A DUI conviction could result in an increase in your car insurance premiums. This is even true for the best auto insurance companies. Insurance companies often consider a driver deemed high-risk after they have convicted him or her of driving under the influence. This is supported by research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that alcohol-related accidents can cause up to $44 Billion of damages every year.
Insurance companies often charge higher premiums for DUI drivers because they are high-risk. It can be difficult to find affordable car insurance for a DUI. If you have a DUI, the average annual premium for a fully coverage auto insurance policy will be $3,336 per annum. The average annual cost for full coverage auto insurance is $1674 if you have a clean driving history.
Understanding the impact of a DUI on your insurance premium can help you find a policy that best suits your needs.
How DUIs impact insurance premiums
To determine your car insurance premium, car insurance companies consider a variety of rating elements such as your age, where you live and the type of vehicle you drive. Insurance companies will likely view you as a high risk driver if you have a DUI. This means they are worried about your ability to cause accidents in the future.
The risk factor is what determines the price of auto insurance premiums. Car insurance companies will offer lower rates to drivers with clean driving records than those who have had multiple accidents or received tickets. Driving under influence (DUI) is a serious crime. Drivers with a DUI record may be denied coverage by some insurance companies.
Andrew Winters, a legal expert and cofounder of Cohen & Winters, stated that a DUI can have long-lasting consequences on many areas of your life. A DUI conviction can lead to an increase in insurance rates and, sometimes, even a drop from their insurance provider.
Knowing how much you can expect to pay more for your car insurance if you are convicted of a DUI could help you identify savings opportunities.
Average national car insurance rate for an individual with a DUI
The average cost for car insurance is $1674 per annum for a full coverage policy. However, if you have a DUI, that policy will cost nearly twice as much.
| The average annual premium for full coverage with a clean driving history | Average annual premium for full insurance with a DUI in record | Annual premiums: Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National average | $1,674 | $3,336 | $1,661 |
You are not the only thing that can affect your auto insurance premiums. Your state of residence also plays a role in how much car insurance you have to pay after a DUI.
Average car insurance rates for a DUI in each state
The cost of car insurance following a DUI can differ depending on where you live. There are different insurance laws in every state, which can impact average premiums. The average premium for auto insurance in any state can be affected by location-specific factors such as population density, accident likelihood, and average cost of an insurance claim.
| State | Average annual premium for full insurance with clean driving records | Average annual premium for full insurance with a DUI in record | Annual premiums: Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,559 | $2,416 | $858 |
| Alaska | $1,623 | $3,121 | $1,499 |
| Arizona | $1,914 | $3,122 | $1,208 |
| Arkansas | $1,547 | $3,092 | $1,545 |
| California | $2,065 | $5,163 | $3,098 |
| Colorado | $2,016 | $3,286 | $1,271 |
| Connecticut | $1,845 | $3,426 | $1,581 |
| Delaware | $1,855 | $2,813 | $958 |
| District of Columbia | $1,775 | $3,302 | $1,526 |
| Florida | $2,364 | $3,503 | $1,139 |
| Georgia | $1,982 | $3,691 | $1,709 |
| Hawaii | $1,127 | $4,281 | $3,153 |
| Idaho | $1,260 | $2,396 | $1,136 |
| Illinois | $1,045 | $1,786 | $741 |
| Indiana | $1,485 | $2,744 | $1,258 |
| Iowa | $1,254 | $2,339 | $1,085 |
| Kansas | $1,698 | $2,930 | $1,232 |
| Kentucky | $2,128 | $4,098 | $1,970 |
| Louisiana | $2,724 | $5,425 | $2,700 |
| Maine | $1,223 | $2,464 | $1,241 |
| Maryland | $1,877 | $3,345 | $1,468 |
| Massachusetts | $965 | $1,855 | $890 |
| Michigan | $2,309 | $6,544 | $4,235 |
| Minnesota | $1,643 | $3,443 | $1,800 |
| Mississippi | $1,661 | $2,714 | $1,053 |
| Missouri | $1,782 | $2,708 | $926 |
