Washington, D.C. DWI and insurance: How much does a DWI raise your insurance?

Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in Washington, D.C.?

With a clean driving record, car insurance in Washington, D.C. costs $2,157. However, after a DWI, the average rate rises to $3,365, which is $1,208 higher.

Auto insurers raise premiums significantly when they view you as a high-risk driver. If you receive multiple DWIs, average rates rise sharply to $4,193.

How much does a DWI raise your insurance in Washington, D.C.?

The most affordable insurer after a DWI is Progressive, offering average annual rates of $1,701. The second-lowest option is Erie Insurance, which costs $691 more than Progressive. State Farm provides the third-cheapest 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 Washington, D.C.

Company	Annual premium for clean records	Annual premium after a DUI	Annual premium after multiple DUIs
Progressive	$1,488	$1,701	$2,734
Erie Insurance	$1,581	$2,392	$3,128
State Farm	$2,426	$2,608	$2,608
GEICO	$1,408	$3,409	$4,355
Allstate	$3,769	$4,778	$6,169
Chubb	$2,799	$6,388	$8,063
USAA	$1,230	$2,216	$2,383

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PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Washington, D.C.?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Washington, D.C., 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 at least five years.

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 premiums may rise if your car is involved in an accident caused by a DWI. Your vehicle may also be treated as a crime scene after the crash, meaning you won't be able to access it until the police release it.

How long does a DWI affect your insurance in Washington, D.C.?

While a DWI may remain on your driving record forever, it doesn't affect rates forever. A DWI affects Washington, D.C. car insurance and stays on your record for at least five years. 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 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 $4,582.

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

For teens: Erie Insurance has the most affordable rate at $4,582.
For young adults: Progressive offers the lowest-priced coverage for young adults at $1,913.
For adults: Progressive provides the best rate, averaging $1,701.
For seniors: Progressive delivers the cheapest average rate at $1,734.

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

Company	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Erie Insurance	$3,075	$4,582	$1,507	49%
State Farm	$6,935	$7,496	$561	8%
Chubb	$6,688	$10,277	$3,589	54%
GEICO	$4,321	$10,370	$6,049	140%
Progressive	$12,190	$12,449	$259	2%
Allstate	$10,102	$13,428	$3,326	33%
Erie Insurance	$3,075	$4,582	$1,507	49%
State Farm	$6,935	$7,496	$561	8%
Chubb	$6,688	$10,277	$3,589	54%
GEICO	$4,321	$10,370	$6,049	140%
Progressive	$12,190	$12,449	$259	2%
Allstate	$10,102	$13,428	$3,326	33%
USAA	$3,305	$4,994	$1,689	51%
USAA	$3,305	$4,994	$1,689	51%

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

The most affordable city in Washington, D.C. for car insurance after a DWI is Washington, while the most expensive is Washington, with an average premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. of $3,365. Where you live affects your insurance costs even without a DWI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic or higher rates of vehicle theft pay more because their cars face a greater risk. A DWI then pushes those already high rates even higher.

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.

City	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Washington	$2,157	$3,365	$1,208	56%
Washington Navy Yard	$2,157	$3,365	$1,208	56%
Washington	$2,157	$3,365	$1,208	56%
Washington Navy Yard	$2,157	$3,365	$1,208	56%

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How to get car insurance after a DWI in Washington, D.C.

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 Washington, D.C., as each company sets its own rates after a DWI.

Washington, D.C. DWI insurance requirements and penalties

A DWI in Washington, D.C. requires you to follow certain rules for high-risk drivers. In Washington, D.C., 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 DWI 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 Washington, D.C. DWI 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
0.20, 0.25 and 0.30	2-90 days or until deposition	Yes	Mandatory for all convictions	Yes	Yes
0.20, 0.25 and 0.30	2-90 days or until deposition	Yes	Mandatory for all convictions	Yes	Yes

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*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 Washington, D.C. can expect elevated car insurance rates after a DWI and expect it to stay on their record for at least five 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.

Washington, D.C. 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.

Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.?

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.