You’ve just received a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or OUI (Operating Under the Influence), and now are concerned about your car insurance costs, in addition to everything else.
We won’t address the “everything else” in your life, but we will alleviate your concerns and guide you through the process with regard to car insurance. We’ll show you how to get the cheapest DUI insurance, reveal rates from multiple top carriers in each state, and lessen some of your concerns along the way.
Note: DWI insurance and OUI insurance can follow the same guidance given here for DUI. Most times the terms are used interchangeably. A DWI is closely related to a DUI. A DWI is impairment from alcohol, while a DUI can be impairment from prescription drugs and marijuana in addition to alcohol.
- Insurance.com's analysis shows that State Farm($1,633) offers the cheapest DUI car insurance rates, on average.
- A DUI might result in a higher insurance premium, depending on the company. The average cost of car insurance with a DUI is $2,610.
- You may be required to file an SR-22 after a DUI conviction to provide proof of insurance to the DMV.
- According to the guidelines set by state law and your insurance company, a DUI could affect your car insurance rates for up to three years.
What is DUI insurance?
Though there is no specific type of insurance called DUI insurance, when someone refers to it, they are most commonly referring to auto insurance after a DUI.
How does a DUI affect your insurance? Since auto insurance is all about risk from the insurance company's perspective, a DUI conviction will almost always result in a sharp increase in auto insurance rates and potentially even difficulty obtaining insurance. A DUI conviction makes you a high-risk driver.
How to get cheap DUI insurance
High-risk drivers often find themselves paying higher prices for car insurance. But there is hope. You can get cheap DUI insurance rates following these steps:
- Compare car insurance rates from multiple carriers immediately- The impact of a DUI on insurance rates varies greatly depending on the company. We offer proof of this below and it's the reason we suggest comparing quotes from multiple carriers.
- Disclose your DUI status to insurer- An insurer might not know you have a DUI if you do not tell them when they ask. To get an accurate quote, you need to share any traffic infractions, including DUIs on your record.
- Get multiple quotes- Car insurance after a DUI can be expensive, so you'll need to compare auto insurance quotes from multiple carriers to evaluate which companies offer the best DUI rates.
- Switch carrier after three years- If you find that your current company isn't offering you the best rate, it's time to switch car insurance companies. Switching is easy enough and will require you to cancel your current policy. We can guide you through both.
- Avoid any other traffic violations- There are ways to keep your car insurance rates low after a DUI. Avoid getting into an accident or receiving speeding tickets, as those will raise premiums too.
How much will my insurance go up after a DUI?
Many companies offer DUI car insurance, but the rates they offer differ widely. After a DUI, you can expect to see your rates climb by 80%, on average. The national average annual rate for car insurance is $1447 but after a DUI that average climbs to $2,610.
DUI rates will differ based on many factors, including the state where you reside (see our "DUI rates by state" table below). There really isn't a "best" company when it comes to DUI. You'll have to shop around.
You'll see in the chart below that rates for a first-offense DUI vary among companies. Insurance.com's analysis shows that State Farm offers the cheapest DUI car insurance rates, on average.
The difference between the cheapest DUI average rate from State Farm ($1,633) and the most expensive from Nationwide ($3,563) is nearly $2,000. So, even with this major citation, you can still save quite a bit by comparing car insurance quotes.
DUI car insurance rates by company
| Company | Average rate | DUI rate | Dollar increase | Percent increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,186 | $1,633 | $447 | 38% |
| Progressive | $1,518 | $2,019 | $501 | 33% |
| Farmers | $1,520 | $2,228 | $708 | 47% |
| Allstate | $1,898 | $3,132 | $1,234 | 65% |
| Nationwide | $1,586 | $3,563 | $1,977 | 125% |
Note: The table shows the average annual rate of 10 ZIP codes in the state. Data was provided for Insurance.com by Quadrant Information Services.
| "A survey commissioned by Insurance.com of 1,000 drivers showed that the majority of motorists don't realize that you can save money by comparing rates after a major violation. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said it was better to stick with your current insurer after a DUI, leaving 45% correctly answering that you should shop around." |
As you can see in the table above, you can wind up paying -- or saving -- depending on the company you choose.