| Montana | $1,737 | $2,915 | $1,178 |
| Nebraska | $1,325 | $5,700 | $4,375 |
| Nevada | $1,264 | $2,460 | $1,195 |
| New Hampshire | $1,531 | $2,755 | $1,224 |
| New Jersey | $1,275 | $2,135 | $860 |
| New Mexico | $1,757 | $3,264 | $1,507 |
| New York | $1,419 | $2,757 | $1,338 |
| North Carolina | $2,245 | $3,892 | $1,647 |
| North Dakota | $2,321 | $4,307 | $1,986 |
| Ohio | $1,034 | $2,188 | $1,153 |
| Oklahoma | $1,873 | $2,809 | $937 |
| Oregon | $1,346 | $2,294 | $949 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,476 | $3,092 | $1,615 |
| Rhode Island | $2,018 | $3,695 | $1,677 |
| South Carolina | $1,512 | $2,566 | $1,053 |
| South Dakota | $1,642 | $2,708 | $1,065 |
| Tennessee | $1,338 | $2,805 | $1,466 |
| Texas | $1,823 | $2,831 | $1,008 |
| Utah | $1,306 | $2,500 | $1,195 |
| Vermont | $1,304 | $2,705 | $1,401 |
| Virginia | $1,207 | $2,839 | $1,633 |
| Washington | $1,176 | $2,233 | $1,057 |
| West Virginia | $1,186 | $2,207 | $1,021 |
| Wisconsin | $1,499 | $2,680 | $1,181 |
| Wyoming | $1,495 | $2,860 | $1,365 |
After a DUI, insurance requirements
Drivers with a DUI must have an SR-22 filed. An SR-22 serves as proof that your minimum liability insurance coverage is maintained. An SR-22 is not required if you reside in Florida and Virginia.
Depending on the state laws, either one of these forms may require you to buy insurance that covers certain minimum limits. Sometimes, this is more than your state’s minimum requirements. Your DUI could have resulted in your driver’s license being suspended. You will need an SR-22 filing or FR-44 to be able to reinstate you license.
You will need to contact your insurance company if you are told that you require an SR-22 filing or FR-44 filing. Not all car insurance companies will file an SR-22 certification or FR-44 certification. If your company offers insurance to drivers with DUIs, it must file the form directly with the DMV in your state. You will need to change insurance providers if your current insurer does not provide insurance for drivers with DUIs.
How to get the lowest price insurance for a DUI
Your car insurance premium may be higher if you are convicted of a DUI than for those without a DUI. However, there may still be ways that you can save. These options could help you reduce your premium.
- Bundle your policies. You may be eligible for discounts on multiple policies if you have the same company insuring them. You might switch to other policies such as homeowners or life insurance, once you have found the best car insurance provider.
- You can increase your deductible . While a higher deductible will lower your monthly payments, you will still have to pay more if you need to file a claim. Make sure that you have the funds to pay for the amount you want.
- Safe driving habits can help you reduce your auto insurance premium. Your car insurance premium may drop if it’s been between three and five years since the last incident or ticket.
- You can adjust your payment method: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you choose paperless billing or automated payments. A discount may be available for fully paying your insurance premium.
- Compare all insurance companies: Every insurer has its own underwriting guidelines. Companies may be more open to drivers who have been convicted of a DUI and offer discounts that can help them save money.
You may be able to save money by speaking with an insurance agent licensed in your area.
Questions frequently asked
Which insurance company is best for someone who has a DUI?
Each driver will have a different best insurer. Each driver brings their own set of rating factors when searching for insurance. These include their age, driving record, car type, desired coverage options, and overall driving history. Car insurance is more expensive for those with a DUI. Getting quotes from several carriers can help you find the right coverage at a cheaper price.
How long can a DUI impact auto insurance premiums
Each state and every insurance company have their own rules regarding DUIs. You can expect to pay higher premiums for the next three to five year after a DUI conviction. You may be able avoid any additional surcharges on auto insurance if you maintain a clean driving record. Your premium may drop significantly if your company stops charging you for your DUI.