Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in Alabama?

With a clean driving record, car insurance in Alabama costs $1,860. However, after a DUI, the average rate rises to $3,250, which is $1,390 higher.

Auto insurers raise premiums significantly when they view you as a high-risk driver. If you receive multiple DUIs, average rates rise sharply to $4,589.

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in Alabama?

The cheapest insurer after a DUI is State Farm, with rates averaging $1,934. The next cheapest insurer is Travelers a difference of $232 from State Farm. Nationwide has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a DUI.

Driving under the influence is both dangerous and expensive. You'll face substantial fines and increased car insurance rates for many years. Because each insurer handles a DUI differently and sets its own pricing, comparing quotes from several companies is essential.

The table below lists theaverage car insurance rates after a DUI in Alabama.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordsAnnual premium after a DUIAnnual premium after multiple DUIs
State Farm$1,790$1,934$1,934
Travelers$1,428$2,166$3,048
Nationwide$1,345$2,825$3,887
Progressive$2,402$2,880$4,001
Allstate$2,178$2,899$3,536
GEICO$1,625$3,498$4,459
Auto-Owners$2,134$3,981$8,414
Farmers$2,542$5,293$7,405
USAA$1,458$3,093$3,918

PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Alabama?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Alabama, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and the DUI will stay on your record for life.

If someone gets a DUI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

In most situations, insurance follows the vehicle rather than the driver, so your auto insurance rates won't increase because the DUI will not show up on your driving record.

However, your premiums may rise if your car is involved in an accident caused by a DUI. Your vehicle may also be treated as a crime scene after the crash, meaning you won't be able to access it until the police release it.

How long does a DUI affect your insurance in Alabama?

While a DUI may remain on your driving record forever, it doesn't affect rates forever. A DUI affects Alabama car insurance and stays on your record for life. Your car insurance rates should begin to decrease after several years with no further infractions on your driving record.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a DUI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers typically pay higher car insurance rates than older, more seasoned drivers because they have less driving experience. While a DUI increases costs for everyone, a teen's premiums climb even more after a conviction. The average car insurance rate for a teen with a DUI is $5,079.

Below are the cheapest insurers after a DUI for each age group:

  • For teens: State Farm has the most affordable rate at $5,079.
  • For young adults: State Farm offers the lowest-priced coverage for young adults at $2,310.
  • For adults: State Farm provides the best rate, averaging $1,934.
  • For seniors: State Farm delivers the cheapest average rate at $1,759.

This table illustrates how a DUI affects car insurance rates across different age groups.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
State Farm$4,637$5,079$44210%
Travelers$3,828$5,575$1,74746%
Nationwide$4,925$6,878$1,95340%
GEICO$3,790$8,651$4,861128%
Allstate$6,867$9,833$2,96643%
Progressive$10,835$11,153$3183%
Auto-Owners$5,409$11,230$5,821108%
Farmers$10,763$20,704$9,94192%
State Farm$4,637$5,079$44210%
Travelers$3,828$5,575$1,74746%
Nationwide$4,925$6,878$1,95340%
GEICO$3,790$8,651$4,861128%
Allstate$6,867$9,833$2,96643%
Progressive$10,835$11,153$3183%
Auto-Owners$5,409$11,230$5,821108%
Farmers$10,763$20,704$9,94192%
USAA$3,370$5,817$2,44773%
USAA$3,370$5,817$2,44773%

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in your city?

The cheapest city in Alabama for car insurance with a DUI is Decatur, while the most expensive city is Birmingham at an average of $3,589. Where you live affects car insurance rates, regardless of a DUI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic rates and more vehicle thefts pay higher insurance rates since their cars are more likely to be damaged. Those higher rates are then raised significantly with a DUI.

This table shows average DUI car insurance rates by city. Compare rates in large cities to rural areas to see how your location impacts rates.

CityAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Alpine$1,818$3,199$1,38176%
Anniston$1,797$3,186$1,38977%
Bessemer$1,996$3,504$1,50876%
Birmingham$2,040$3,589$1,54976%
Cropwell$1,801$3,215$1,41478%
Decatur$1,700$3,027$1,32778%
Florence$1,699$3,043$1,34479%
Groveoak$1,752$3,075$1,32375%
La Fayette$1,828$3,212$1,38476%
Mobile$2,009$3,491$1,48274%
Montgomery$1,926$3,293$1,36771%
Alpine$1,818$3,199$1,38176%
Anniston$1,797$3,186$1,38977%
Bessemer$1,996$3,504$1,50876%
Birmingham$2,040$3,589$1,54976%
Cropwell$1,801$3,215$1,41478%
Decatur$1,700$3,027$1,32778%
Florence$1,699$3,043$1,34479%
Groveoak$1,752$3,075$1,32375%
La Fayette$1,828$3,212$1,38476%
Mobile$2,009$3,491$1,48274%
Montgomery$1,926$3,293$1,36771%

How to get car insurance after a DUI in Alabama

Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver after a DUI, but that doesn't mean you can't get car insurance. Finding the best fit after a DUI conviction may require a little work.

If you have car insurance and get a DUI, your insurer will probably continue to offer coverage. However, your rates will increase on renewal.

If you need car insurance after a DUI or want to find the most affordable rates, take the time to compare different policies. Get quotes from several insurers to find the cheapest option in Alabama, as each company sets its own rates after a DUI.

Alabama DUI insurance requirements and penalties

A DUI in Alabama means you must meet specific high-risk driver requirements. In Alabama, this includes obtaining an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form your insurer submits to the state to verify that you carry at least the minimum car insurance required by law. While the SR-22 itself doesn't increase your rates, the offense that led to it does.

A DUI can lead to fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment and even jail time. Multiple offenses carry even harsher penalties. You may also have to pay attorney fees, towing charges and impound costs.

The table below highlights Alabama DUI laws and the penalties for both first-time and repeat offenses.

Increased penalty for high BACAdministrative license suspension after a first offenseLimited driving privileges during suspensionIgnition interlocksOpen container lawsRepeat offender laws
0.1590 daysNoneMandatory for high BAC (0.15), repeat offenders, if there's a child under the age of 14 in the carYesYes
0.1590 daysNoneMandatory for high BAC (0.15), repeat offenders, if there's a child under the age of 14 in the carYesYes

*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?

A DUI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, but the actual time varies. In some states like California, a DUI can affect rates for 10 years.

Alabama drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a DUI and expect it to stay on their record for life.

Tips to save money after a DUI

A DUI can cost you thousands in fines, fees, and higher car insurance premiums. Fortunately, you can still take steps to reduce your rates after a DUI.

Ways Alabama drivers can reduce car insurance costs after a DUI include:

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

  • One and two DUI convictions
  • Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

Alabama DUI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a DUI?

Depending on the state, a DUI can remain on your driving record for up to 10 years. In most cases, a DUI affects car insurance rates for only three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a DUI in Alabama?

Most insurers will not cancel your policy after a single DUI, but your rates will rise sharply. However, multiple DUIs may lead your insurer to deny coverage. The higher the risk you present, the harder it becomes to secure car insurance.

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