Auto Insurance Premiums: Dui Impact And Duration

Getting a DUI can have serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. It can also lead to a significant increase in your car insurance rates. The impact of a DUI on your insurance will depend on several factors, including your state, insurance company, and driving history. In general, a DUI will result in higher insurance rates for up to five years and will likely lead to you being classified as a high-risk driver.

DUI insurance costs by state

The cost of car insurance after a DUI varies across the United States. The average cost of car insurance after a DUI is $3,655, but this can be as low as $2,810 with Progressive or as high as $727 per month in Michigan.

Michigan

Michigan has the most expensive rates after a DUI, at $727 per month for full coverage. That's nearly double the cost of insurance for Michigan drivers with a clean record.

North Carolina

North Carolina car insurance rates are nearly four times higher after one DUI. That's the largest increase in the country.

Alaska

Drivers in Alaska only see their rates go up by an average of 36% after a DUI.

Southern States

Southern states like North Carolina, Virginia, and Louisiana have some of the highest car insurance rates after a DUI, with drivers paying over $6,000 per year, on average.

Indiana

Indiana Farmers Mutual has the second cheapest rates after a DUI in the nation, costing drivers $80 a month on average.

California

In California, a DUI stays on your record for 10 years, and you won't be eligible for a good driver discount during that time. Grange, Wawanesa, and Mercury offer the best car insurance rates in California for drivers with a DUI.

Colorado

Colorado Farm Bureau Mutual is the cheapest company for drivers with a DUI in Colorado.

DUI insurance rates by age

A DUI conviction will impact your insurance rates for several years, and the extent of the increase will depend on your age, driving history, and other factors.

Age is a significant factor in determining insurance rates after a DUI. Car insurance companies generally view younger drivers as riskier to insure due to their lack of experience behind the wheel. As a result, younger drivers can expect to see a more significant increase in their insurance rates following a DUI conviction.

For example, insurance for an 18-year-old with a DUI can be up to 47% more expensive than coverage for an older driver. This means that a young driver with a DUI may pay significantly more for their car insurance than an older driver with the same conviction.

Additionally, the number of DUIs on your record will also impact your insurance rates. For instance, a 30-year-old with four DUIs can expect their full-coverage insurance rates to be 52% higher than someone with only one DUI.

Other Factors Affecting DUI Insurance Rates

Several other factors, besides age, can influence the cost of car insurance after a DUI. These include:

• Time since conviction: Insurance companies typically consider the past three to five years of driving history when calculating DUI insurance quotes. The more recent the DUI, the higher the insurance rates are likely to be.
• Location: The state or region where you live can significantly impact the cost of DUI insurance. For example, North Carolina has the highest average rate hike of 266%, while states like Alaska, Florida, and Missouri have smaller average increases of 33%.
• Insurance company: Different insurance companies will increase their rates by varying amounts after a DUI. For instance, Progressive's rates increase by $43 per month on average, while State Farm's rates rise by $243 per month.
• Type of coverage: The type and amount of coverage you have will also impact the cost of DUI insurance. Full-coverage insurance, which includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, will typically be more expensive than liability-only insurance.

Strategies to Reduce DUI Insurance Rates

While a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates, there are some strategies that may help mitigate the increase:

• Shop around: Compare rates from multiple insurance companies, as they will offer varying rates for DUI insurance.
• Increase your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can help lower your monthly premiums.
• Ask about discounts: Even with a DUI on your record, you may still be eligible for certain discounts, such as bundling your home and auto policies.
• Maintain a clean record: Keeping your driving record clean, without any additional accidents or traffic violations, will help improve your risk profile over time.

In conclusion, a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates, especially for younger drivers. However, by understanding the factors that influence DUI insurance rates and implementing cost-saving strategies, you can work towards reducing the financial impact of this conviction over time.

DUI insurance rates by company

DUI insurance rates vary by company, but they are generally much higher than standard rates. This is because insurance companies consider drivers with a DUI conviction to be high-risk. Progressive is one of the cheapest options for drivers with a DUI, with an average annual rate of $2,776. USAA offers the best average rates, but it is only available to military members, veterans and their families. Other companies with competitive rates for drivers with a DUI include American Family, Allstate, State Farm, Erie, Mercury, and Auto-Owners.

The cost of DUI insurance also depends on various factors, such as age, location, and driving history. For example, insurance for an 18-year-old with a DUI can be up to 47% more expensive than for an older driver. Additionally, rates can vary significantly across different states. Michigan, for instance, has the most expensive rates, with an average monthly cost of $727 for full coverage. North Carolina has the largest increase, with rates nearly quadrupling after a DUI.

It's important to note that "DUI insurance" is not an official policy. The term is commonly used to refer to auto insurance for drivers with a DUI record. After a DUI, it's recommended to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate, as the increase in insurance rates can vary greatly between insurers.

DUI insurance rates by number of DUIs

The number of DUIs you have can significantly impact your insurance rates. A DUI is considered a major violation by car insurance companies, and they will classify you as a high-risk driver, which results in higher insurance premiums.

According to ValuePenguin, a 30-year-old with four DUIs can expect full coverage rates to be 52% more expensive than rates for someone with one DUI. The number of DUIs you have will also affect how long your insurance rates are impacted. In California, a DUI stays on your record for ten years, and you are not eligible for a good driver discount during this period.

If you have multiple DUIs, you may be denied coverage by some insurance companies. You may need to turn to a high-risk car insurance company, which will result in even higher insurance rates.

• USAA
• Progressive
• State Farm
• American National
• Indiana Farmers
• Southern Farm Bureau Casualty
• North Carolina Farm Bureau
• Virginia Farm Bureau
• Concord
• Wadena
• Grange
• American Family

DUI insurance rates by time since conviction

A DUI conviction will raise your insurance rates for at least three years, but it can be longer depending on the state where you live and your insurance company.

In most states, a DUI remains on your driving record for three to five years, but in some states, it can stay on your record for up to seven years or more. In California, for example, a DUI stays on your record for ten years, and you are not eligible for a good driver discount during that time.

Insurance companies also differ in how they manage rate hikes following a DUI. Some maintain a steady rate increase for as long as the DUI appears on your record. Others may gradually reduce your premiums each year until the conviction falls off your record, provided you have no other accidents or violations.

After a DUI conviction, it's a good idea to shop around for a new insurance provider at your next renewal to see if you can find a cheaper rate. You can also try to lower your rates by increasing your deductible, taking a defensive driving course, or bundling your home and auto policies.

Frequently asked questions