DUI insurance rates by state
You can expect a hefty increase in your insurance rates if you get caught driving under the influence. The financial penalties will vary depending on where you live, but it's likely that your annual premium would go up, at least until this conviction remains on record.
The state you live in affects how much money you have to pay for car insurance after a DUI. Based on Insurance.com's analysis, Michigan is the most expensive state for drivers with a DUI conviction. The average cost of insurance after DUI in Michigan increases by 249% after a DUI. Here are the average car insurance rates and rate increases by state:
| State | Average rate | Rate with DUI | Percent increase | Dollar increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $2,368 | $8,268 | 249% | $5,900 |
| North Carolina | $1,170 | $5,508 | 371% | $4,338 |
| California | $1,783 | $5,093 | 186% | $3,310 |
| Hawaii | $1,255 | $3,866 | 208% | $2,611 |
| Arizona | $1,399 | $3,423 | 145% | $2,024 |
| New Jersey | $1,419 | $3,292 | 132% | $1,873 |
| Delaware | $1,838 | $3,326 | 81% | $1,488 |
| Georgia | $1,815 | $3,226 | 78% | $1,411 |
| Rhode Island | $2,011 | $3,380 | 68% | $1,369 |
| Florida | $2,250 | $3,614 | 61% | $1,364 |
| West Virginia | $1,467 | $2,658 | 81% | $1,191 |
| Minnesota | $1,339 | $2,522 | 88% | $1,183 |
| Colorado | $1,675 | $2,834 | 69% | $1,159 |
| New Mexico | $1,498 | $2,628 | 75% | $1,130 |
| Wyoming | $1,577 | $2,703 | 71% | $1,126 |
| Massachusetts | $1,616 | $2,711 | 68% | $1,095 |
| Louisiana | $2,228 | $3,292 | 48% | $1,064 |
| Kentucky | $1,611 | $2,633 | 63% | $1,022 |
| Arkansas | $1,556 | $2,563 | 65% | $1,007 |
| Illinois | $1,176 | $2,182 | 86% | $1,006 |
| Alabama | $1,304 | $2,307 | 77% | $1,003 |
| Texas | $1,644 | $2,619 | 59% | $975 |
| Montana | $1,589 | $2,544 | 60% | $955 |
| Connecticut | $1,980 | $2,933 | 48% | $953 |
| DC | $1,887 | $2,787 | 48% | $900 |
| Mississippi | $1,504 | $2,395 | 59% | $891 |
| Tennessee | $1,339 | $2,230 | 67% | $891 |
| Nebraska | $1,287 | $2,159 | 68% | $872 |
| South Dakota | $1,250 | $2,120 | 70% | $870 |
| Kansas | $1,412 | $2,259 | 60% | $847 |
| Oregon | $1,325 | $2,157 | 63% | $832 |
| Missouri | $1,288 | $2,117 | 64% | $829 |
| North Dakota | $1,123 | $1,930 | 72% | $807 |
| South Carolina | $1,353 | $2,151 | 59% | $798 |
| Washington | $1,307 | $2,079 | 59% | $772 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,438 | $2,192 | 52% | $754 |
| Iowa | $1,073 | $1,818 | 69% | $745 |
| Nevada | $1,578 | $2,292 | 45% | $714 |
| New Hampshire | $1,156 | $1,858 | 61% | $702 |
| Idaho | $1,019 | $1,715 | 68% | $696 |
| Utah | $1,212 | $1,868 | 54% | $656 |
| Oklahoma | $1,469 | $2,112 | 44% | $643 |
| Virginia | $993 | $1,619 | 63% | $626 |
| Ohio | $959 | $1,553 | 62% | $594 |
| New York | $1,214 | $1,790 | 47% | $576 |
| Alaska | $1,246 | $1,813 | 46% | $567 |
| Wisconsin | $1,147 | $1,674 | 46% | $527 |
| Vermont | $1,166 | $1,641 | 41% | $475 |
| Maryland | $1,541 | $1,975 | 28% | $434 |
| Indiana | $1,057 | $1,450 | 37% | $393 |
| Maine | $884 | $1,209 | 37% | $325 |
| Average | $1,447 | $2,610 | 80% | $1,163 |
Methodology: Insurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to field quotes from up to six major insurers for 10 ZIP codes in each state for a 2017 Honda Accord operated by male, age 40. Base rate is for $100,000 per person in bodily injury liability, up to $300,000 per accident, and $300,000 property damage liability limits; comprehensive and collision coverage with a $500 deductible.
