- Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in Washington?
- How much does a DUI raise your insurance in Washington?
- If someone gets a DUI in your car, does it go on your insurance?
- How long does a DUI affect your insurance in Washington?
- How much does a DUI raise insurance by age group?
- How much does a DUI raise your insurance in your city?
- How to get car insurance after a DUI in Washington
- Washington DUI insurance requirements and penalties
- How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?
- Tips to save money after a DUI
- Methodology
- Washington DUI insurance: Frequently asked questions
- Compare Washington DUI car insurance rates with other states
Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in Washington?
With a clean driving history, car insurance in Washington averages $1,608. After a DUI, the rate increases to $2,845, which is $1,237 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 $3,679.
How much does a DUI raise your insurance in Washington?
The cheapest insurer after a DUI is State Farm, with rates averaging $1,948. The next cheapest insurer is GEICO a difference of $91 from State Farm. American Family has the third-most affordable car insurance rates 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 Washington.
| Company | Annual premium for clean records | Annual premium after a DUI | Annual premium after multiple DUIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,794 | $1,948 | $1,948 |
| GEICO | $1,171 | $2,039 | $2,417 |
| American Family | $1,750 | $2,164 | $2,628 |
| Allstate | $1,766 | $2,284 | $3,071 |
| Travelers | $1,503 | $2,287 | $3,299 |
| Farmers | $1,714 | $3,024 | $4,309 |
| Progressive | $2,554 | $3,165 | $5,393 |
| Nationwide | $1,658 | $3,558 | $4,899 |
| USAA | $853 | $1,765 | $2,038 |
PEOPLE ASK:
What happens when you get a DUI in Washington?
If you're convicted of a DUI in Washington, 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 DUI will stay on your record for 10 years.
If someone gets a DUI in your car, does it go on your insurance?
In most cases, insurance applies to the car rather than the driver, so your car insurance rates won't rise because the DUI will not appear on your driving record.
However, your rates may increase if your vehicle is involved in an accident due to a DUI. 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 Washington?
Although a DUI may stay on your driving record permanently, it doesn't impact your insurance rates indefinitely. A DUI influences car insurance in Washington and stays on your record for 10 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 DUI 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 DUI 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 DUI is $4,964.
These are the cheapest companies after a DUI by age:
- For teens: State Farm is the cheapest at $4,964.
- For young adults: American Family offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $2,282.
- For adults: State Farm, with an average rate of $1,948.
- For seniors: State Farm has the most affordable average rate at $1,776.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $4,520 | $4,964 | $444 | 10% |
| American Family | $4,059 | $4,969 | $910 | 22% |
| Travelers | $3,691 | $5,322 | $1,631 | 44% |
| GEICO | $4,289 | $6,071 | $1,782 | 42% |
| Farmers | $4,188 | $7,207 | $3,019 | 72% |
| Nationwide | $5,918 | $7,662 | $1,744 | 29% |
| Allstate | $5,886 | $8,373 | $2,487 | 42% |
| Progressive | $9,092 | $10,352 | $1,260 | 14% |
| State Farm | $4,520 | $4,964 | $444 | 10% |
| American Family | $4,059 | $4,969 | $910 | 22% |
| Travelers | $3,691 | $5,322 | $1,631 | 44% |
| GEICO | $4,289 | $6,071 | $1,782 | 42% |
| Farmers | $4,188 | $7,207 | $3,019 | 72% |
| Nationwide | $5,918 | $7,662 | $1,744 | 29% |
| Allstate | $5,886 | $8,373 | $2,487 | 42% |
| Progressive | $9,092 | $10,352 | $1,260 | 14% |
| USAA | $3,440 | $5,533 | $2,093 | 61% |
| USAA | $3,440 | $5,533 | $2,093 | 61% |
How much does a DUI raise your insurance in your city?
The least expensive city in Washington for car insurance after a DUI is Cheney, while the costliest city is Seattle, with an average rate of $3,463. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | $1,483 | $2,627 | $1,144 | 77% |
| Camas | $1,642 | $2,890 | $1,248 | 76% |
| Cheney | $1,483 | $2,593 | $1,110 | 75% |
| Edmonds | $1,838 | $3,282 | $1,444 | 79% |
| Kelso | $1,518 | $2,662 | $1,144 | 75% |
| Moxee | $1,486 | $2,600 | $1,114 | 75% |
| Nine Mile Falls | $1,563 | $2,747 | $1,184 | 76% |
| Seattle | $1,910 | $3,463 | $1,553 | 81% |
| Shoreline | $1,859 | $3,329 | $1,470 | 79% |
| Yakima | $1,510 | $2,636 | $1,126 | 75% |
| Aberdeen | $1,483 | $2,627 | $1,144 | 77% |
| Camas | $1,642 | $2,890 | $1,248 | 76% |
| Cheney | $1,483 | $2,593 | $1,110 | 75% |
| Edmonds | $1,838 | $3,282 | $1,444 | 79% |
| Kelso | $1,518 | $2,662 | $1,144 | 75% |
| Moxee | $1,486 | $2,600 | $1,114 | 75% |
| Nine Mile Falls | $1,563 | $2,747 | $1,184 | 76% |
| Seattle | $1,910 | $3,463 | $1,553 | 81% |
| Shoreline | $1,859 | $3,329 | $1,470 | 79% |
| Yakima | $1,510 | $2,636 | $1,126 | 75% |
How to get car insurance after a DUI in Washington
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 Washington, as each company sets its own rates after a DUI.
Washington DUI insurance requirements and penalties
A DUI in Washington means you must meet specific high-risk driver requirements. In Washington, this includes obtaining an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form your insurer submits to the state to verify that you carry at least the minimum car insurance required by law. While the SR-22 itself doesn't increase your rates, the offense that led to it does.
A DUI 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 Washington DUI laws and the penalties for both first-time 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 | 90 days | With an ignition interlock driver's license | Mandatory for all convictions | Yes | No |
| 0.15 | 90 days | With an ignition interlock driver's license | Mandatory for all convictions | Yes | No |
*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, but the actual time varies. In some states like California, a DUI can affect rates for 10 years.
Washington drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a DUI and expect it to stay on their record for 10 years.
Tips to save money after a DUI
A DUI will cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and increased car insurance rates. Fortunately, there are ways to get lower rates after a DUI.
Ways Washington drivers can save on car insurance after a DUI include:
- 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
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.
Washington DUI insurance: Frequently asked questions
How far back do insurance companies look for a DUI?
Depending on the state, a DUI may stay on your driving record for up to 10 years. In most situations, a DUI influences car insurance rates for three to five years.
Will my insurance drop me after a DUI in Washington?
Most insurers won't drop your policy after just one DUI, but your premiums will increase significantly. However, if you have multiple DUIs, your insurer may refuse to continue coverage. The greater the risk you pose, the more difficult it becomes to find car insurance.
Compare Washington DUI car insurance rates with other states
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