Finding car insurance in Michigan after a DUI
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Michigan has some of the highest drinking and driving rates in the U.S. As such, drivers convicted of a DUI face severe consequences in the state. In addition to state penalties and fines, insurance rates typically rise significantly following a DUI. On the national level, full coverage auto insurance increases an average of 63 percent following a DUI, but in Michigan, the average increase is much higher at 166 percent.
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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.
Michigan limits the factors insurers may use to determine car insurance rates, so your driving record may be an even more essential factor in calculating rates. Even a single DUI infraction may cause your insurer to place you in the high-risk driver category. Insurers typically charge higher premiums for high-risk drivers and may even deny them coverage altogether.
DUI laws in Michigan
It is a crime in Michigan for anyone to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, except for drivers under the age of 21, where the limit is 0.02. Penalties become even more severe if the driver’s BAC is 0.17 or higher.
There are different criminal penalties for drunk driving convictions in Michigan. For a first offense with no prior DUI convictions in the last seven years, penalties may include jail time of up to 180 days, community service of up to 360 hours and fines of up to $700. Other penalties include a potential one-year license suspension and six points on your driving record.
For drivers with a BAC of over 0.17, additional penalties may include a mandatory alcohol treatment program and installation of an ignition interlock device.
In severe cases, if a driver is convicted in an accident where alcohol was a factor and someone is killed, they will face possible prison time of 15 years, fines up to $10,000 and mandatory vehicle immobilization.
How a DUI affects your car insurance in Michigan
A DUI conviction stays on your driving record for your lifetime in Michigan, but insurers might only consider convictions within the past five to ten years when determining your premium rates, depending on the company.
Michigan’s average car insurance rates are already higher than the national average, even for a driver with a clean record. If you add a DUI conviction to the mix, rates may increase significantly. It is also possible that an insurer will refuse to renew your policy or you may have difficulty purchasing a new policy after a DUI conviction.
| Average annual full coverage premium before a DUI | Average annual full coverage premium in Michigan after a DUI | Percent increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $2,345 | $6,241 | 166% |
| National average | $1,771 | $3,421 | 63% |
Michigan law also requires you to have SR-22 insurance if your license is suspended or revoked after a DUI conviction. An SR-22 indicates you are meeting your state’s minimum car insurance requirements. Not all insurers offer SR-22s, and if yours does not, you will need to switch to a company that does provide this service.
Finding car insurance after a DUI in Michigan
Finding good car insurance within your budget after a DUI may be tough, but there are carriers that could offer fairly affordable average rates for high-risk drivers. Keep in mind that Michigan is one of the most expensive states for car insurance even for those with a spotless driving record.
As you can see below, your quoted premium after a DUI may vary greatly based on the carrier you choose. Additionally, your rates may vary based on other individual driving factors, such as your vehicle type. This is why most insurance professionals recommend comparing quotes from several companies to find the best carrier for your needs. If you’re looking for the best car insurance in Michigan after a DUI, you might consider getting a quote from the following companies.
| Car insurance company | Average annual full coverage premium in Michigan before a DUI | Average annual full coverage premium in Michigan after a DUI | Percent increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $3,795 | $8,078 | 113% |
| Geico | $1,230 | $8,192 | 566% |
| Progressive | $1,664 | $1,909 | 15% |
| Travelers | $1,563 | $6,208 | 297% |
| Auto-Owners | $1,926 | $4,446 | 131% |
Frequently asked questions
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A DUI stays on your driving record at the DMV forever in Michigan, but it may not impact your premium rates for more than five or ten years, depending on the carrier. Eventually, if you maintain a clean driving record after your DUI, you will likely see your rates come back down.
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If your license was revoked because of a DUI conviction in Michigan, you will need your insurance company to file an SR-22 form for you with the DMV. This is a statement of financial responsibility that indicates that you have at least the legal minimum required insurance coverage in Michigan. If your license has been suspended, this may be required for reinstatement, along with fees and other conditions. It does not automatically give you permission to drive again.
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Even after a DUI, there may be ways you can save money on car insurance in Michigan. Comparing quotes from multiple companies with cheap average rates may be a good starting place. You can also explore potential discounts to see where you may save for things like paying your premiums in full or bundling with other insurance policies. If your insurer offers a telematics program, this may be the quickest way to begin demonstrating safe driving habits and potentially save on your premium.
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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), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket, single DUI conviction and lapse in coverage.
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