Finding car insurance in Kentucky after a DUI
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Drivers in Kentucky with a DUI conviction on their record may have difficulty maintaining affordable car insurance, renewing their policy or even obtaining a new policy. On average, Kentucky car insurance premiums increase 79 percent after a DUI conviction. If you’ve just received a DUI in Kentucky, understanding how the incident impacts rates can help set realistic expectations for maintaining or shopping coverage. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team obtained average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services to present how DUIs impact insurance rates in Kentucky.
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Compare auto insurance rates
Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like:
Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year
Are you overpaying for auto insurance?
Safe drivers choose Allstate®
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
DUI laws in Kentucky
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drinking and driving kills around 32 people a day across the United States. Drinking and driving is a serious offense in most states, and Kentucky is no different. Drivers over the age of 21 with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher are considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) in Kentucky. Younger drivers can be charged with a DUI or DWI if they have a BAC of 0.02.
If you are convicted of a DUI in Kentucky, you will likely be fined between $200 and $1,000, depending on your age and if it is your first offense. You could also face jail time, license suspension, community service and alcohol or substance abuse treatment.
There are certain “aggravating circumstances” that could add additional penalties to your conviction. Some of the circumstances include:
- Driving over 30 mph or more above the speed limit
- Having a BAC of 0.15 or more within two hours of operating a vehicle
- Refusing to submit to a sobriety test
- Driving the wrong way on certain roads
- Driving with children under the age of 12 in the vehicle
- Causing a crash that leads to serious injury or death
The penalties for a DUI conviction may depend on the individual circumstances of your offense. Staying sober behind the wheel is the best way to avoid these penalties.
How a DUI affects your car insurance in Kentucky
Car insurance companies determine premiums partly based on the likelihood that a driver will file a claim in the future. If you have a DUI on your record, you are likely considered a high-risk driver. To make up for the added risk, insurance companies charge higher premiums. In Kentucky, car insurance premiums increase by 79 percent on average after a DUI. Although the average increase is high and it may be difficult to qualify with some car insurance companies in Kentucky, with research you may be able to find the best auto insurance that suits your situation and needs.
If you already have an insurance policy, your company may choose to cancel or nonrenew your coverage after a DUI conviction. Not all insurance companies insure high-risk drivers and even if your company maintains your policy, you will likely be facing a steep premium increase. The table below shows the average annual full coverage premiums nationally and in Kentucky before and after a DUI.
| Pre-DUI | Post DUI | Percent increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $2,124 | $3,797 | 79% |
| National average | $2,014 | $3,091 | 53% |
Finding car insurance after a DUI in Kentucky
Finding affordable car insurance after a DUI conviction may require a bit more research, but it’s possible. However, each insurance company has its own regulations surrounding whether coverage is available to a driver with a DUI conviction, so you may not qualify for coverage with a DUI in all cases. Shopping your policy to several different carriers may help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget.
The table below shows the average annual full coverage premium after a DUI from several major providers.
| Car insurance company | Average annual premium after a DUI |
|---|---|
| Geico | $2,770 |
| Nationwide | $2,956 |
| Progressive | $3,479 |
| State Farm | $2,054 |
| USAA | $2,703 |
Although price may be an important factor when searching for insurance after a DUI, (considering that your premium will likely be higher than it was before your conviction), premium is not the only factor to consider. You may still want to review coverage types, discounts and third-party ratings and scores for the companies you get quotes from. Talking to a licensed agent could help you to choose insurance that will help to protect your finances and that fits your budget.
Frequently asked questions
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DUIs are considered criminal offenses in Kentucky. If convicted, you will likely face fines, license suspension, mandatory community service, alcohol abuse or substance abuse treatment and potentially jail time.
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Insurance companies view a DWI or DUI conviction as high-risk behavior that could lead to fatalities and expensive car insurance claims in the future. If you were convicted of a DUI, your car insurance will most likely increase in price to reflect your high-risk driver status. Bankrate’s findings indicate that the average annual premium increase after a DUI in Kentucky is 93%.
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There are several car insurance companies that offer cheap average rates in Kentucky. However, if you have a DUI or DWI conviction, you may not be eligible for coverage with some companies and your premium may be higher than the average price. Getting quotes from several companies who will insure high-risk drivers may help you find cheaper car insurance coverage.
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Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for 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 2021 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) and a single DUI conviction.
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