Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in Virginia?
Virginia car insurance averages $1,835 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a DUI increase to $3,517, which is $1,682 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 $4,466.
How much does a DUI raise your insurance in Virginia?
After a DUI in Virginia, the average cost of car insurance is $3,517, but your actual rate will vary a lot depending on the company. Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance has the lowest average rate at $1,618. It's important to compare companies because each one calculates risk differently.
Travelers is the second-cheapest option, with a rate that is $573 higher than Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance. State Farm 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 Virginia.
| Company | Annual premium for clean records | Annual premium after a DUI | Annual premium after multiple DUIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance | $1,240 | $1,618 | $1,619 |
| Travelers | $1,403 | $2,191 | $4,137 |
| State Farm | $2,532 | $2,733 | $2,733 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,733 | $3,229 | $4,515 |
| Allstate | $2,310 | $3,365 | $6,300 |
| GEICO | $1,623 | $3,598 | $4,609 |
| Progressive | $2,660 | $3,864 | $6,092 |
| USAA | $1,180 | $2,227 | $2,426 |
People ask
What happens when you get a DUI in Virginia?
If you're convicted of a DUI in Virginia, 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 10 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, the DUI goes on their driving record, not yours. Your insurance rates will not go up just because of their DUI. However, your rates could increase if that driver causes 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.. Your insurer may also review your policy if that person lives with you or regularly drives your car.
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 Virginia?
A DUI affects your insurance rates in Virginia for about 10 years., but it may stay on your driving record longer. Your premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. will slowly go down if you avoid more violations and maintain continuous coverage.
Insurance companies look at your recent driving history when setting your rates. Each company has its own rules for how long it considers a DUI.
As time passes, your rates will improve, depending on your insurer and your overall record.
It is a good idea to compare quotes at renewal because another company may stop charging extra for your DUI sooner.
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 pay higher insurance rates than mature drivers since they lack experience behind the wheel. While a DUI increases rates significantly, younger drivers' car insurance rates skyrocket after a conviction. The average cost of car insurance for a teen with a DUI is $3,702.
These are the cheapest companies after a DUI by age:
- For teens: Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance is the cheapest at $3,702.
- For young adults: Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $1,771.
- For adults: Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance, with an average rate of $1,618.
- For seniors: Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance has the most affordable average rate at $1,714.
This table shows how a DUI affects car insurance rates based on age group.
| Company | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance | $2,799 | $3,702 | $903 | 32% |
| Erie Insurance | $3,834 | $5,934 | $2,100 | 55% |
| Travelers | $4,125 | $6,077 | $1,952 | 47% |
| Allstate | $5,208 | $7,774 | $2,566 | 49% |
| State Farm | $7,238 | $7,871 | $633 | 9% |
| GEICO | $4,012 | $8,596 | $4,584 | 114% |
| Progressive | $13,798 | $16,334 | $2,536 | 18% |
| USAA | $3,529 | $5,397 | $1,868 | 53% |
How much does a DUI raise your insurance in your city?
A DUI will affect your insurance differently depending on your city in Virginia. Roanoke has the lowest average rate, while Norfolk has the highest at $3,807, largely due to local risk factors. Insurers consider traffic levels, accident frequency, theft rates, weather risks and repair costs when setting premiums.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke | $1,673 | $3,223 | $1,550 | 93% |
| Newport News | $1,815 | $3,433 | $1,618 | 89% |
| Suffolk | $1,820 | $3,483 | $1,663 | 91% |
| Virginia Beach | $1,833 | $3,497 | $1,664 | 91% |
| Hampton | $1,855 | $3,522 | $1,667 | 90% |
| Chesapeake | $1,853 | $3,528 | $1,675 | 90% |
| Alexandria | $1,915 | $3,613 | $1,698 | 89% |
| Richmond | $1,926 | $3,648 | $1,722 | 89% |
| Portsmouth | $1,953 | $3,682 | $1,729 | 89% |
| Norfolk | $2,031 | $3,807 | $1,776 | 87% |
How to get car insurance after a DUI in Virginia
To get car insurance after a DUI in Virginia, start 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 Virginia since each insurer offers different rates after a DUI.
Virginia DUI insurance requirements and penalties
A DUI in Virginia means you must meet specific requirements for high-risk drivers. In Virginia, 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 Virginia DUI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.
| Increased penalty for high BAC | 0.15 and 0.2 |
| Administrative license suspension after a first offense | 7 days |
| Limited driving privileges during suspension | None |
| Ignition interlocks | Mandatory for repeat convictions; highly incentivized for first convictions |
| Open container laws | No |
| Repeat offender laws | Yes |
*BAC is blood alcohol concentration
How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?
Virginia drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a DUI for 10 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 actively managing your policy and improving your risk profile. The most effective ways include comparing quotes from multiple insurers, increasing your deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim., maintaining a clean driving record, and taking advantage of available discounts.
While your rates will remain higher for a period, these steps can significantly reduce how much you pay over time.
- Raise your deductible to lower rates
- Look for car insurance discounts, like multi-policy and vehicle safety feature savings
- Keep your driving record clean going forward
- Take a defensive driving course
- Improve your credit score
- Compare rates from multiple companies
Methodology
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
Virginia 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.
Will my insurance drop me after a DUI in Virginia?
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.
Do you need an SR-22 after a DUI in Virginia?
Yes, you need an SR-22 after a DUI in Virginia 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.
Can you get full coverage car insurance after a DUI?
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.
Compare Virginia DUI car insurance rates with other states
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