Your driving record is one of the biggest factors in determining the rate you’ll pay for auto insurance. If you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), insurance companies see you as high-risk. As a result, they’ll increase your rates. We put together this guide to help you navigate through the process of DUI insurance, including how your rates may change and how you can save money.
Below, we’ve also reviewed some of the best car insurance providers for high-risk drivers, considering factors such as customer satisfaction, cost, coverage, and more. You should always shop around for car insurance quotes before committing to one provider. Fill out the simple form below or call our team at (855) 518-0148for an easier way to get free insurance quotes.
Defensive driving class costs and requirements. While a defensive driving class usually costs from $15 to $100, a course that reduces driving points may be more. Again, check with your insurer or state department of motor vehicles to get the exact cost and where you can take the course, whether in a classroom or online.
- Driving record/history of infractions Impact: State/local fine, varies; Demerit points on driving record; Possible insurance rate increase Local consequences: In Michigan (Vehicle Code Act 300 §257.649), failure to yield carries no fine, but does add two demerit points to your driving record.
- After 3,000 miles on American Family’s program or five hours and at least 10 trips in State Farm’s program, you complete the program and receive a discount. Discounts for driving behavior tracking.
In this article:
What Is DUI Insurance?
DUI insurance is simply a personalized car insurance policy for drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other drugs. DUI insurance is considered a type of high-risk auto insurance, along with drivers who have been involved in at-fault accidents, received tickets, or committed other driving violations that require a SR-22.
What Happens To Your Current Insurance If You Get A DUI?
Many things can happen to your insurance policy after you are convicted of a DUI:
- Some major insurers will decide they will no longer insure you and send you a non-renewal.
- Your rates will increase.
- There will be a limited number of insurance companies that will work with you.
- In some states, you may be forced to purchase higher than the state’s minimum coverage.
How Long Does A DUI Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?
The length of time that a DUI stays on your driving record varies by state. In most cases, your car insurance premium will increase for at least the next three to five years. In some states, like California, it can stay on your record for 10 years. Even still, each car insurance company can determine how long a driver is considered high-risk after the incident.
How Much Does DUI Insurance Cost?
Because a driver with a poor driving history, like having a DUI charge on record, poses a high level of risk to an insurance provider, you will almost always be quoted higher rates than a safe driver.
That being said, it is hard to give an exact cost of DUI car insurance, since car insurance rates after a DUI depend on many factors, including:
- The severity of the case
- Whether you are a repeat offender
- The state you live in
- The level of coverage you are seeking
Having a DUI conviction can increase your rates by hundreds of dollars each year, sometimes up to a thousand. This is because accidents caused by drunk drivers force insurance companies to pay a lot of money to cover bodily injury, property damage, and in some cases, death benefits.
Because car insurance rates are also affected by things like your age, location, and credit score, the only way to know how much you will pay for DUI insurance is to get a quote.
To see what you can expect to pay in terms of fines and other fees, explore the cost of a DUI in the five largest states.
Fill out the form below or call (855) 518-0148to receive free, personalized insurance quotes for your DUI insurance.
SR-22 Insurance Coverage
In order to get DUI insurance, many states require your insurance provider to fill out a SR-22 form on your behalf and report it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This form is also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. It proves that high-risk drivers are maintaining the minimum required liability coverage. Drivers who recently reinstated a suspended driver's license also need this form completed.
The sentencing court will notify you if you are required to file an SR-22 in order to start driving again. In Florida and Virginia, drivers must complete a similar form called FR-44 and purchase more coverage than the state’s minimum.
To complete an SR-22, contact your current car insurance provider and make the request. If you are purchasing a new policy, let the provider know right away during the quotes process. Some insurance companies do not offer SR-22 services, so it’s best to learn that upfront before you get a quote.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost Per Month?
In order to file an SR-22, you must pay a fee to the insurance company, which is often around $25. This varies by state and auto insurance company. Some require this initially, while others include it in your first insurance payment. The cost of your car insurance afterward depends on many different factors.
