Dui Impact: Auto Insurance Rates Surge

Driving under the influence (DUI) has serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. It can also have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates. On average, a DUI can increase your car insurance rates by around 70% to 84%, which translates to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in additional costs per year. The increase in insurance rates can last for several years, typically between three to five years, depending on the state and insurance company. The exact increase in insurance rates after a DUI can vary by state and insurance company, with some states having much higher increases than others.

DUI insurance costs by state

The cost of car insurance after a DUI varies by state and depends on the severity of the incident. A DUI conviction can double your car insurance rates and you will be considered a high-risk driver.

• Michigan: $727 per month for full coverage, which is nearly double the cost of insurance for drivers with a clean record.
• North Carolina: Car insurance rates are nearly four times higher after a DUI, the largest increase in the country.
• Alaska: Fines can be as high as $5,793 and insurance rates increase by 36% on average.
• California: A $1,755 increase to insurance premiums, court fees and lost wages from jail time can be expected.
• Connecticut: A $1,500 increase to insurance premiums.
• Oregon: Fines can be as high as $6,000.
• Florida: $6,000 per year on average.
• New York: $6,000 per year on average.
• Louisiana: $6,000 per year on average.
• Maine, New Hampshire and Idaho: Under $3,000 per year on average.
• Arizona: $1,755 increase to insurance premiums.
• Iowa: High fees.
• Utah: High fees.
• Washington: License reinstatement fee of $70 or more.
• Pennsylvania: High fees.
• Kansas: High fees.

DUI insurance rates by company

A DUI conviction will result in a significant increase in your insurance rates, and you will be considered a high-risk driver. The exact rate increase will depend on several factors, including your state, age, driving history, and the insurance company you choose. Here is a breakdown of DUI insurance rates by company:

Progressive

Progressive is known for insuring drivers with DUI violations and can file an SR-22 form if necessary. They have a countrywide average rate increase of about 13% after a DUI, which translates to $43 more per month. Progressive offers the cheapest DUI insurance rates among the large insurance companies, with an average annual cost of $2,810.

State Farm

State Farm's rates increase by an average of $243 per month after a DUI. Their average annual cost for DUI insurance is $2,905.

Allstate

Allstate's rates increase by 29% after a DUI, but the exact amount is not specified.

Westfield

Westfield has the highest rate increase among the companies mentioned, with a 148% surge in insurance rates after a DUI.

USAA

USAA offers the cheapest DUI insurance rates, but their policies are only available to military personnel and their families.

American National

American National has the cheapest DUI insurance rates among smaller companies, with drivers paying an average of $77 per month.

Indiana Farmers

Indiana Farmers has the second cheapest DUI insurance rates and serves Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

Regional Insurers

In 34 states and Washington, D.C., the lowest DUI insurance rates come from regional insurers rather than the nation's largest companies. Therefore, it is essential to compare rates from both large and small insurance providers in your area.

How long does a DUI stay on your record?

The length of time a DUI stays on your driving record depends on the state where the conviction took place. In general, it's anywhere between three to ten years, but some states keep it on record longer. For example, in California, a DUI conviction will remain on your driving record for ten years.

It's important to distinguish between a driving record and a criminal record. A DUI may stay on a criminal record for a different amount of time. While a DUI conviction will eventually wash out of your driving record, it will remain on your criminal record forever unless you take steps to have it removed.

The washout period for DUIs varies by state. Most states have a washout period of either seven or ten years, but some states keep DUIs on your record forever. During the washout period, a DUI will still show up on a criminal record search, and it may impact your insurance rates.

How to reduce insurance costs after a DUI

A DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates, as you are now considered a high-risk driver. The exact increase will depend on your location and insurance company, but on average, you can expect your insurance rates to double, with some sources citing a 67% to 127% increase. Here are some ways to reduce insurance costs after a DUI:

Shop Around for Better Rates

The best way to get cheaper car insurance after a DUI is to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurance providers. Different insurance companies weigh a DUI differently, so you may find significantly lower rates with another insurer. Be sure to get quotes for the same type and amount of coverage to ensure an accurate comparison.

Raise Your Deductible

Instead of reducing your coverage, consider raising your deductible. Increasing your deductible from $250 to $2,000, for example, can lead to substantial savings on your insurance premiums. Just make sure that you can afford to pay the higher deductible in the event of an accident.

Bundle Your Policies

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, consider bundling it with your auto insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts when you have multiple policies with them. Additionally, insuring multiple vehicles with the same company can also lead to lower rates.

Improve Your Driving

Maintain a clean driving record by avoiding any further traffic violations or accidents. You may also want to consider taking a defensive driving course, as many insurance companies offer discounts for completing such a class. If your insurance company offers usage-based insurance, where they monitor your driving habits and provide discounts for safe driving, this may be another way to lower your rates.

Improve Your Finances

Prioritize your finances by making on-time payments and reducing your debts, as insurance companies may consider your credit score when determining your rates. Improving your credit score may lead to lower insurance premiums.

File an SR-22

Many states require you to obtain an SR-22, or a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, after a DUI to reinstate your license. This document verifies that you have the required level of car insurance. If your current insurance company doesn't offer SR-22s, you'll need to switch to a provider that does.

Contact Your Attorney

If you've been pulled over for a DUI, contact an attorney immediately. They may be able to help you navigate the legal process and potentially avoid a DUI conviction, which will help prevent your insurance rates from increasing.

DUI insurance for young drivers

DUI insurance is a term used to refer to auto insurance for drivers with a DUI violation on their record. A DUI conviction can make it harder to get car insurance and typically results in higher premiums. The increase in insurance rates after a DUI varies depending on the state, the driver's age, and their driving history. For example, in North Carolina, a DUI will increase your annual car insurance rate by an average of $3,416, or 68% more than the national average rate hike after a DUI. On the other hand, in Alaska, drivers only see their rates go up by an average of 36% after a DUI.

Young drivers with a DUI on their record may face even higher insurance rates, as insurance companies consider them to be high-risk. Some insurance companies may even refuse to provide coverage to young drivers with a DUI. It is important for young drivers to shop around and compare rates from different insurance providers, as the increase in premiums can vary significantly between companies. For example, Erie Insurance raises rates by an average of 62% after a DUI, while Progressive's rates only go up by 7% on average.

In addition to higher insurance rates, young drivers with a DUI may also face other consequences such as license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device, and even jail time. The length of time that a DUI stays on your driving record also varies by state, typically ranging from three to five years, but it can stay on your criminal record for life.

To lower their insurance rates, young drivers with a DUI can consider improving their driving record by avoiding traffic violations and driving carefully. They can also explore insurance bundles or switch to an insurance company that specializes in high-risk drivers, such as Progressive. Additionally, young drivers can maintain a clean driving record, bundle their policies, increase their deductible, or adjust their payment method to reduce their insurance costs.

Frequently asked questions