DUI insurance cost: How much is DUI insurance?
The cost can be expensive, ranging from an average premium increase of 28% to 371% depending on your state.
- The average cost of car insurance with a DUI is $2,610.
- The average percent car insurance increase for a DUI is 80%.
- The average dollar car insurance increase for a DUI is $1,163.
The increase in insurance cost is largely due to the increase in risk you pose. That goes not only for DUIs, but other violations and infractions that place drivers in the high-risk auto insurance category.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance
Non-owner SR-22 insurance is a great way to get cheap insurance rates if you have a DUI, need to file an SR-22 and don't own a vehicle.
The reduction in price is because you don't have "regular access to a car" and you will only carry liability insurance coverage. Liability coverage is cheap because it only covers the injuries or property damage you cause in an at-fault accident, not the vehicle you are driving.
Also, a non-owners policy is a great way to keep continuous insurance coverage, which is an important factor in receiving lower rates in the future.
SR-22 and FR-44 insurance
The SR-22 and FR-44 are certificates of financial responsibility that many states require when you reinstate your driver's license after a DUI. These certificates aren't limited to just alcohol-related driving offenses. They are also related to DWIs and OUIs. Your insurance company must file these certificates with the DMV on your behalf.
Drunken driving laws by state
Governors Highway Safety Administration; as of December 2018
| State | Inc.Penalty for High BAC | Admin. License Susp. on 1st Offense | Limited Driving Privileges During Susp. | Ignition Interlocks | Vehicle and License Plate Sanctions | Open Container Laws* | Repeat Offender Laws* | Alcohol Exclusion Laws Limiting Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Meeting Federal Requirements | ||||||||
| Alabama | 0.15 | 90 days | Mandatory for repeat convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Alaska | 0.15 (at judges' disc.) | 90 days | After 30 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Vehicle impoundment | Yes | ||
| Arizona | 0.15 | 90 days | After 30 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Immobilization or impoundment | Yes | Yes | |
| Arkansas | 0.15 | 6 months | Yes | Mandatory for all convictions | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| California | 0.15 | 4 months | After 30 days | Discretionary; mandatory for all convictions in Alameda, Los Angeles, Tulare and Sacramento counties (pilot project) | Impoundment, vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | |
| Colorado | 0.15 | 3 months | Yes | Highly incentivized for all convictions | Yes | |||
| Connecticut | 0.16 | 90 days | Yes | Mandatory for all convictions | Yes | |||
| Delaware | 0.16 | 3 months | Mandatory for all convictions | Vehicle sanction and license plate impoundment | Yes | Yes | ||
| D.C. | .20 and .25 | 2-90 days or until deposition | Yes | Discretionary | Yes | Yes | ||
| Florida | 0.2 | 6 months for DUI, 12 months for refusal | After 30 days for DUI, after 90 days for refusal | Mandatory for high BAC (>.15) convictions | Impoundment, vehicle forfeiture | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | 0.15 | 1 year | Yes | Mandatory for repeat convictions | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Guam | From .08 to.10 | Discretionary | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Hawaii | 0.15 | 3 months | After 30 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Idaho | 0.2 | 90 days | After 30 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Illinois | 0.16 | 6 months | After 30 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Impoundment, vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | |
| Indiana | 0.15 | 180 days | After 30 days | Discretionary | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | |
| Iowa | 0.15 | 180 days | After 30 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Yes | Yes | ||
| Kansas | 0.15 | 30 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Kentucky | 0.18 | 30-120 days | Yes | Mandatory for high BAC (>.15) and repeat convictions | Impoundment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Louisiana1 | .15 and .20 | See footnote | Mandatory for all convictions | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | |||
