Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in West Virginia?

With a clean driving record, car insurance in West Virginia costs $2,005. However, after a DUI, the average rate rises to $3,805, which is $1,800 higher.

Auto insurers raise premiums significantly when they view you as a high-risk driver. If you receive multiple DUIs, average rates rise sharply to $6,259.

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in West Virginia?

The cheapest insurer after a DUI is State Farm, with rates averaging $1,795. The next cheapest insurer is Nationwide a difference of $515 from State Farm. Progressive has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a DUI.

Not only is driving under the influence dangerous, but it's also expensive. You'll face hefty fines and increased car insurance rates for years. However, every company weighs a DUI differently and offers different rates, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential.

This table shows average car insurance rates after a DUI in West Virginia.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordsAnnual premium after a DUIAnnual premium after multiple DUIs
State Farm$1,691$1,795$1,795
Nationwide$1,215$2,310$3,162
Progressive$1,825$2,429$3,668
Erie Insurance$1,709$2,552$3,228
Allstate$3,132$4,187$5,789
Westfield Insurance$2,111$5,062$10,373
GEICO$2,248$5,259$7,432
Farmers$2,442$5,561$8,292
USAA$1,189$2,160$2,355

PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in West Virginia?

If you're convicted of a DUI in West 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 DUI will stay on your record for at least five years and up to 10 years.

If someone gets a DUI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

In most situations, insurance follows the vehicle rather than the driver, so your auto insurance rates won't increase because the DUI will not show up on your driving record.

However, your premiums may rise if your car is involved in an accident caused by a DUI. 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 DUI affect your insurance in West Virginia?

While a DUI may remain on your driving record forever, it doesn't affect rates forever. A DUI affects West Virginia car insurance and stays on your record for at least five years and up to 10 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 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 $4,633.

These are the cheapest companies after a DUI by age:

  • For teens: State Farm is the cheapest at $4,633.
  • For young adults: State Farm offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $2,083.
  • For adults: State Farm, with an average rate of $1,795.
  • For seniors: State Farm has the most affordable average rate at $1,614.

This table shows how a DUI affects car insurance rates based on age group.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
State Farm$4,315$4,633$3187%
Nationwide$3,883$4,891$1,00826%
Erie Insurance$3,583$4,920$1,33737%
Westfield Insurance$4,880$7,321$2,44150%
GEICO$4,074$8,912$4,838119%
Progressive$8,849$9,741$89210%
Allstate$10,537$15,100$4,56343%
Farmers$7,926$19,905$11,979151%
State Farm$4,315$4,633$3187%
Nationwide$3,883$4,891$1,00826%
Erie Insurance$3,583$4,920$1,33737%
Westfield Insurance$4,880$7,321$2,44150%
GEICO$4,074$8,912$4,838119%
Progressive$8,849$9,741$89210%
Allstate$10,537$15,100$4,56343%
Farmers$7,926$19,905$11,979151%
USAA$4,306$6,584$2,27853%
USAA$4,306$6,584$2,27853%

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

The most affordable city in West Virginia for car insurance after a DUI is Martinsburg, while the most expensive is Ravenswood, 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 $3,869. Where you live affects your insurance costs even without a DUI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic or higher rates of vehicle theft pay more because their cars face a greater risk. A DUI then pushes those already high rates even higher.

This table shows the average car insurance rates after a DUI by city. Comparing rates in both large cities and rural areas can help you see how your location affects your premiums.

CityAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Beckley$1,984$3,795$1,81191%
Charleston$1,987$3,819$1,83292%
Clarksburg$1,886$3,583$1,69790%
Dunbar$1,958$3,786$1,82893%
Martinsburg$1,807$3,405$1,59888%
Parkersburg$1,932$3,636$1,70488%
Ravenswood$2,082$3,869$1,78786%
Vienna$1,944$3,657$1,71388%
Wheeling$1,810$3,424$1,61489%
Beckley$1,984$3,795$1,81191%
Charleston$1,987$3,819$1,83292%
Clarksburg$1,886$3,583$1,69790%
Dunbar$1,958$3,786$1,82893%
Martinsburg$1,807$3,405$1,59888%
Parkersburg$1,932$3,636$1,70488%
Ravenswood$2,082$3,869$1,78786%
Vienna$1,944$3,657$1,71388%
Wheeling$1,810$3,424$1,61489%

How to get car insurance after a DUI in West Virginia

Insurers will consider you a high-risk driver after a DUI, but you can still get car insurance. Finding the right coverage after a DUI conviction may take some extra effort.

If you already have car insurance and receive a DUI, 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 DUI or want the lowest available rates, be sure to compare multiple companies. Request quotes from various insurers to identify the most affordable choice in West Virginia, since each company determines its own rates after a DUI.

West Virginia DUI insurance requirements and penalties

A DUI in West Virginia means you must meet specific high-risk driver requirements. In West Virginia, 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 West Virginia DUI laws and the penalties for both first-time and repeat offenses.

Increased penalty for high BACAdministrative license suspension after a first offenseLimited driving privileges during suspensionIgnition interlocksOpen container lawsRepeat offender laws
0.156 monthsAfter 30 daysMandatory for high BAC (0.15 or higher) and repeat convictionsYesYes
0.156 monthsAfter 30 daysMandatory for high BAC (0.15 or higher) and repeat convictionsYesYes

*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 West Virginia, drivers can expect higher car insurance rates after a DUI and expect it to stay on their record for at least five years and up to 10 years.

Tips to save money after a DUI

A DUI can cost you thousands in fines, fees, and higher car insurance premiums. Fortunately, you can still take steps to reduce your rates after a DUI.

Ways West Virginia drivers can reduce car insurance costs after a DUI include:

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.

West 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 West 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.

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