Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in New York?

With a clean driving history, car insurance in New York averages $1,870. After a DWI, the rate increases to $2,860, which is $990 more.

Auto insurance companies substantially increase premiums when they classify you as a high-risk driver. If you accumulate multiple DWIs, average rates escalate drastically to $3,841.

How much does a DWI raise your insurance in New York?

The cheapest insurer after a DWI is Progressive, with average premiums of $1,066. The next most affordable option is State Farm, where rates are $1,074 higher than those of Progressive. Allstate offers the third-lowest car insurance rates for drivers with a DWI.

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 DWI differently and sets its own pricing, comparing quotes from several companies is essential.

The table below lists theaverage car insurance rates after a DWI in New York.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordsAnnual premium after a DUIAnnual premium after multiple DUIs
Progressive$1,020$1,066$1,482
State Farm$1,951$2,140$2,140
Allstate$2,056$2,889$3,970
Erie Insurance$1,814$2,978$4,131
Travelers$2,677$3,240$4,080
GEICO$1,736$4,769$7,244
USAA$1,557$2,235$3,046

PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in New York?

If you're convicted of a DUI in New York, 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 DWI will stay on your record for life.

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

In most cases, insurance applies to the car rather than the driver, so your car insurance rates won't rise because the DWI will not appear on your driving record.

However, your rates may increase if your vehicle is involved in an accident due to a DWI. 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 DWI affect your insurance in New York?

While a DWI may remain on your driving record forever, it doesn't affect rates forever. A DWI affects New York 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 DWI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers pay more for car insurance than older, more experienced drivers because they have less time on the road. Although a DWI raises rates for any driver, a teen's insurance costs surge even higher after a conviction. The average car insurance rate for a teen with a DWI is $3,011.

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

  • For teens: Progressive has the most affordable rate at $3,011.
  • For young adults: Progressive offers the lowest-priced coverage for young adults at $1,203.
  • For adults: Progressive provides the best rate, averaging $1,066.
  • For seniors: Progressive delivers the cheapest average rate at $996.

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

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Progressive$2,991$3,011$201%
State Farm$5,712$6,299$58710%
Erie Insurance$4,797$6,943$2,14645%
Travelers$6,367$8,106$1,73927%
Allstate$6,074$9,398$3,32455%
GEICO$4,626$10,711$6,085132%
Progressive$2,991$3,011$201%
State Farm$5,712$6,299$58710%
Erie Insurance$4,797$6,943$2,14645%
Travelers$6,367$8,106$1,73927%
Allstate$6,074$9,398$3,32455%
GEICO$4,626$10,711$6,085132%
USAA$6,263$6,880$61710%
USAA$6,263$6,880$61710%

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

The cheapest city in New York for car insurance with a DWI is Ithaca, while the most expensive city is New York at an average of $3,997. Where you live affects car insurance rates, regardless of a DWI. 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 DWI.

This table lists the average car insurance rates after a DWI by city. Compare prices in major cities and rural areas to understand how your location influences your rates.

CityAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Briarcliff Manor$2,158$3,294$1,13653%
Cohoes$1,713$2,657$94455%
East Syracuse$1,759$2,680$92152%
Green Island$1,730$2,680$95055%
Ithaca$1,708$2,522$81448%
Marcy$1,809$2,765$95653%
New York$2,600$3,997$1,39754%
Newburgh$2,092$3,240$1,14855%
Niagara University$1,881$2,889$1,00854%
Rochester$1,683$2,532$84950%
Briarcliff Manor$2,158$3,294$1,13653%
Cohoes$1,713$2,657$94455%
East Syracuse$1,759$2,680$92152%
Green Island$1,730$2,680$95055%
Ithaca$1,708$2,522$81448%
Marcy$1,809$2,765$95653%
New York$2,600$3,997$1,39754%
Newburgh$2,092$3,240$1,14855%
Niagara University$1,881$2,889$1,00854%
Rochester$1,683$2,532$84950%

How to get car insurance after a DWI in New York

Insurers will consider you a high-risk driver after a DWI, but you can still get car insurance. Finding the right coverage after a DWI conviction may take some extra effort.

If you already have car insurance and receive a DWI, your insurer will likely keep your policy active. However, your premiums will rise when it's time to renew.

If you need car insurance after a DWI 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 New York, as each company sets its own rates after a DWI.

New York DWI insurance requirements and penalties

A DWI in New York means you must meet specific high-risk driver requirements.

A DWI 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 New York DWI 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
0.18YesYesMandatory for all convictionsYesYes
0.18YesYesMandatory for all convictionsYesYes

*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DWI does your insurance go down?

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

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

Tips to save money after a DWI

A DWI can cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees and increased insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are still ways to lower your rates afterward.

New York drivers can cut car insurance expenses after a DWI by:

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 DWI convictions
  • Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

New York DWI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a DWI?

DWIs can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, depending on your state. Typically, a DWI stops affecting car insurance rates in three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a DWI in New York?

Most insurers won't drop you after one DWI, but rates will increase significantly. However, multiple DWIs may cause your insurer to refuse coverage. The more risk you pose, the more challenging it is to get car insurance.

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