Cheap Car Insurance After a DUI [2024]
Compare best companies for car insurance rates after a DUI by exploring Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate as top contenders. Discover the affordable coverage options provided by these leading companies and assess post-DUI insurance rates to adeptly handle potential premium increases.
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Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
UPDATED: Mar 10, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 10, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Company Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Company Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
- DUI and Reckless Driving Laws
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Massachusetts?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Missouri?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Ohio?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Pennsylvania?
- DWI vs. DUI: What Is the Difference?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Indiana?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Virginia?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Minnesota?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Washington?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in New Jersey?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Mississippi?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Hawaii?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in New Mexico?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Louisiana?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in New York?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Tennessee?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in West Virginia?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Nebraska?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Kentucky?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Maryland?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Idaho?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Georgia?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Maine?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Florida?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Colorado?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Utah?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Michigan?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Arkansas?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Arizona?
- Consequences of Refusing a Breathalyzer Test [2024]
- How can I get car insurance if my spouse has a DUI/DWI?
- Top insurance companies like Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate offer competitive rates and personalized coverage options for individuals after a DUI.
- After a DUI, expect car insurance rates to increase with variations among different insurers.
- Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple companies can help individuals find the best deal and potentially save on car insurance premiums post-DUI.
Drinking under the influence is a serious offense to insurance companies and can result in higher insurance rates, license suspension, fees, fines, or jail time. Not only will the offense remain on your record for years, but finding cheap insurance for people with a DUI becomes more difficult.
Company | Rank | See Pros/Cons | Maximum Multi-Policy Discount | Maximum Low-Mileage Discount | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Progressive | Up to 10% | Up to 30% | Online Convenience | |
#2 | State Farm | Up to 17% | Up to 10% | Many Discounts | |
#3 | Allstate | Up to 10% | Up to 20% | Add-on Coverages | |
#4 | Nationwide | Up to 20% | Up to 20% | Usage Discount | |
#5 | Farmers | Up to 10% | Up to 10% | Local Agents | |
#6 | Liberty Mutual | Up to 12% | Up to 30% | Customizable Polices | |
#7 | American Family | Up to 25% | Up to 30% | Student Savings | |
#8 | Travelers | Up to 8% | Up to 10% | Accident Forgiveness | |
#9 | Erie | Up to 25% | Up to 20% | 24/7 Support | |
#10 | USAA | Up to 10% | Up to 10% | Military Savings |
If you already have insurance, your company may file for SR-22 car insurance on your behalf, which the state requires you to carry, proving you have insurance. However, they may drop you as a customer, leaving you to find a new company.
So, you may wonder how to find the best insurance for a DUI despite higher rates. We’re here to guide you through the process and help you understand how to find affordable DUI insurance rates.
One of the best ways to save on insurance is to compare car insurance rates after a DUI. Keep reading to learn more about the best car insurance for a DUI and how much you might pay for coverage.
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Car Insurance Rates After a DUI Conviction
Various consequences come with drinking and driving — one of them is higher car insurance rates for as long as the DUI remains on your record. Living in one of the most dangerous states for drunk driving also increases your risk of getting into an accident and having to file a claim.
Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
Progressive | $52 | $140 |
State Farm | $45 | $112 |
Allstate | $106 | $270 |
Nationwide | $90 | $237 |
Farmers | $74 | $193 |
Liberty Mutual | $125 | $313 |
American Family | $73 | $194 |
Travelers | $78 | $206 |
Erie | $42 | $107 |
USAA | $41 | $108 |
Analyzing the average monthly car insurance rates after a DUI reveals distinct variations among top companies. Progressive emerges with competitive rates, offering minimum coverage at $52 and full coverage at $140. State Farm follows closely, providing minimum coverage at $45 and full coverage at $112. Allstate, while presenting higher rates, stands out for comprehensive coverage at $270.
