Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in Maryland?

Maryland car insurance averages $1,999 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a DUI increase to $2,901, which is $902 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 $3,355.

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in Maryland?

After a DUI in Maryland, the average cost of car insurance is $2,901, but your actual rate will vary a lot depending on the company. GEICO has the lowest average rate at $1,913. It's important to compare companies because each one calculates risk differently.

State Farm is the second-cheapest option, with a rate that is $380 higher than GEICO. Erie Insurance is the third-cheapest.

A DUI affects more than just your insurance. You will also have to pay fines, court costs, legal fees and expenses related to a suspended license or impounded vehicle.

Because each insurer handles DUIs differently, getting multiple quotes can help you avoid overpaying.

This table shows average car insurance rates after a DUI in Maryland.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordsAnnual premium after a DUIAnnual premium after multiple DUIs
GEICO$1,561$1,913$2,351
State Farm$2,147$2,293$2,293
Erie Insurance$2,139$2,451$2,451
Travelers$1,945$3,222$5,226
Progressive$2,445$3,571$4,394
Allstate$3,455$3,602$3,602
Nationwide$1,986$4,875$4,875
USAA$1,313$2,887$3,636

People ask

What happens when you get a DUI in Maryland?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Maryland, 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 5 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, it goes on their record, not yours. However, your insurance could still be affected if they cause 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. or if they regularly drive your vehicle but weren't listed on the policy.

Your insurance covers your car when someone else drives it with your permission, but violations like DUIs stay with the driver who committed them.

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 Maryland?

A DUI affects your car insurance rates in Maryland for about 5 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 $5,550, but it varies by company.

These are the cheapest companies after a DUI by age:

  • For teens: Erie Insurance is the cheapest at $5,550.
  • For young adults: GEICO offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $2,464.
  • For adults: GEICO, with an average rate of $1,913.
  • For seniors: GEICO has the most affordable average rate at $2,077.

This table shows how a DUI affects car insurance rates based on age group.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Erie Insurance$4,563$5,550$98722%
State Farm$5,537$5,965$4288%
GEICO$5,451$8,222$2,77151%
Progressive$7,503$8,883$1,38018%
Nationwide$6,910$9,373$2,46336%
Travelers$6,006$9,461$3,45558%
USAA$3,243$5,705$2,46276%

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

The cheapest city in Maryland for car insurance with a DUI is Frederick, while the most expensive is Baltimore at an average of $3,921. 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.

CityAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% increase
Frederick$1,834$2,666$83245%
Annapolis$1,846$2,670$82445%
Hagerstown$1,885$2,727$84245%
Rockville$1,889$2,746$85745%
Gaithersburg$1,926$2,803$87746%
Salisbury$1,952$2,836$88445%
Laurel$2,079$3,002$92344%
Bowie$2,124$3,101$97746%
College Park$2,239$3,247$1,00845%
Baltimore$2,684$3,921$1,23746%

How to get car insurance after a DUI in Maryland

Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver, but you can still get car insurance after a DUI in Maryland. You can stay 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 Maryland, since each insurer offers different rates after a DUI.

Maryland DUI insurance requirements and penalties

A DUI in Maryland means you must meet specific requirements for high-risk drivers. In Maryland, 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 Maryland DUI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.

Increased penalty for high BAC0.15
Administrative license suspension after a first offense180 days for both 0.8 and 0.15, for first offense
Limited driving privileges during suspensionYes, with interlock
Ignition interlocksMandatory for all convictions
Open container lawsYes
Repeat offender lawsYes

*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?

Maryland drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a DUI for 5 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 comparing quotes, avoiding additional violations and taking advantage of discounts. While these steps will not remove the DUI, they can help reduce your overall costs.

While your rates will remain higher for a period, these steps can significantly reduce how much you pay.

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

Maryland 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.

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.

Yes, you need an SR-22 after a DUI in Maryland to prove that you carry the state's minimum required insurance coverage. Your insurance company files the form on your behalf. While the filing fee is small, your overall insurance rates will likely increase significantly due to the DUI conviction.

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.

Follow insurance.com on Google
Tip icon You might also be interested in