Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in New York?

New York car insurance averages $1,870 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a DWI increase to $2,860, which is $990 more.

Car insurance companies charge much higher rates if you are proven to be a risky driver. If you have multiple DWIs, average rates dramatically increase to $3,841.

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

The cheapest insurer after a DWI is Progressive, with rates averaging $1,066. The next cheapest insurer is State Farm a difference of $1,074 from Progressive. Allstate has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a DWI.

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 DWI differently and offers different rates, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential.

This table shows average 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 DWI in New York?

If you’re convicted of a DWI 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, and car insurance rates will increase for life.

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

Typically, the insurance follows the car, not the driver, so your car insurance won’t increase since the DWI won’t be 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 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 DWI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DWI, 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 DWI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a DWI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers pay higher insurance rates than mature drivers since they lack experience behind the wheel. While a DWI increases rates significantly, younger driver's car insurance rates skyrocket after a conviction. The average cost of car insurance for a teen with a DWI is $3,011.

These are the cheapest companies after a DWI by age:

  • For teens: Progressive is the cheapest at $3,011.
  • For young adults: Progressive offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $1,203.
  • For adults: Progressive, with an average rate of $1,066.
  • For seniors: Progressive has the most affordable average rate at $996.

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

AgeCompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Teen(18 yr)Progressive$2,991$3,011$201%
Teen(18 yr)State Farm$5,712$6,299$58710%
Teen(18 yr)Erie Insurance$4,797$6,943$2,14645%
Teen(18 yr)Travelers$6,367$8,106$1,73927%
Teen(18 yr)Allstate$6,074$9,398$3,32455%
Teen(18 yr)Geico$4,626$10,711$6,085132%
Teen(18 yr)USAA$6,263$6,880$61710%
Young Adults(25 yr)Progressive$1,154$1,203$494%
Young Adults(25 yr)State Farm$2,211$2,427$21610%
Young Adults(25 yr)Allstate$2,326$3,294$96842%
Young Adults(25 yr)Travelers$2,919$3,541$62221%
Young Adults(25 yr)Erie Insurance$2,164$3,568$1,40465%
Young Adults(25 yr)Geico$1,864$5,004$3,140168%
Young Adults(25 yr)USAA$1,924$2,762$83844%
Adults(40 yr)Progressive$1,020$1,066$465%
Adults(40 yr)State Farm$1,951$2,140$18910%
Adults(40 yr)Allstate$2,056$2,889$83340%
Adults(40 yr)Erie Insurance$1,814$2,978$1,16464%
Adults(40 yr)Travelers$2,677$3,240$56321%
Adults(40 yr)Geico$1,736$4,769$3,033175%
Adults(40 yr)USAA$1,557$2,235$67844%
Seniors(65 yr)Progressive$942$996$546%
Seniors(65 yr)State Farm$1,743$1,912$16910%
Seniors(65 yr)Erie Insurance$1,669$2,742$1,07364%
Seniors(65 yr)Allstate$2,015$2,890$87543%
Seniors(65 yr)Travelers$2,565$3,122$55722%
Seniors(65 yr)Geico$1,750$4,702$2,952169%
Seniors(65 yr)USAA$1,458$2,104$64644%

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 shows average DWI 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
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 label you as a high-risk driver after a DWI, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get car insurance. Finding the best fit after a DWI conviction may require a little work.

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

If you need car insurance after a DWI or want to find the lowest rates, shop around for coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable policy in New York since each insurer offers different rates after a DWI.

New York DWI insurance requirements and penalties

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

A DWI 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 New York DWI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.

Increased penalty for high BAC0.18
Administrative license suspension after a first offenseYes
Limited driving privileges during suspensionYes
Ignition interlocksMandatory for all convictions
Open container lawsYes
Repeat offender lawsYes

*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 for life.

Tips to save money after a DWI

A DWI will cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and increased car insurance rates. Fortunately, there are ways to get lower rates after a DWI

Ways New York drivers can save on car insurance after a DWI include:

Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit and one DUI/DWI. Sample rates are based on a 2023 Honda Accord LX with full coverage at limits of 100/300/100 for liability and $500 deductibles. We also commissioned rates for various age groups including teens (16-19), young adults (20-25) and seniors (65+).

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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