As we navigate the table, companies like Nationwide, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, American Family, Travelers, Erie, and USAA showcase diverse pricing structures, catering to individuals’ budget constraints and coverage needs. This detailed overview equips readers with valuable insights for comparing and selecting the most suitable post-DUI car insurance coverage.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your judgment, meaning you’re more likely to get involved in an accident. The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration says drivers with a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher are four times more likely to get in an accident than sober drivers. A BAC of 0.15% or more increases the risk by 12 times.
You’ll generally see higher rates at renewal time when your insurance company checks your record again. Car insurance rates can increase by about 75%, or over $ 1,000 a year. However, compared to other violations, rates only increase by 23% after a speeding ticket and 45% after an at-fault accident.
You will incur higher rates and face other consequences depending on where you live, like fines, license suspension, or jail time.
How Much Rates Increase With Certain Companies After a DUI
Car insurance hikes after a DUI vary by insurance company. So, we looked at the average percentage increase for several companies based on DUI convictions.
The table below compares the average annual car insurance rates for drivers with a clean record versus drivers with a single DUI from some of the top companies.
Company | Rates with Clean record | Rates With 1 DUI | Average Percent Increase |
---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $3,819.90 | $6,260.73 | 64% |
American Family | $2,693.61 | $4,330.24 | 61% |
Farmers | $3,460.60 | $4,718.75 | 36% |
Geico | $2,145.96 | $4,875.87 | 127% |
Liberty Mutual | $4,774.30 | $7,613.48 | 59% |
Nationwide | $2,746.18 | $4,543.20 | 65% |
Progressive | $3,393.09 | $3,969.65 | 17% |
State Farm | $2,821.18 | $3,636.80 | 29% |
Travelers | $3,447.69 | $5,741.40 | 67% |
USAA | $1,933.68 | $3,506.03 | 81% |
When comparing DUI rates, look at the total cost rather than the surcharge. For example, State Farm car insurance with a DUI will come with a 30% increase after a conviction. Overall, DUI rates for full coverage are $112 monthly on average. On the other hand, Progressive increases rates at a similar percentage, but you’ll pay $140 a month on average.
Although rates won’t be as low as before, it is possible to cheap car insurance with DUIs. However, it may take some searching on your part.
Read this State Farm car insurance review to see if the company offers the coverage you need after a DUI.
You should also read about DUI vs. DWI: what is the difference? Understanding these two violations might help you get better insurance rates.
How Long a DUI Impacts Your Car Insurance Rates
Since insurance companies view a DUI as a significant violation, expect higher car insurance rates for around three to five years.
The amount of time your rates stay high depends on various factors:
- Amount of time the DUI stays on your driving record. Since the blemish on your motor vehicle record prompts the rate increase, your rates will remain high if the violation still appears on your record.
- State insurance laws. Your state insurance laws affect how long you’ll pay higher rates after a DUI. For example, insurers in North Carolina can hike them for three years, whereas Massachusetts insurance companies can increase rates for five years. Compare Massachusetts car insurance rates for more information.
- Other variables. There are other ways a DUI can impact your rates. For example, California may drop your DUI surcharge, but you can’t qualify for a 20% good driver discount for 10 years after the DUI. Compare California car insurance rates for more information.
Read more: What are the DUI insurance laws in Massachusetts?
There are many consequences to drinking and driving, including higher rates, so expect your DUI to impact rates for several years.
When renewing your car insurance policy, insurance companies generally request your driving record from the state department of motor vehicles, and this record will reflect any DUIs, speeding tickets, and moving violations.
Unless your renewal is upcoming, you could save up for your anticipated rate increase since they don’t find out about a DUI immediately.
However, if you need to file an SR-22 form — a certificate several states require after a DUI to prove you carry minimum car insurance — your insurer will find out sooner about your DUI. Your DUI won’t instantly increase rates since insurance companies can’t increase rates mid-policy. So, you’ll typically see the increase at policy renewal. (For more information, read our “Can I change my car insurance company mid-policy?“).
SR-22 Insurance
An SR-22 is a certificate your state requires and is filed by your insurance company, proving you carry your state’s required car insurance coverage.
