Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. car insurance averages $3,465 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a DWI increase to $5,254, which is $1,789 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 $6,686.
How much does a DWI raise your insurance in Washington, D.C.?
After a DWI in Washington, D.C., the average cost of car insurance is $5,254, but your actual rate will vary a lot depending on the company. GEICO has the lowest average rate at $4,810. It's important to compare companies because each one calculates risk differently.
State Farm is the second-cheapest option, with a rate that is $453 higher than GEICO. Progressive is the third-cheapest.
A DWI 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 DWIs differently, getting multiple quotes can help you avoid overpaying.
This table shows average 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,991 | $4,810 | $6,148 |
| State Farm | $4,908 | $5,263 | $5,263 |
| Progressive | $4,346 | $5,300 | $8,726 |
| Allstate | $4,827 | $6,040 | $7,712 |
| Chubb | $3,300 | $7,574 | $9,567 |
| USAA | $1,418 | $2,573 | $2,767 |
If someone gets a DWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?
If someone else gets a DWI while driving your car, the DWI goes on their driving record, not yours. Your insurance rates will not go up just because of their DWI. 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.
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?
A DWI raises insurance rates for drivers of all ages, but younger drivers pay the most. Teens and young adults already have higher rates because they have less experience. After a DWI, the average rate for a teen is $12,202, but it varies by company.
These are the cheapest companies after a DWI by age:
- For teens: Chubb is the cheapest at $12,202.
- For young adults: GEICO offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $5,873.
- For adults: GEICO, with an average rate of $4,810.
- For seniors: Progressive has the most affordable average rate at $4,502.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chubb | $7,930 | $12,202 | $4,272 | 54% |
| GEICO | $6,044 | $14,517 | $8,473 | 140% |
| State Farm | $14,090 | $15,201 | $1,111 | 8% |
| Allstate | $14,947 | $19,731 | $4,784 | 32% |
| USAA | $3,856 | $5,838 | $1,982 | 51% |
How to get car insurance after a DWI in Washington, D.C.
Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver, but you can still get car insurance after a DWI in Washington, D.C. You can stay 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 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 Washington, D.C., since each insurer offers different rates after a DWI.
Washington, D.C. DWI insurance requirements and penalties
A DWI in Washington, D.C. means you must meet specific requirements for high-risk drivers. In Washington, D.C., you will need an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form filed by your insurance company that shows the state that you have at least the minimum amount of car insurance required by law. While an SR-22 doesn't increase your car insurance rates, the cause behind the form does.
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 Washington, D.C. DWI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.
| Increased penalty for high BAC | 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 |
| Administrative license suspension after a first offense | 2-90 days or until deposition |
| Limited driving privileges during suspension | Yes |
| Ignition interlocks | Mandatory for all convictions |
| Open container laws | Yes |
| Repeat offender laws | Yes |
*BAC is blood alcohol concentration
Tips to save money after a DWI
You can save money after a DWI by comparing quotes, avoiding additional violations and taking advantage of discounts. While these steps will not remove the DWI, they can help reduce your overall costs.
While your rates will remain higher for a period, these steps can significantly reduce how much you pay.
- 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 DWI
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.
Do you need an SR-22 after a DWI in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, you are required to obtain an SR-22 after a DWI in Washington, D.C. as proof that you carry the minimum insurance required by law. Your insurer files the form with the state. The filing fee is generally small, but the DWI conviction that triggered the requirement can substantially increase 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..
Can you get full coverage car insurance after a DWI?
Yes, you can get full coverage car insurance after a DWI, 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 Washington, D.C. DUI car insurance rates with other states
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