Shopping For DUI Insurance
While some car insurance providers send you a non-renewal after you get a DUI, there are other providers that specialize in providing high-risk auto insurance. These non-standard companies will work with you to file the necessary paperwork and find an affordable rate so you can maintain coverage.
Take Advantage Of Car Insurance Discounts
Because your rates will be higher, you should take every step possible to save money. Learn what discounts your provider offers to see which ones you may be eligible for. You can get a driver discount for things like:
- Bundling policies
- Multiple cars on your policy
- Paying your premium in full
- Being a good student
- Completing a driver safety course
Who Provides DUI Car Insurance?
When you’re in need of car insurance after a DUI, it’s best to shop around and compare many providers. Sometimes, the car insurance company that is the cheapest for low-risk drivers can be the most expensive for high-risk drivers. Also, while some large, nationwide brands may seem like the go-to, there are many small, local companies and non-standard companies that can offer you great rates and more support.
Here are some ways to get car insurance after a DUI:
- Auto-Owners auto insurance
- NJM auto insurance
You have many insurance options when it comes to DUI insurance. To make sure you’re getting the best car insurance rate possible, you should always shop around to compare quotes from multiple providers.
Who Offers The Cheapest DUI Insurance?
To help you find the best DUI insurance at the best rates, our review team researched the best car insurance providers – looking into costs, coverage options, additional perks, and reputation of the companies. Here is a list of the top cheap car insurance companies that provide DUI insurance.
| Cheapest DUI Insurance | Motor1 Rating | Financial Strength | Claims Satisfaction | Usage-based policies | Accident forgiveness | New car replacement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Progressive Car Insurance | 4.5 | A+ | 3/5 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 2. Geico Auto Insurance | 4.5 | A++ | 3/5 | ✔ | ✔ | |
3. USAA Car Insurance | 5.0 | A++ | 5/5 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
4. The General Insurance | 3.5 | A | N/A | |||
| 5. State Farm Auto Insurance | 4.5 | A++ | 3/5 Il blog della musica completo. | ✔ | ✔ |
The financial strength is based on the AM Best Financial Strength Rating, while the claims satisfaction is based on the J.D. Power Power Circle Ratings for Claims Satisfaction.
#1 Progressive: 4.5 Stars
Progressive car insurance is among the cheapest for drivers with a DUI on record. The company has above average customer service ratings and many discounts that can make your premium more affordable.
One of the things we like about Progressive is the usage-based SnapshotⓇ program, which monitors safe driving and rewards you with a discount after consistently displaying good driving habits. This can be a great incentive as you work toward becoming a low-risk driver.
Read more in our full Progressive auto insurance review.
#2 Geico: 4.5 Stars
State Farm Driving Safety Record Rate Level 6 In 2
If you want your DUI insurance premiums to remain at a minimum after an incident, it might serve you well to check out the rates from Geico. The company provides some of the lowest rates of the industry’s most popular providers and excels at customer service.
Read more in our full Geico auto insurance review.
#3 USAA: 5.0 Stars
Designed for military personal and their families, USAA car insurance stands out for its low rates, opportunities for discounts, and outstanding customer service. If you qualify, you can find some of the lowest rates across the board, even with a DUI offense on record.
State Farm Driving Safety Record Rate Level 63
Read more in our full USAA auto insurance review.
#4 The General: 3.5 Stars
State Farm Driving Safety Record Rate Level 6 Test
The General Insurance Company is a great option for DUI insurance, as the company even supports drivers with multiple DUIs on record. The General is available in 47 states and gives customers access to a mobile app for policy management. You can get many discounts for things like adding multiple vehicles to your policy, completing a new driver safety course, and being a student.
Read more in our full The General auto insurance review.
#5 State Farm: 4.5 Stars
Our State Farm auto insurance review found that the company offers some of the lowest auto insurance rates for DUI offenders, and it’s available in 48 states. State Farm has a reputation for friendly, local agents who can support you through the process. State Farm has excellent financial standing with an A++ rating on AM Best, and it earned a 4.5-star rating overall in our research.
More On Insurance:
Read our other articles on car insurance: