Car insurance for drivers with a DUI

If you’ve received a DUI conviction, you will likely face an increase in car insurance premiums, even from the best car insurance companies. A DUI is considered one of the riskiest behaviors; according to the Insurance Information Institute, 30% of all crash deaths in 2020 were considered alcohol-impaired crash fatalities.

How DUIs affect insurance premiums

When car insurance companies set their rates, the aim is to balance the amount of claims paid out with day-to-day operating costs. This is done by reviewing car insurance rating factors, like a driver’s age, the type of car on a policy and — most importantly — driving record. Drivers who have a clean driving record may be more likely to continue to drive safely and avoid accidents, giving them an advantage in receiving the cheapest rate from car insurance companies.

On the other hand, risky behaviors like speeding, causing an at-fault accident and receiving a DUI conviction can make an insurance carrier concerned about future costly accidents. Depending on the severity of the incident, some drivers might see their car insurance policies surcharged, significantly increasing their car insurance premium. Others may see their policies non-renewed or denied coverage if shopping for a new car insurance provider. Cheap car insurance is relative when you have a DUI, but knowing average rates could help you find a more competitive price.

National average annual car insurance rate with a DUI

The average cost of car insurance is $1,771 per year for a full coverage policy, but when you have a DUI, the cost of that same full coverage policy nearly doubles.

Your DUI is not the only factor that can influence your auto insurance premiums. The state you live in also has an impact on how much you pay for car insurance after a DUI.

Average annual car insurance rates with a DUI by state

The cost of your car insurance after a DUI can vary depending on what state you live in. Each state has different insurance laws which can affect average premiums. Additionally, location-specific factors like population density, the likelihood of causing an at-fault accident and the average cost of an auto insurance claim can impact the average auto insurance premiums in any given state.

Insurance requirements after a DUI

In most states, drivers with a DUI are required to carry an SR-22 filing. An SR-22 is a form that serves as proof that you are maintaining minimum liability insurance coverage. If you live in Florida or Virginia, you will need an FR-44 certification instead of an SR-22.

With either of these forms, depending on state laws, you may need to purchase insurance with certain minimum limits, sometimes in excess of your state’s minimum required limits. Your driver’s license may have been suspended as a result of your DUI. You will typically need to have an SR-22 or FR-44 filing in place before you are able to reinstate your license.

If you are advised that you need an SR-22 or FR-44 filing, you will need to call your insurance company. However, not all car insurance companies will file an SR-22 or FR-44 certification. If your company provides insurance for drivers with DUIs, it will file the form directly with your state’s DMV. If your current insurance company does not insure drivers with DUIs, you will need to switch insurance carriers to find a company that will file the SR-22 or FR-44 form for you.

How to find the best cheap insurance with a DUI

If you have a DUI, your car insurance may be more expensive on average than it is for drivers without a DUI, but there may still be ways to save. Consider the following options that could help you save on your premium:

• Bundle your policies: You can often qualify for a discount on several policies when you insure multiple products with the same company. When you find the right car insurance company for you, you might consider switching your other policies, like your homeowners insurance or life insurance.
• Increase your deductible: Increasing your deductible may help to lower your monthly payment, but you will have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. If you increase your deductible, make sure you can afford the amount that you choose.
• Change your habits: Over time, you can often reduce your auto insurance premium by demonstrating safe driving habits. When it has been three to five years since your last accident or ticket, you may see a decrease in your car insurance premium.
• Adjust your payment method: Many car insurance companies will offer you a discount when you opt for paperless billing or automatic payments. You may even earn a discount for paying in full.
• Shop around: Each insurance carrier has its own underwriting guidelines. Some companies will be more willing to insure drivers with DUIs and may have discounts geared toward saving them money.

Talking with a licensed insurance agent about your specific situation may help you find opportunities to save.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2022 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2020 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), single DUI conviction