What happens to your car insurance after a DUI?

A DUI charge comes with fines, possible jail time, and a driver’s license suspension. Not to mention, car insurance after a DUI can skyrocket.

While rate increases vary from state to state and company to company, drivers with a DUI can expect to pay as much as 300% more for car insurance.

In addition, drivers may have to file an SR-22 insurance form and could have a hard time finding car insurance coverage at all. Once drivers find car insurance after a DUI, they can expect higher rates for at least three to five years.

However, drivers can lower rates by adding discounts, reconsidering coverage amounts, and changing to usage-based car insurance.

Keep reading to learn what happens to car insurance after a DUI, how to lower rates, and find the best car insurance for a DUI.

How much is car insurance after a DUI?

Car insurance companies pay close attention to your driving record because it shows them if you are a risk to insure. Although accidents and tickets show risky behavior, driving under the influence is the most dangerous driving behavior.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 28 people die from drunk driving accidents every day. Car insurance companies wind up paying massive amounts in property damages and bodily injuries related to a DUI accident. As a result, rates increase for drivers who may cost the insurer money.

However, various factors determine the amount your rate increases, including where you live, your insurance company, and the number of offenses on your driving record.

For example, drivers in North Carolina could see an increase of about 300% for one DUI. If there are other accidents, tickets, or DUIs on your record, your rates will skyrocket.

Can I get car insurance after a DUI? While some companies won’t insure drivers with a DUI, others will. However, you can expect much higher rates, especially if you need high-risk coverage.

This table shows average car insurance rates from top companies for drivers with a DUI.

Car Insurance Rates After A DUI

On average, rates increase by $150 a month for a DUI charge. However, these rates are only averages, and there are other factors that affect your rates as well.

Insurers use driving record, age, gender, ZIP code, vehicle, and credit score to calculate car insurance rates.

How does your car insurance change after a DUI?

A DUI on your driving record has a ripple effect on your car insurance. Though you can pay your fine quickly, you’ll feel the pain of a DUI for years.

First, your car insurance company may drop your coverage. Not all insurance companies insure drivers with a DUI, so you might have to look for new coverage.

How do insurance companies find out about a DUI, and how long does a DUI affect your insurance rates?

Typically, car insurance companies look at your driving record when it’s time to renew your policy or when you apply for a new policy. So be upfront with your insurance company to help find the coverage you need.

The state you live in determines the length of time that a DUI affects your insurance.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a DUI insurance trick to lower rates early. Your rates will be higher for around three to five years. However, drivers in California may have higher rates for up to 10 years.

Finally, you may have to file an SR-22 form. An SR-22 is a form your car insurance company sends to your state informing them you have the correct amount of coverage. Your state will determine if you need to file this form.

How can you save on car insurance after a DUI?

Though your car insurance rates will increase after a DUI, there are some ways you can keep rates as low as possible.

First, take advantage of car insurance discounts. Each insurance company offers a variety of discounts, and most drivers are eligible for at least one. If more than one discount is available to you, bundle them for the most savings.

This table lists car insurance discounts from top companies, and the savings amount is listed if it’s available.

Car Insurance Discounts by Company

Next, consider your car insurance coverage. While full coverage offers more protection, it also comes with higher rates. Decide if you can lower coverage amounts or raise deductibles to save money.

You can also consider usage-based car insurance. This type of coverage offers discounts or lower rates based on mileage and monitors specific driving behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving.

In addition, save money on car insurance by maintaining a clean driving record. Avoid accidents, tickets, and additional DUIs to keep rates as low as possible.

Finally, shop around for coverage. Each car insurance company will look at your DUI and other personal factors differently. Compare multiple companies to find the best coverage with the lowest rates.

Car Insurance After A DUI: What You Need To Know

Car insurance after a DUI will be much more costly and hard to find as there isn’t a DUI insurance trick to lower rates. Not all car insurance companies offer coverage to drivers with a DUI, and the ones that do offer coverage are more expensive.

The state determines how long a DUI stays on your record and if you have to file an SR-22. Although most states only allow your DUI to count against you for three to five years, you can be penalized in California for up to 10 years.

The best car insurance for a DUI depends on several factors, including how much each state increases rates after a DUI. So shop around to find the lowest rates offered to you.