- Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in California?
- How much does a DUI raise your insurance in California?
- If someone gets a DUI in your car, does it go on your insurance?
- How long does a DUI affect your insurance in California?
- How much does a DUI raise insurance by age group?
- How much does a DUI raise your insurance in your city?
- How to get car insurance after a DUI in California
- California DUI insurance requirements and penalties
- How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?
- Tips to save money after a DUI
- Methodology
- California DUI insurance: Frequently asked questions
- Compare California DUI car insurance rates with other states
Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in California?
With a clean driving history, car insurance in California averages $2,416. After a DUI, the rate increases to $7,774, which is $5,358 more.
Auto insurance companies substantially increase premiums when they classify you as a high-risk driver. If you accumulate multiple DUIs, average rates escalate drastically to $13,411.
How much does a DUI raise your insurance in California?
The cheapest insurer after a DUI is Mercury Insurance, with rates averaging $3,616. The next cheapest insurer is GEICO a difference of $1,209 from Mercury Insurance. Travelers 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 | $2,031 | $3,616 | $3,682 |
| GEICO | $1,919 | $4,825 | $6,845 |
| Travelers | $2,460 | $5,250 | $10,175 |
| Progressive | $2,179 | $5,283 | $6,260 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,466 | $7,730 | $9,833 |
| Nationwide | $2,799 | $8,024 | $10,537 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $2,600 | $9,392 | $26,312 |
| State Farm | $2,701 | $9,499 | $20,407 |
| Allstate | $2,627 | $10,478 | $14,055 |
| Farmers | $3,035 | $12,025 | $22,504 |
| USAA | $1,827 | $5,690 | $7,481 |
PEOPLE ASK:
What happens when you get a DUI in California?
If you're convicted of a DUI in California, 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 three years.
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 California?
Even though a DUI may remain on your driving record for life, it won't affect your insurance rates forever. In California, a DUI impacts car insurance and stays on your record for three years. Your premiums should begin to decrease after a few years of keeping a clean driving record without further violations.
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 $6,577.
These are the cheapest companies after a DUI by age:
- For teens: GEICO is the cheapest at $6,577.
- For young adults: Mercury Insurance offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $4,779.
- For adults: Mercury Insurance, with an average rate of $3,616.
- For seniors: Mercury Insurance has the most affordable average rate at $3,318.
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 | $4,969 | $6,577 | $1,608 | 32% |
| Mercury Insurance | $5,073 | $6,705 | $1,632 | 32% |
| Travelers | $5,144 | $8,754 | $3,610 | 70% |
| Progressive | $6,878 | $11,258 | $4,380 | 64% |
| State Farm | $4,948 | $13,930 | $8,982 | 182% |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $6,286 | $15,823 | $9,537 | 152% |
| Nationwide | $9,078 | $16,287 | $7,209 | 79% |
| Allstate | $6,198 | $16,444 | $10,246 | 165% |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $8,279 | $23,630 | $15,351 | 185% |
| Farmers | $7,021 | $23,861 | $16,840 | 240% |
| GEICO | $4,969 | $6,577 | $1,608 | 32% |
| Mercury Insurance | $5,073 | $6,705 | $1,632 | 32% |
| Travelers | $5,144 | $8,754 | $3,610 | 70% |
| Progressive | $6,878 | $11,258 | $4,380 | 64% |
| State Farm | $4,948 | $13,930 | $8,982 | 182% |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $6,286 | $15,823 | $9,537 | 152% |
| Nationwide | $9,078 | $16,287 | $7,209 | 79% |
| Allstate | $6,198 | $16,444 | $10,246 | 165% |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $8,279 | $23,630 | $15,351 | 185% |
| Farmers | $7,021 | $23,861 | $16,840 | 240% |
| USAA | $4,140 | $8,386 | $4,246 | 103% |
| USAA | $4,140 | $8,386 | $4,246 | 103% |
How much does a DUI raise your insurance in your city?