| Maine | 0.15 | 90 days | Yes | Highly incentivized for all convictions | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | ||
| Maryland | 90 days | Yes, w/interlock | Mandatory for all convictions | Yes | Yes | |||
| Massachusetts | .20 (applies to ages 17-21) | 90 days | Yes | Mandatory for repeat convictions | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan2 | 0.17 | See footnote | After 45 days | Mandatory for high BAC convictions, restricted driving conditions | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | 0.16 | 90 days | After 15 days | Mandatory for high BAC and repeat convictions | Impoundment, vehicle confiscation,special plates/ | Yes | Yes | |
| markings | ||||||||
| Mississippi | 90 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Impoundment, vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | |||
| Missouri | 0.15 | 90 days | After 0 days w/ interlock use (restricted), after 30 days (restricted) | Mandatory for repeat convictions | Vehicle forfeiture or impoundment (cities w/ 100,000+allowed to enact ordinance) | Yes | Yes | |
| Montana | 0.16 | 6 months | Yes | Mandatory for repeat convictions | Impoundment, vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | |
| Nebraska | 0.15 | 90 days | After 30 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Vehicle immobilization, continuous alcohol monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nevada | 0.18 | 90 days | After 45 days | Mandatory forall convictions | Yes | Yes | ||
| New Hampshire | 0.16 | 6 months | Mandatory for high BAC convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| New Jersey | 0.1 | Mandatory for high BAC (>.15) and repeat convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| New Mexico | .16 (w/ mand. jail on all offenses) | <21: 1 yr.; >21: 6 mo. | Immediately w/ Ignition Interlock | Mandatory for all convictions | Immobilization of vehicle for driving while revoked | Yes | Yes | |
| New York | 0.18 | Yes | Yes | Mandatory for all convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| North Carolina | 0.15 | 30 days | After 10 days | Mandatory for high BAC (>.15) and repeat convictions | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | |
| North Dakota | 0.18 | 91 days | After 30 days | Discretionary | Vehicle confiscation, license plate removal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Northern Mariana Islands | 30 days-<6 months | Yes | Yes | |||||
| Ohio | 0.17 | 90 days | After 15 days | Mandatory for repeat convictions | Impoundment, vehicle confiscation or immobilization, restricted plates | Yes | ||
| Oklahoma | 0.15 | 180 days | Yes | Mandatory for all convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Oregon | 0.15 | 90 days | After 30 days | Mandatory for all convictions and diversions | Yes | |||
| Pennsylvania3 | 0.1 | See footnote | Mandatory for high BAC (>.10) and repeat convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Rhode Island | .10 and .15 | Mandatory for all convictions | Judicial discretion on 3rd or subsequent conviction | Yes | ||||
| South Carolina | 0.15 | 1 month(for >.15 BAC) | Yes | Mandatory for repeat convictions and for first-time offenders convicted of having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% orhigher | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| South Dakota4 | 0.17 | See footnote | Yes | Discretionary | Yes | |||
| Tennessee | 0.2 | 1 year | Yes | Mandatory for all convictions | Vehicle confiscation on 2nd or subsequent conviction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Texas | 0.15 | 90 days if.08 or greater; 180 days for refusal | Yes | Mandatory for repeat convictions | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Utah | 0.16 | 120 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Impoundment | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Vermont | 90 days | Mandatory for repeat convictions | Impoundment, vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | |||
| Virgin Islands | Variable | Yes | Revoke license plate | Yes | Yes | |||
| Virginia | .15 and .20 | 7 days | Mandatory for all convictions | Vehicle confiscation | Yes | Yes | ||
