Virginia DUI and insurance: How much does a DUI raise your insurance?

Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in Virginia?

With a clean driving history, car insurance in Virginia averages $1,469. After a DUI, the rate increases to $2,580, which is $1,111 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 $3,364.

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in Virginia?

The most affordable insurer after a DUI is State Farm, offering average annual rates of $1,590. The second-lowest option is Travelers, which costs $248 more than State Farm. Erie Insurance provides the third-cheapest car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI.

Driving under the influence is not only dangerous but also costly. You'll deal with massive fines and higher car insurance premiums for several years. Each insurer evaluates a DUI differently and sets its own rates, so it's important to compare quotes from multiple companies.

This table displays average car insurance rates for a driver with a DUI in Virginia.

Company	Annual premium for clean records	Annual premium after a DUI	Annual premium after multiple DUIs
State Farm	$1,479	$1,590	$1,590
Travelers	$1,169	$1,838	$3,309
Erie Insurance	$1,288	$2,104	$2,758
Auto-Owners	$1,405	$2,279	$4,897
Progressive	$2,120	$2,695	$4,052
Allstate	$2,021	$2,986	$5,619
GEICO	$1,382	$3,000	$3,827
USAA	$1,192	$2,260	$2,457

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PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Virginia?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Virginia, 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 11 years.

If someone gets a DUI 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 DUI won't be on your driving record.

However, your premiums may increase if your vehicle is involved in a crash resulting from a DUI. Your car may also be held as a crime scene after the incident, which means you won't be able to access it until the police have cleared it.

How long does a DUI affect your insurance in Virginia?

Even though a DUI may remain on your driving record for life, it won't affect your insurance rates forever. In Virginia, a DUI impacts car insurance and stays on your record for 11 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 $4,142.

Here are the most affordable insurers after a DUI by age:

For teens: Erie Insurance offers the lowest rate at $4,142.
For young adults: State Farm provides the cheapest coverage for young adults at $1,906.
For adults: State Farm is the most affordable option, with an average rate of $1,590.
For seniors: State Farm offers the lowest average rate at $1,440.

This table illustrates how a DUI impacts car insurance rates across different age groups.

Company	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Erie Insurance	$2,884	$4,142	$1,258	44%
State Farm	$3,935	$4,270	$335	9%
Travelers	$3,248	$4,807	$1,559	48%
Auto-Owners	$3,565	$6,496	$2,931	82%
Allstate	$4,501	$6,796	$2,295	51%
GEICO	$3,312	$6,988	$3,676	111%
Progressive	$10,048	$10,682	$634	6%
Erie Insurance	$2,884	$4,142	$1,258	44%
State Farm	$3,935	$4,270	$335	9%
Travelers	$3,248	$4,807	$1,559	48%
Auto-Owners	$3,565	$6,496	$2,931	82%
Allstate	$4,501	$6,796	$2,295	51%
GEICO	$3,312	$6,988	$3,676	111%
Progressive	$10,048	$10,682	$634	6%
USAA	$3,530	$5,410	$1,880	53%
USAA	$3,530	$5,410	$1,880	53%

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

The least expensive city in Virginia for car insurance after a DUI is Staunton, while the costliest city is Alexandria, with an average rate of $2,804. Your location influences your insurance costs, even without a DUI. Drivers in areas with heavier traffic or higher rates of vehicle theft typically face higher premiums because their cars are at a greater risk. A DUI then raises those already elevated rates even more.

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.

City	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Alexandria	$1,586	$2,804	$1,218	77%
Arlington	$1,515	$2,676	$1,161	77%
Ashburn	$1,428	$2,525	$1,097	77%
Bristol	$1,350	$2,360	$1,010	75%
Covington	$1,344	$2,295	$951	71%
Galax	$1,349	$2,337	$988	73%
Lynchburg	$1,368	$2,390	$1,022	75%
Norfolk	$1,607	$2,780	$1,173	73%
Staunton	$1,271	$2,178	$907	71%
Virginia Beach	$1,457	$2,585	$1,128	77%
Williamsburg	$1,364	$2,388	$1,024	75%
Winchester	$1,326	$2,310	$984	74%
Alexandria	$1,586	$2,804	$1,218	77%
Arlington	$1,515	$2,676	$1,161	77%
Ashburn	$1,428	$2,525	$1,097	77%
Bristol	$1,350	$2,360	$1,010	75%
Covington	$1,344	$2,295	$951	71%
Galax	$1,349	$2,337	$988	73%
Lynchburg	$1,368	$2,390	$1,022	75%
Norfolk	$1,607	$2,780	$1,173	73%
Staunton	$1,271	$2,178	$907	71%
Virginia Beach	$1,457	$2,585	$1,128	77%
Williamsburg	$1,364	$2,388	$1,024	75%
Winchester	$1,326	$2,310	$984	74%

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How to get car insurance after a DUI in Virginia

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 most affordable rates, take the time to compare different policies. Get quotes from several insurers to find the cheapest option in Virginia, as each company sets its own rates after a DUI.

Virginia DUI insurance requirements and penalties

A DUI in Virginia requires you to follow certain rules for high-risk drivers. In Virginia, 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 Virginia 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 and 0.2	7 days	None	Mandatory for repeat convictions; highly incentivized for first convictions	No	Yes
0.15 and 0.2	7 days	None	Mandatory for repeat convictions; highly incentivized for first convictions	No	Yes

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*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?

A DUI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, although the timeframe varies by state. In some states, like California, a DUI can impact your premiums for as long as 10 years.

In Virginia, drivers can expect higher car insurance rates after a DUI and expect it to stay on their record for 11 years.

Tips to save money after a DUI

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

Virginia drivers can cut car insurance expenses after a DUI 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 DUI convictions
Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

Virginia 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 Virginia?

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.