Some states like Florida and Virginia have stricter insurance requirements than the SR-22, known as an FR-44, and are used for more severe driving offenses, which results in higher liability coverage requirements. Compare FR-44 insurance to learn more about this type of coverage.
You won’t need to file an SR-22 unless you receive notice from a judge or the state ordering the certificate. Below is a list of common reasons a driver might need to file an SR-22:
- DUI conviction
- Reckless driving violations
- Several traffic violations in a short period
- Several car accidents in a short period
- Caught driving without insurance
- Restricted or suspended license
- Failure to pay child support
Alongside higher rates, SR-22 filers should expect to pay a filing fee between $15 and $50, though some states may charge more.
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What are the best DUI insurance companies?
So, what is the best DUI insurance company for you? As you’ve learned, DUI insurance rates vary substantially depending on what company you use and what state you live in.
However, some national insurance companies increase rates less significantly after a DUI conviction than others.
Overall, State Farm car insurance company underwrites the cheapest policies on average for drivers with a DUI on their record. Plus, State Farm also offers SR-22 insurance if you speak directly with an agent.
Progressive car insurance company also sells reasonably priced car insurance to people with a DUI. According to the company website, Progressive increases rates by a countrywide average of 13% after your first conviction.
If you’re in the military, USAA car insurance company provides somewhat competitively priced policies to people with DUIs on their records.
However, because it’s a military-only company, civilians must look into other companies for coverage.
But if you have multiple DUIs or other traffic citations on your record, look into the non-standard insurer, The General car insurance company.
Often, non-standard companies offer very basic policies to high-risk drivers lacking the bells and whistles that traditional insurers provide.
Fortunately, that’s not the case with The General. This company provides customers with a user-friendly mobile app, competitive rates, and even includes SR-22 forms with your policy if one is required.
It’s also worth looking into the smaller, regional car insurance companies active near where you live.
So, ultimately, to secure the best DUI insurance rates for you, compare quotes online from the best companies in your region, including companies offering high-risk car insurance.
How to Save on Car Insurance After a DUI
Though a DUI can cause car insurance rates to skyrocket, there are ways for policyholders to save on coverage.
Below are ways to find lower rates with a DUI on your record:
- Look for car insurance discounts. Though you’ll likely lose your good driver discount, insurers offer various other discounts, like pay-in-full, multi-vehicle, and multi-policy. Speak with an insurance company representative about eligible discounts to get the best rate possible
- Exhibit safe driving. Insurance companies will take note if you maintain a clean record, avoiding accidents and moving violations. While it takes time to see lower rates, your insurer will eventually move you back into the low-risk category
- Shop around. The best way to save on car insurance is to compare car insurance quotes from various insurance companies. After your rates increase due to a DUI, compare your new rate to others to find the cheapest rate.
Be sure to ask about additional discounts when renewing your policy. You could also consider participating in usage-based insurance, a telematics program that monitors your driving and gives you a discount if you practice safe driving.
It’s important to shop around for rates because some companies charge less or are more forgiving of DUIs than others. For example, while one company might increase rates by 50% each year for five years, another may only increase them by 50% the first year and 20% the last four years.
The best car insurance to get after a DUI varies by driver, so compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best deal.
Car Insurance Rates Still Increase if You Didn’t Cause an Accident but Got a DUI
You’ll still see your car insurance rates hike if you didn’t cause an accident but were driving under the influence. Once the DUI conviction appears on your motor record, insurers will reflect that in your rates.
Even though the accident wasn’t your fault, you still drove under the influence of alcohol, and your insurer assumes you could do so again.
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How do insurance companies find out about DUIs?
Your insurance company most likely will learn about your DUI conviction from your local DMV or by re-checking your driving history. To maintain proper rates, insurance companies check your driving record at various points throughout your time as a customer.
Some check at intervals, while others re-run your information at the time of your policy renewal.
Your insurance company will find out about any DUI convictions at this time.
Another way companies learn about DUIs is if you’re required to file an SR-22 form. In some states, you need to file an SR-22 to reinstate your license. Usually, your car insurance company files that form with your state’s DMV on your behalf.