| Washington | 0.15 | 90 days | With an ignition interlockdriver’s license | Mandatory for all convictions | Mandatory tow and 12 hour impound | Yes | ||
| West Virginia | 0.15 | 6 months | After 30 days | Mandatory for high BAC (>.15) and repeat convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Wisconsin | .17, .20 and.25 | 6 months | Yes | Mandatory for high BAC (>.15) and repeat convictions | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Wyoming | 0.15 | 90 days | Yes | Mandatory for high BAC (>.15) and repeat convictions | Yes | |||
| Total States | 48 + D.C., 1Terr. | 44 + D.C.,2 Terr. | 38 + D.C., 1Terr. | Mandatory For all (29), high BAC (3), repeat (9), high BAC and repeat (5) and disc. (5 and D.C.) | Varies | 29 + 3Terr. | 22 +D.C., 3Terr. | 37 |
- Louisiana requires a 45-day hard suspension of driving privileges for a second DWI conviction.
- Michigan has administrative license suspension for refusal to submit to a chemical test.
- Pennsylvania uses programs called Occupational Limited License (OLL) and Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL).
- South Dakota has administrative license suspension for 30 days for refusal to submit to a chemical test.
Frequently asked questions about DUI insurance
How long does a DUI affect insurance?
Insurance company guidelines, governed by state laws, dictate how long your rates will be affected by a DUI conviction. As with most minor or major convictions, a DUI will raise your car insurance rates for three years.
If your state keeps the offense on your record longer than three years, and many do, it's common for this offense to affect your car insurance rates for five to seven years or more. For instance, in California, a DUI prevents you from receiving a 20% safe-driver discount for 10 years from the date of your DUI conviction.
How do auto insurance companies find out about a DUI?
If you have not already told your insurer about the DUI, they will find out upon renewal when they check the DMV records.
How much does insurance go up after a DUI?
After a DUI, you should expect auto insurance rates to climb anywhere from 28% to 371% depending on your state and the conviction.
What happens to car insurance after a DUI?
A few things can happen to auto insurance after a DUI.
- Auto insurance rates after a DUI will likely increase upon renewal
- The insurance company may cancel your policy
- You may find it difficult to get insured at an affordable rate as a high-risk driver
How can I save money on car insurance after a DUI?
While an increase to your auto insurance rates after a DUI is inevitable, there may be some things you can do to help offset some of the increase.
- Look for car insurance discounts you may not already be getting
- Consider bundling all insurance policies with one insurance company to get a bundle discount
- Shop around by comparing rates after a DUI with multiple insurance companies
- Take a safe driving course
- Maintain an impeccable driving record and avoid any unnecessary insurance claims
How do auto insurance companies find out about a DUI?
If you have not already told your insurer about the DUI, they will find out upon renewal when they check the DMV records. Insurers check your driving records at different times, but many of them do it when you are renewing your insurance.
Your insurance company might find out about your DUI if you need to file an SR-22. If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI, you need an SR-22 form to reinstate your driving privileges. Your insurance company needs to file an SR-22 with the DMV on your behalf.
Do you lose your driver’s license immediately with a DUI?
If you get a DUI or DWI in most states, your license will be suspended for a specific period. The length of the suspension can vary depending on your location and whether you have had a DUI in the past. You can find specific information about DUIs and suspended licenses on your state's DMV website.
Can you drive with a DUI before your court date?
Yes, it is possible to get behind the wheel with a DUI before your court date. Although you will have your license taken away by the police when charged with DUI but you can still drive temporarily. You'll receive an appropriate temporary driver’s license that lasts 30 days.
Depending on where you live, you might be able to get a license that will let you drive to and from work and school even if your regular license is suspended.
