No matter what state you’re in, one of the primary factors that will influence the cost you pay for auto insurance is your driving history. Among driving incidents, a DUI almost invariably ensures you will see higher car insurance rates. Bankrate breaks down the impact of a DUI conviction from an insurance perspective, as well as what other consequences may apply in Colorado.
How does a DUI affect your insurance rate?
A DUI affects insurance rates because insurance providers consider a DUI conviction to be indicative of future risky driving behavior— meaning if you did it once, you might do it again. It also suggests to the provider that you may exhibit other ‘reckless’ behavior where you disregard both your safety and the safety of others.
This assumption is strongly backed by data. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, about a third of all DUI arrests are repeat offenders (meaning they’ve already been convicted at least once of drinking and driving), and a driver convicted of a DUI is 4.1 times more likely to die in a car accident than other drivers. Furthermore, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, drunk driving is still the leading cause of death on roadways.
Nationally, most drivers see their insurance rate effectively double overnight after a DUI conviction. In Colorado, it’s not quite as bad, but it’s still a 60% increase.
The chart below compares average national annual premiums before and after a DUI conviction is factored in. Although the percentages are different, a DUI on your record means you will likely have to pay over $3,000 for car insurance as a national average and in the state of Colorado.
National vs state average rates with DUI
| Pre-DUI | Post DUI | Percent Increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | $1,674 | $3,336 | 99% |
| Colorado | $2,016 | $3,286 | 63% |
How much does it cost for insurance after a DUI in Colorado?
Many unique variables influence what you pay for insurance. These include such things as:
- Age
- Gender
- Car model
- Car age
- Where you live
- Yearly mileage
- State requirements
- Marital status
- Credit score
- Type of coverage
- Insurance company
- Deductible amount
- Discounts
The most important factor is your driving history, which is the category a DUI affects. However, each company weighs the importance of each variable differently, which is why it is so important to shop around, and why you will receive a different quote everywhere you look.
Below is the average cost of car insurance drivers pay for minimum coverage, both before and after factoring in DUIs from the top major providers operating in Colorado. Just be aware that these amounts are not a guarantee of what you may see after your first DUI.
Colorado provider minimum coverage rates
| Provider | Average minimum coverage rate | Minimum coverage rate with DUI |
|---|---|---|
| Acuity | $483 | $1,163 |
| Allstate | $635 | $1,669 |
| American Family | $699 | $823 |
| American National | $207 | $350 |
| Auto-Owners | $479 | $1,072 |
| California Casualty | $493 | $1,071 |
| Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance | $615 | $611 |
| Farmers | $488 | $705 |
| Geico | $283 | $596 |
| Grange | $299 | $562 |
| MetLife | $517 | $931 |
| Progressive | $761 | $844 |
| State Farm | $435 | $790 |
| USAA | $303 | $696 |
Colorado provider full coverage rates with DUI
For full coverage rates, the differences are generally at least twice as much as the original rate.
| Provider | Average full coverage rate | Full coverage rate with DUI |
|---|---|---|
| Acuity | $1,872 | $4,058 |
| Allstate | $1,711 | $4,068 |
| American Family | $1,909 | $2,209 |
| American National | $767 | $1,139 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,951 | $3,387 |
| California Casualty | $2,411 | $4,373 |
| Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance | $2,870 | $2,952 |
| Farmers | $1,883 | $2,738 |
| Geico | $1,106 | $2,195 |
| Grange | $2,010 | $3,743 |
| MetLife | $2,550 | $4,415 |
| Progressive | $3,024 | $3,384 |
| State Farm | $1,696 | $2,620 |
| USAA | $1,310 | $2,822 |
Other Colorado DUI Consequences
A variety of other consequences outside of rising insurance rates are important to be aware of after a DUI. These include such things as jail time, community service and fines. You may also be required to have an IID put in your vehicle. An IID is an ignition interlock device, which is basically a breathalyzer that prevents you from starting your car if it detects any alcohol on your breath.
Here are a few other escalating consequences of repeat DUI offenses within Colorado.
| 1st DUI (Misdemeanor) | 2nd DUI (Misdemeanor) | 3rd DUI (Misdemeanor) | 4th DUI (Class 4 Felony) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incarceration time | 5 days to 1 year | 10 days to 1 year | 60 days to 1 year | 2-6 years |
| Fine | $600-$1,000 | $600- $1,500 | $600- $1,500 | $2,000- $500,000 |
| Community Service | 48-96 hours | 48-120 hours | 48- 120 hours | NA |
| License Suspension/ Revocation | 9 months suspension | 1 year revocation | 2 year suspension | NA |
| Ignition Interlock Device (IID) | Possible | 2 years | 2 years | NA |
| DMV Points | 12 points | 12 points | 12 points | NA |
| Education Class | Possible | Yes | Yes | NA |
If you injure someone while driving under the influence, it is considered a vehicle assault. This is classified as a class 4 felony, which means it is effectively the same as having a 4th DUI conviction. That comes with two to six years in prison, and a fine of $2,000 to $500,000.
If you kill someone while drunk driving, it is considered a class 3 felony, which will land you four to 12 years in prison with a fine of $3,000 to $750,000.
FAQ
What BAC is needed for a DUI conviction in Colorado?
A BAC of 0.08 or greater is needed for a DUI conviction in all states. However, it is possible to still be charged with a DUI in Colorado if your results are lower than a 0.08 if you show signs of impairment.
Can you be charged with a DUI if you refuse to be tested?
Yes. If you show signs of impairment, an officer can still charge you with a DUI even if you don’t blow into a breathalyzer. Under Colorado state law, all drivers must consent to a chemical test if the officer believes you are under the influence.
Does a DUI in another state count in Colorado?
Yes, it does. If you are pulled over for a DUI in Colorado with a previous conviction from another state, Colorado will consider it when penalizing you. Therefore, if you have three convictions from another state before your Colorado DUI, Colorado will consider it your fourth conviction, and therefore label it a class 4 felony.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a DUI, 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 coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2018 Honda Accord, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
*DUI qualifies as > .08 BAC
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.
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