Best Auto Insurance Companies For Drivers With A Dui

If you have a DUI, you might be worried about how it will affect your auto insurance. A DUI will likely lead to higher insurance rates, and some companies may even refuse to insure you. However, there are still options available for drivers with a DUI, and comparing rates from different providers can help you find the best deal.

Some of the cheapest auto insurance providers for drivers with a DUI include State Farm, Progressive, National General, and Direct Auto. These companies offer competitive rates and accept high-risk drivers, but it's important to shop around and compare quotes to find the best coverage for your needs.

In addition to comparing rates, there are other ways to lower your auto insurance costs after a DUI. Maintaining a clean driving record, bundling your policies, increasing your deductible, and adjusting your payment method can all help reduce your premium.

It's also important to note that a DUI may impact your insurance for a significant amount of time. While the length of time varies by state, a DUI can typically stay on your driving record for three to five years or even longer in some cases.

DUI insurance rates by company

DUI insurance rates vary by company, with some companies offering better rates for drivers with a DUI. Here is a list of companies that offer competitive rates for drivers with a DUI:

Progressive

Progressive is often cited as having the best rates for drivers with a DUI. They offer SR-22 insurance filings, which are essential for drivers who need to submit this form to the state. Progressive also offers non-owner car insurance and accident forgiveness. Their rates are significantly lower than competitors, with an average increase of only 13% after a DUI.

State Farm

State Farm is another company that offers competitive rates for drivers with a DUI. They have a low level of complaints and offer SR-22 filings when needed. State Farm also provides accident forgiveness and a range of optional coverage types. Their rates increase by an average of 10% to 40% after a DUI.

American Family

American Family Insurance has better-than-average rates for drivers with a DUI and has a very low level of complaints. They offer SR-22 filings, accident forgiveness, and a usage-based insurance program that can lower costs for good drivers.

USAA

USAA offers the best average rates for drivers with DUIs, but their policies are only available to military members, veterans, and their families. They offer accident forgiveness, SR-22 insurance, and a usage-based insurance program.

Auto-Owners Insurance

Auto-Owners Insurance has relatively high rates for drivers with a DUI but makes up for it with a low level of complaints and a range of optional coverage options. They offer accident forgiveness, gap insurance, and a usage-based insurance program.

The General

The General specializes in high-risk drivers and offers relatively affordable rates for those with multiple DUIs. They provide SR-22 filings and a convenient mobile app, along with additional coverage options like roadside assistance and gap insurance.

Erie

Erie is a regional insurance company that offers excellent customer service and useful coverage options. Their full coverage insurance for drivers with a DUI is significantly cheaper than the national average.

It's important to note that insurance rates after a DUI can vary based on factors such as age, gender, location, and driving history. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare rates from multiple companies to find the best option for your specific situation.

DUI insurance in California and Florida

In Florida, drivers with a DUI conviction must have higher insurance liability limits than those with a clean record. To reinstate your license after a DUI in Florida, you'll need to obtain an FR-44 form from your insurance company, which certifies that you meet the higher coverage requirements.

Some of the cheapest DUI insurance providers in California include Grange, Wawanesa, Mercury, and State Farm. Progressive is another good option, especially for drivers who have multiple DUIs.

How insurance companies find out about a DUI

Insurance companies have a few ways of finding out about a DUI conviction. Firstly, they may discover it when they check your driving record with the DMV, typically done when you're renewing your policy or taking out a new one. Secondly, if you need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form to reinstate your license, your insurance company will need to do this on your behalf, and this will alert them to your DUI.

While the DMV does not directly inform insurance companies of a DUI, it is always best to contact your insurer immediately following a conviction to discuss how to proceed. Failure to disclose a DUI could result in your policy being terminated or complications arising when making a claim.

How to find cheap car insurance after a DUI

After a DUI, your insurance rates will likely increase. However, there are ways to find cheap car insurance. Here are some tips:

• Shop around: Compare quotes from different companies to find the best rate.
• Look for companies that offer the best rates for high-risk drivers: Some companies specialize in insuring high-risk drivers and may offer cheaper rates.
• Compare rates for different coverage types: You may be able to save money by choosing a liability-only policy instead of full coverage.
• Improve your driving record: Over time, safe driving can help lower your insurance rates.
• Take advantage of discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like bundling policies, insuring multiple cars, or signing up for automatic payments.
• Consult an insurance agent: If you're having trouble finding affordable insurance, consider consulting an insurance agent who specializes in high-risk drivers.

DUI insurance FAQ

There is no official policy called "DUI insurance". However, because many companies won't insure a driver after a DUI, the phrase is used to refer to auto insurance for drivers with a DUI record.

Some national companies have affordable insurance after a DUI, like Progressive, Travelers, and American Family. But mid-size insurance companies, like Erie, Mercury, and Auto-Owners are often cheaper. State Farm and USAA are also good options.

Having a DUI on your record can increase your insurance by an average of $808 more per year. Drivers with clean records pay an average of $1,054 annually for coverage, while drivers with a DUI pay $1,862.

A DUI will affect your insurance rates for at least three years. Whether it lasts longer depends on how long a DUI stays on your record in your state and how far back on your record the state allows insurance companies to look. In many states, a DUI stays on your record for five to seven years, and in some cases, longer. However, some states have laws preventing insurance companies from looking more than three to five years back on your record.

Your insurance company will most likely find out about your DUI through the DMV. Different insurance companies check these records at different times, but many check when you're renewing your policy. Your insurance company will also find out about your DUI if you need an SR-22 filing.

There are several ways to prevent or minimize insurance increases due to a DUI:

• Fight the administrative suspension. Get a lawyer and request a DMV hearing as soon as possible after an arrest. This could help you avoid an SR-22 and keep your rates from changing.
• Don't tell your insurance company about your DUI unless you have to.
• Only apply for new coverage with your insurance company once your plan is up for renewal to decrease the chance they'll run a background check.
• If your insurer does raise your rates, or you need an SR-22, shop around for the best rates. Some insurers may still offer you a better deal.

Frequently asked questions