It’s not worth hiding your DUI from your car insurance company. If you do, the company may not renew your policy at the end of your term. If that leads to a coverage lapse, your insurance rates increase even more. We recommend telling your insurance company about your DUI as soon as possible to allow you time to plan and evaluate your options.
Read more:
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Arizona?
- What are the DUI insurance laws in Florida?
- How can I get car insurance if my spouse has a DUI/DWI?
- Compare Best Car Insurance Companies That Accept DUI
- Compare Car Insurance Rates After a Conviction
- Compare Car Insurance Rates After a DUI as a Minor
Case Studies: Navigating Post-DUI Coverage With Top Insurers
Case Study 1: Progressive- Driving Confidence and Savings
In this scenario, Mark, a 35-year-old with a DUI on his record, explores coverage options with Progressive. Despite the conviction, Progressive offers competitive rates, with Mark securing minimum coverage at $52 and full coverage at $140. Progressive’s customizable policies align with Mark’s budget constraints, showcasing the insurer’s commitment to providing affordable options for individuals with a post-DUI profile.
Case Study 2: State Farm- Personalized Protection for Sarah
Sarah, a 28-year-old with a recent DUI, turns to State Farm for personalized protection. State Farm’s tailored approach results in a minimum coverage rate of $45 and full coverage at $112 for Sarah. The insurer’s focus on understanding individual needs ensures that even after a DUI, customers like Sarah can access coverage that suits their requirements without compromising on quality.
Case Study 3: Allstate- Comprehensive Coverage for Alex
Alex, a 40-year-old with a DUI history, explores Allstate’s offerings for comprehensive coverage. Despite slightly higher rates, Allstate stands out for its extensive coverage options, providing Alex with a full coverage rate of $270. The insurer’s commitment to offering comprehensive protection makes it a viable choice for individuals seeking a robust insurance solution post-DUI.
The Bottom Line: Compare Car Insurance Rates After a DUI
Insurance companies take DUI convictions seriously, hiking rates an average of 75% for convicted drivers. However, there are many ways to save on car insurance after a DUI, like comparing quotes, utilizing discounts, and driving safely.
A DUI can remain on your record for three to five years, and you may be required to file an SR-22 form proving you carry the required car insurance coverages. In addition, you could face fines, filing fees, or even jail time.
Shop around and compare quotes to find cheap DUI insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DUI insurance?
There is no specific insurance policy called DUI insurance, but it refers to car insurance for drivers with a DUI conviction.
How does a DUI impact your car insurance?
A DUI conviction almost always leads to higher insurance rates and may make it harder to get coverage.
What’s the best car insurance to get after a DUI?
If you have a DUI on your record, State Farm is the cheapest car insurance company, with an average monthly rate of $112. Progressive comes in second, charging an average of $140 monthly for a full coverage policy. The General and USAA also offer competitive rates for drivers with a DUI.
However, the cheapest car insurance company for your needs may vary since insurers consider various unique factors when setting rates. So, it’s vital to shop around and compare quotes to find the company to fit your needs and budget.
How much does car insurance cost after a DUI?
The U.S. average for full coverage car insurance after a DUI is $209, accounting for a 75% increase.
Insurance companies take DUI convictions seriously, so if you have a DUI, expect your insurer to consider you high risk. High-risk means you’re more likely to cost the company money after an accident or filing a claim.
Is there a trick to get cheap DUI insurance rates?
While there isn’t a trick to lowering your DUI insurance rates, there are proven tips you can take to decrease costs. For example, comparison shopping and asking for discounts could lead to lower rates. Your current company may not be able to offer you cheap car insurance with a DUI, so compare rates to find one that can.
What is an SR-22 certificate?
An SR-22 is a certificate the state requires you to obtain after certain violations. It’s not an insurance policy but a document proving you carry the required insurance coverages for your state.
How long does a DUI affect your insurance?
Typically, a DUI affects your rates for three years, but in some states like California, it stays on your record for 10 years.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.