Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in California?
California car insurance averages $3,444 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a DUI increase to $9,979, which is $6,535 more.
Car insurance companies charge much higher rates if you are proven to be a risky driver. If you have multiple DUIs, average rates dramatically increase to $15,860.
How much does a DUI raise your insurance in California?
The cheapest insurer after a DUI is Mercury Insurance, with rates averaging $4,972. The next cheapest insurer is GEICO, a difference of $180 from Mercury Insurance. Progressive has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a DUI.
Not only is driving under the influence dangerous, but it's also expensive. You'll face hefty fines and increased car insurance rates for years. However, every company weighs a DUI differently and offers different rates, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential.
This table shows average car insurance rates after a DUI in California.
| Company | Annual premium for clean records | Annual premium after a DUI | Annual premium after multiple DUIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $2,786 | $4,972 | $5,068 |
| GEICO | $2,039 | $5,152 | $7,269 |
| Progressive | $3,013 | $7,245 | $8,655 |
| Farmers | $4,486 | $7,969 | $9,839 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $2,877 | $10,379 | $29,046 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $3,559 | $11,273 | $14,319 |
| Nationwide | $4,164 | $12,023 | $15,822 |
| State Farm | $4,171 | $14,683 | $31,534 |
| Allstate | $4,032 | $16,248 | $21,787 |
People ask
What happens when you get a DUI in California?
If you're convicted of a DUI in California, the consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, and car insurance rates will increase for 10 years.
If someone gets a DUI in your car, does it go on your insurance?
If someone else gets a DUI while driving your car, the DUI goes on their driving record, not yours. Your insurance rates will not go up just because of their DUI. However, your rates could increase if that driver causes an accident and you file a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing.. Your insurer may also review your policy if that person lives with you or regularly drives your car.
Additionally, your car can be declared a crime scene after an accident, so you won't have access to your vehicle until the police are ready.
How long does a DUI affect your insurance in California?
A DUI affects your car insurance rates in California for about 10 years. However, the DUI may stay on your official driving record longer. Your rates will start to go down after a few years if you avoid new violations and keep continuous coverage.
Insurance companies check your driving record when setting your rates. Each company has its own rules for how long it considers a DUI.
If you keep a clean record, your rates should gradually decrease. Still, the exact timing depends on your insurer, state rules, and your overall driving history.
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?
A DUI raises insurance rates for drivers of all ages, but younger drivers pay the most. Teens and young adults already have higher rates because they have less experience. After a DUI, the average rate for a teen is $7,069, but it varies by company.
These are the cheapest companies after a DUI by age:
- For teens: GEICO is the cheapest at $7,069.
- For young adults: GEICO offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $5,908.
- For adults: Mercury Insurance, with an average rate of $4,972.
- For seniors: Mercury Insurance has the most affordable average rate at $4,558.
This table shows how a DUI affects car insurance rates based on age group.
| Company | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $5,301 | $7,069 | $1,768 | 33% |
| Mercury Insurance | $6,971 | $9,229 | $2,258 | 32% |
| Farmers | $10,024 | $13,022 | $2,998 | 30% |
| Progressive | $9,078 | $14,891 | $5,813 | 64% |
| State Farm | $7,646 | $21,540 | $13,894 | 182% |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $8,998 | $22,798 | $13,800 | 153% |
| Nationwide | $12,916 | $23,252 | $10,336 | 80% |
| Allstate | $9,398 | $25,087 | $15,689 | 167% |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $9,194 | $26,232 | $17,038 | 185% |
How much does a DUI raise your insurance in your city?
The cheapest city in California for car insurance with a DUI is San Diego, while the most expensive is Los Angeles at an average of $12,670. Where you live affects car insurance rates, regardless of whether you have a DUI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic and more vehicle thefts pay higher insurance premiums because 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.
| City | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | $3,373 | $9,808 | $6,435 | 191% |
| San Jose | $3,416 | $9,858 | $6,442 | 189% |
| Fresno | $3,440 | $9,967 | $6,527 | 190% |
| Bakersfield | $3,572 | $10,401 | $6,829 | 191% |
| Anaheim | $3,674 | $10,668 | $6,994 | 190% |
| Long Beach | $3,821 | $11,056 | $7,235 | 189% |
| Sacramento | $3,826 | $11,175 | $7,349 | 192% |
| San Francisco | $3,976 | $11,582 | $7,606 | 191% |
| Oakland | $4,026 | $11,678 | $7,652 | 190% |
| Los Angeles | $4,383 | $12,670 | $8,287 | 189% |
How to get car insurance after a DUI in California
To get car insurance after a DUI in California, start with your current insurer or look for companies that cover high-risk drivers. Start by checking if you need to file any state forms, then compare quotes from several insurers.
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 lowest rates, shop around for coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable policy in California since each insurer offers different rates after a DUI.
California DUI insurance requirements and penalties
A DUI in California means you must meet specific requirements for high-risk drivers. In California, you will need an SR-22. A DUI can lead to fines, a driver's license suspension, car impoundment, and jail time. Multiple offenses have more severe penalties. Additionally, you may have to pay lawyer fees, towing charges, and impound fees.
The table below indicates California DUI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.
| Increased penalty for high BAC | 0.15 |
| Administrative license suspension after a first offense | 4 months |
| Limited driving privileges during suspension | After 30 days |
| Ignition interlocks | Mandatory for all repeat and injury involved offenses, first-time injury or vehicular manslaughter offenses |
| Open container laws | Yes |
| Repeat offender laws | No |
*BAC is blood alcohol concentration
How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?
California drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a DUI for 10 years.
If you avoid new tickets, accidents, and lapses in coverage, your rates should improve over time. Still, the DUI can affect your eligibility for certain insurers or discounts even after your rate starts to drop.
It is a good idea to compare quotes at each renewal. Another insurer may offer a lower rate sooner than your current one.
Tips to save money after a DUI
You can save money after a DUI by actively managing your policy and improving your risk profile. The most effective ways include comparing quotes from multiple insurers, increasing your deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim., maintaining a clean driving record, and taking advantage of available discounts.
While your rates will remain higher for a period, these steps can significantly reduce how much you pay over time.
- Raise your deductible to lower rates
- Look for car insurance discounts, like multi-policy and vehicle safety feature savings
- Keep your driving record clean going forward
- Take a defensive driving course
- Improve your credit score
- Compare rates from multiple companies
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., through our data partner, Quadrant Information Services. National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.
Base rate averages are based on our full coverage data setand the following parameters:
- 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:
- Ages ranging from 16 to 75
- Rates after a DUI
California DUI insurance: Frequently asked questions
How far back do insurance companies look for a DUI?
DUIs can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, depending on your state. Typically, a DUI stops affecting car insurance rates in three to five years.
Will my insurance drop me after a DUI in California?
Most insurers won't drop you after one DUI, but rates will increase significantly. However, multiple DUIs may cause your insurer to refuse coverage. The more risk you pose, the more challenging it is to get car insurance.
Do you need an SR-22 after a DUI in California?
Yes, you are required to obtain an SR-22 after a DUI in California as proof that you carry the minimum insurance required by law. Your insurer files the form with the state. The filing fee is generally small, but the DUI conviction that triggered the requirement can substantially increase your premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods..
Can you get full coverage car insurance after a DUI?
Yes, you can get full coverage car insurance after a DUI, but it will generally cost more, and fewer insurers may be willing to offer it. Full coverage includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Comparing quotes from several companies can help you find the best coverage at a more affordable rate.
Compare California DUI car insurance rates with other states
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