The cheapest city in California for car insurance with a DUI is Portola, while the most expensive city is Los Angeles at an average of $10,071. 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 lists the average car insurance rates after a DUI by city. Compare prices in major cities and rural areas to understand how your location influences your rates.
| City | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | $2,572 | $8,307 | $5,735 | 223% |
| Fresno | $2,385 | $7,679 | $5,294 | 222% |
| Hayward | $2,546 | $8,206 | $5,660 | 222% |
| Irvine | $2,502 | $8,046 | $5,544 | 222% |
| Long Beach | $2,681 | $8,613 | $5,932 | 221% |
| Los Angeles | $3,149 | $10,071 | $6,922 | 220% |
| Oakland | $2,802 | $8,971 | $6,169 | 220% |
| Portola | $2,058 | $6,611 | $4,553 | 221% |
| Sacramento | $2,665 | $8,708 | $6,043 | 227% |
| San Diego | $2,324 | $7,477 | $5,153 | 222% |
| San Francisco | $2,777 | $8,958 | $6,181 | 223% |
| San Jose | $2,406 | $7,718 | $5,312 | 221% |
| Sausalito | $2,407 | $7,692 | $5,285 | 220% |
| Temecula | $2,356 | $7,609 | $5,253 | 223% |
| Vallejo | $2,608 | $8,412 | $5,804 | 223% |
| Anaheim | $2,572 | $8,307 | $5,735 | 223% |
| Fresno | $2,385 | $7,679 | $5,294 | 222% |
| Hayward | $2,546 | $8,206 | $5,660 | 222% |
| Irvine | $2,502 | $8,046 | $5,544 | 222% |
| Long Beach | $2,681 | $8,613 | $5,932 | 221% |
| Los Angeles | $3,149 | $10,071 | $6,922 | 220% |
| Oakland | $2,802 | $8,971 | $6,169 | 220% |
| Portola | $2,058 | $6,611 | $4,553 | 221% |
| Sacramento | $2,665 | $8,708 | $6,043 | 227% |
| San Diego | $2,324 | $7,477 | $5,153 | 222% |
| San Francisco | $2,777 | $8,958 | $6,181 | 223% |
| San Jose | $2,406 | $7,718 | $5,312 | 221% |
| Sausalito | $2,407 | $7,692 | $5,285 | 220% |
| Temecula | $2,356 | $7,609 | $5,253 | 223% |
| Vallejo | $2,608 | $8,412 | $5,804 | 223% |
How to get car insurance after a DUI in California
Insurers will label you a high-risk driver after a DUI, but you can still secure car insurance. Finding suitable coverage following a DUI conviction may require some additional effort.
If you already have car insurance and receive a DUI, your insurer will likely continue your policy; however, your premiums will increase at renewal time.
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 requires you to follow certain rules for high-risk drivers. In California, you are required to obtain an SR-22. An SR-22 is a document your insurer files with the state to prove you carry at least the minimum level of car insurance required by law. The SR-22 itself doesn't raise your rates, but the violation that triggered the requirement does.
A DUI can result in fines, a suspended driver's license, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time. Repeat offenses come with even tougher consequences. You may also be responsible for attorney costs, towing expenses, and impound fees.
The table below outlines California DUI laws and penalties for first and repeat offenses.
| Increased penalty for high BAC | Administrative license suspension after a first offense | Limited driving privileges during suspension | Ignition interlocks | Open container laws | Repeat offender laws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.15 | 4 months | After 30 days | Mandatory for all repeat and injury involved offenses, first-time injury or vehicular manslaughter offenses | Yes | No |
| 0.15 | 4 months | After 30 days | Mandatory for all repeat and injury involved offenses, first-time injury or vehicular manslaughter offenses | Yes | No |
*BAC is blood alcohol concentration
How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?
A DUI impacts car insurance rates for at least three years, although the exact duration depends on the state. In some places, such as California, a DUI can influence your rates for up to 10 years.
Drivers in California can expect elevated car insurance rates after a DUI and expect it to stay on their record for three years.
Tips to save money after a DUI
A DUI will cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and increased car insurance rates. Fortunately, there are ways to get lower rates after a DUI.
Ways California drivers can save on car insurance after a DUI include:
- 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
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.
California 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 California?
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.
Compare California DUI car insurance rates with other states
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