751 a year, but it is limited to members of the military community.
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SR-22 and FR-44 forms
A DUI will significantly increase your insurance rates and may even cause your insurance company to drop your policy entirely. If you have a DUI violation, you may need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form. These are types of financial responsibility filings required by some states for individuals convicted of certain driving offences. SR-22s are required in many states for drivers convicted of offences such as DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, or multiple traffic violations. An SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that proves a driver has the minimum required auto insurance coverage mandated by the state. This form is filed by the driver's insurance company directly with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and serves as a guarantee that the driver will maintain the required insurance coverage for a specified period. SR-22s are also necessary to reinstate a revoked or suspended license. In most states, an SR-22 is required for three years, but this timeframe varies depending on the state and the nature of the offence.
FR-44 forms, on the other hand, are only required in Florida, Virginia, and in some cases, Hawaii. Like the SR-22, it is a form filed by the driver's insurance company to prove financial responsibility, but the key difference lies in the minimum liability coverage amounts. FR-44s typically require higher liability limits than SR-22s, making it a more stringent requirement. FR-44s are generally mandated for individuals convicted of more serious offences, such as DUIs with higher blood alcohol concentrations or repeat offences. While both forms serve the same basic purpose of ensuring that high-risk drivers have adequate insurance coverage, the FR-44 imposes stricter requirements in terms of insurance coverage limits, reflecting the severity of the offences that led to its requirement.
When requesting an SR-22 or FR-44, you must pay a fee of around $15 to $50. Some insurance companies will not file these forms, and if you have a lot of tickets or accidents on your record, your insurance company may cancel your policy. If your policy is cancelled or lapses while carrying an SR-22, your insurance company will alert the DMV, and your license will be suspended. It is important to note that an SR-22 won't automatically fall off your insurance policy once it's no longer needed; you must request its removal.
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State-based variations in insurance costs
The cost of insurance after a DUI varies significantly depending on the state you're in. While a DUI will impact your insurance rates, the amount by which it does so is determined by a variety of factors, including your age, driving history, and the state you live in.
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 North Carolina, a DUI more than quadruples the price of insurance, whereas, in Texas, a DUI only increases rates by 40%. In California, a DUI on your record prevents you from receiving a 20% safe-driver discount for 10 years from the date of your conviction. In Hawaii, a drunk driving ticket triples insurance rates.
The cheapest car insurance companies for those with a DUI on their record vary from person to person, but some of the cheapest providers for high-risk insurance include American National, Progressive, and Selective. Progressive, for example, only raises rates by a countrywide average of about 13% after a first DUI. USAA also has low rates after a DUI, but it is only available to military families.
The length of time that a DUI will impact your insurance rates also varies by state and insurance company. On average, a DUI will impact your insurance rates for three to five years, but in some states, it can affect your rates for up to 10 years or more.
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How to reduce insurance costs after a DUI
A DUI conviction can have serious financial consequences, with insurance rates nearly doubling. However, there are ways to reduce insurance costs. Here are some strategies to mitigate the impact of a DUI on your insurance:
Shop Around for Insurance Providers
The impact of a DUI on insurance rates varies across companies. Some insurers may not even insure drivers with a DUI record, while others specialize in high-risk insurance and offer more affordable rates. It's worth requesting quotes from multiple providers and comparing rates to find the most cost-effective option.
Take Advantage of Telematics Programs
Some insurance companies offer telematics programs that track your driving habits in real time. These programs can help you gradually regain your safe-driver status by offering discounts for good driving behaviors such as smooth braking, steady acceleration, reduced mileage, and minimal late-night driving.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
A DUI conviction will typically remain on your driving record for several years, but maintaining a clean record otherwise can help reduce your insurance rates over time. Avoid any additional infractions, such as speeding tickets or at-fault accidents, as these will further increase your insurance costs.
Complete a Defensive Driving Course
Many insurance companies offer safe driving discounts if you voluntarily take a defensive driving course. This demonstrates your commitment to safe driving and can lead to lower insurance rates.
Improve Your Credit History
In some states, your credit history may be used as a factor in setting insurance rates. Improving your credit score can help you access lower insurance rates, as individuals with good or excellent credit are often deemed less risky to insure.
Hire an Experienced DUI Attorney
Consider investing in a good DUI attorney, as they can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. They can challenge the evidence, work to get the charges reduced or dismissed, and negotiate plea bargains that minimize the impact on your record. A successful defence could save you thousands in insurance costs over time.
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Frequently asked questions
The increase in insurance costs after a DUI conviction varies by state and insurance company. In North Carolina, a DUI more than triples the price of insurance, whereas in Texas, a DUI increases rates by 40%. On average, insurance rates go up by 85% after a DUI, with annual costs rising from $2,670 to $5,185 for full coverage and $773 to $1,531 for minimum coverage.
A DUI will typically affect your insurance rates for three to five years, but this length of time varies by state and insurance company. In some states, a DUI will stay on your criminal record for life.
Some insurance companies will refuse to insure drivers with a DUI conviction, but many major insurers, including Progressive, State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, USAA, The General, and Erie, offer high-risk policies.
