- Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in North Carolina?
- How much does a DWI raise your insurance in North Carolina?
- If someone gets a DWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?
- How long does a DWI affect your insurance in North Carolina?
- How much does a DWI raise insurance by age group?
- How much does a DWI raise your insurance in your city?
- How to get car insurance after a DWI in North Carolina
- North Carolina DWI insurance requirements and penalties
- How long after a DWI does your insurance go down?
- Tips to save money after a DWI
- Methodology
- North Carolina DWI insurance: Frequently asked questions
- Compare North Carolina DUI car insurance rates with other states
Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in North Carolina?
With a clean driving history, car insurance in North Carolina averages $1,741. After a DWI, the rate increases to $7,343, which is $5,602 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 $7,361.
How much does a DWI raise your insurance in North Carolina?
The most affordable insurer after a DWI is State Farm, offering average annual rates of $4,387. The second-lowest option is Erie Insurance, which costs $141 more than State Farm. Nationwide provides the third-cheapest car insurance rates for drivers 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 North Carolina.
| Company | Annual premium for clean records | Annual premium after a DUI | Annual premium after multiple DUIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,180 | $4,387 | $4,387 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,082 | $4,528 | $4,528 |
| Nationwide | $1,513 | $5,629 | $5,629 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,217 | $7,263 | $7,263 |
| GEICO | $1,617 | $7,299 | $7,299 |
| Progressive | $2,028 | $7,524 | $7,524 |
| Farmers | $2,028 | $7,656 | $7,656 |
| Allstate | $2,994 | $12,405 | $12,405 |
PEOPLE ASK:
What happens when you get a DUI in North Carolina?
If you're convicted of a DUI in North Carolina, 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 DWI will stay on your record for ten years.
If someone gets a DWI 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 DWI will not show up 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 North Carolina?
Although a DWI may stay on your driving record permanently, it doesn't impact your insurance rates indefinitely. A DWI influences car insurance in North Carolina and stays on your record for ten years. Your premiums should start to go down after several years of maintaining a clean driving record with no additional 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 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 $5,803.
These are the cheapest companies after a DWI by age:
- For teens: Erie Insurance is the cheapest at $5,803.
- For young adults: Erie Insurance offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $4,647.
- For adults: State Farm, with an average rate of $4,387.
- For seniors: State Farm has the most affordable average rate at $4,299.
This table shows how a DWI affects car insurance rates based on age group.
| Company | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $2,199 | $5,803 | $3,604 | 164% |
| State Farm | $2,462 | $5,973 | $3,511 | 143% |
| Nationwide | $3,168 | $7,504 | $4,336 | 137% |
| GEICO | $3,648 | $8,931 | $5,283 | 145% |
| Progressive | $3,966 | $9,250 | $5,284 | 133% |
| Farmers | $3,966 | $9,417 | $5,451 | 137% |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $2,594 | $9,689 | $7,095 | 274% |
| Allstate | $7,293 | $18,987 | $11,694 | 160% |
How much does a DWI raise your insurance in your city?
The cheapest city in North Carolina for car insurance with a DWI is Holly Springs, while the most expensive city is Bessemer City at an average of $8,376. 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 the average car insurance rates after a DWI by city. Comparing rates in both large cities and rural areas can help you see how your location affects your premiums.
| City | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex | $1,549 | $6,503 | $4,954 | 320% |
| Bessemer City | $1,979 | $8,376 | $6,397 | 323% |
| Browns Summit | $1,663 | $6,937 | $5,274 | 317% |
| Charlotte | $1,824 | $7,715 | $5,891 | 323% |
| Cornelius | $1,693 | $7,150 | $5,457 | 322% |
| Durham | $1,741 | $7,314 | $5,573 | 320% |
| Fayetteville | $1,901 | $8,053 | $6,152 | 324% |
| Garysburg | $1,946 | $8,157 | $6,211 | 319% |
| Holly Springs | $1,534 | $6,440 | $4,906 | 320% |
| Kill Devil Hills | $1,636 | $6,806 | $5,170 | 316% |
| Raleigh | $1,703 | $7,174 | $5,471 | 321% |
| Stanley | $1,698 | $7,176 | $5,478 | 323% |
How to get car insurance after a DWI in North Carolina
Insurers will label you a high-risk driver after a DWI, but you can still secure car insurance. Finding suitable coverage following a DWI conviction may require some additional effort.
If you already have car insurance and receive a DWI, your insurer will likely continue your policy; however, your premiums will increase at renewal time.
If you need car insurance after a DWI or want the lowest available rates, be sure to compare multiple companies. Request quotes from various insurers to identify the most affordable choice in North Carolina, since each company determines its own rates after a DWI.
North Carolina DWI insurance requirements and penalties
A DWI in North Carolina 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 North Carolina DWI laws and the penalties for both first-time and repeat offenses.
| Increased penalty for high BAC | 0.15 |
| Administrative license suspension after a first offense | 30 days |
| Limited driving privileges during suspension | After 10 days |
| Ignition interlocks | Mandatory for high BAC (0.15 or higher) and repeat convictions |
| Open container laws | Yes |
| Repeat offender laws | Yes |
*BAC is blood alcohol concentration
How long after a DWI does your insurance go down?
A DWI impacts car insurance rates for at least three years, although the exact duration depends on the state. In some places, such as California, a DWI can influence your rates for up to 10 years.
Drivers in North Carolina can expect elevated car insurance rates after a DWI and expect it to stay on their record for ten years.
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.
North Carolina drivers can cut car insurance expenses after a DWI by:
- Raising their deductible to reduce monthly premiums
- Looking for discounts, such as multi-policy savings or safety feature discounts
- Keeping a clean driving record going forward
- Completing a defensive driving course
- Improving their credit score
- Comparing quotes from multiple insurers
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 DWI convictions
- Ages ranging from 16 to 75
Learn more about our data and methodology.
North Carolina DWI insurance: Frequently asked questions
How far back do insurance companies look for a DWI?
Depending on the state, a DWI may stay on your driving record for up to 10 years. In most situations, a DWI influences car insurance rates for three to five years.
Will my insurance drop me after a DWI in North Carolina?
Most insurers won't drop your policy after just one DWI, but your premiums will increase significantly. However, if you have multiple DWIs, your insurer may refuse to continue coverage. The greater the risk you pose, the more difficult it becomes to find car insurance.
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