Compare Car Insurance Rates After a Conviction [2023]
Cheap insurance for convicted drivers can be difficult to come by as rates can increase by $149.67/mo on average after one DUI. SR-22 coverage also may be required in most states.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
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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: Nov 27, 2023
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.
On This Page
- If you have had convictions, it is still possible to receive insurance coverage
- Your coverage will automatically increase as you have become more of a risk to insure
- Your current insurer may drop you; if this happens, check with your state to see if they will offer you coverage
In order to drive, you are required to carry auto insurance on your vehicle; but cheap insurance for convicted drivers might be difficult to come by unless you know where to look.
While getting only the minimum coverage limits is one way to keep your car insurance rates low after a DUI, it’s not the best option for everyone because auto loans and leases require full coverage. Moreover, minimum coverage insurance has low liability limits, meaning that if you have an accident and don’t have enough insurance, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
The answer to that is based on many factors, including the type of convictions and how many you have. Typically, it takes three to five years for an insurance company to lower your rates after a DUI conviction.
When you cause an accident, you are under a great deal of stress.
What’s worse, you will also face getting a ticket and eventually a conviction on your driving record.
There are all sorts of convictions that range from being less serious, such as running a stop sign, to very serious, such as driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
Based on the number of previous convictions on your record, you could face losing your insurance, which in turn means that you would be unable to drive your vehicle.
Therefore, if you ever found yourself asking, “How can I get cheap insurance with an accident?” or “How can I get low car insurance with a bad driving record?” it’s important to know that you are not alone.
Enter your zip code to compare cheap insurance for convicted drivers from multiple companies now!
How to find cheap insurance For convicted drivers?
The best way to find an answer to questions like, “What is the best insurance company for high risk drivers?” is by reviewing the numbers.
Take a look at the following table to see average rates from some of the most popular car insurance companies based on driving record.
COMPANY | CLEAN RECORD | ONE ACCIDENT | ONE SPEEDING VIOLATION | ONE DUI |
---|---|---|---|---|
USAA | $1,933.68 | $2,516.24 | $2,193.25 | $3,506.03 |
Geico | $2,145.96 | $3,192.77 | $2,645.43 | $4,875.87 |
American Family | $2,693.61 | $3,722.75 | $3,025.74 | $4,330.24 |
Nationwide | $2,746.18 | $3,396.95 | $3,113.68 | $4,543.20 |
State Farm | $2,821.18 | $3,396.01 | $3,186.01 | $3,636.80 |
Progressive | $3,393.09 | $4,777.04 | $4,002.28 | $3,969.65 |
Travelers | $3,447.69 | $4,289.74 | $4,260.80 | $5,741.40 |
Farmers | $3,460.60 | $4,518.73 | $4,079.01 | $4,718.75 |
Allstate | $3,819.90 | $4,987.68 | $4,483.51 | $6,260.73 |
Liberty Mutual | $4,774.30 | $6,204.78 | $5,701.26 | $7,613.48 |
Average | $3,123.62 | $4,100.27 | $3,669.10 | $4,919.62 |
As you can see from the table, the average rate increases from a clean record to one DUI amounts to $1,796 a year, or $149.67 per month.
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Is it possible to find affordable coverage for convicted drivers?
A convicted driver’s best ally is time. Some driving offenses are best dealt with by simply staying out of trouble for few years, especially if the penalties included any sort of filing against your license. Some easy ways to lower your auto insurance rates are to wait or take defensive driving classes to drop points off your driver’s license. Car insurance for drivers with points on their license can be more expensive, even in the United Kingdom, where cheap car insurance for convicted drivers with TT99 – or more than 12 points on their license – can be hard to find. Reckless driving can also lead to having points on your license as well; practicing safe driving habits can end up saving you money on your auto insurance rates.
Points will automatically drop from your driving record after a number of months depending on the state you live in.
Point reductions are great. The fewer points on your driving record, the better your life will be. Many states use a point system to get drivers to not commit traffic violations. If you have too many points on your license, you can lose it. The fewer points on your driving record, the better it looks.
Here is a list of high-risk car insurance companies:
- The General
- Direct Auto
- Titan Car Insurance
- Dairyland Insurance
- Geico Casualty
- Infinity Insurance
- SafeAuto
- GAINSCO
- Bristol West
- Affirmative
- Alliance United
- United Automobile
- Access
Can you really find cheap car insurance with a DUI?
How much does insurance cost after a drunk driving ban, and how does a driving ban affect insurance? You can find cheap car insurance with a DUI after your driving privileges are restored if you know where to look. If you go with the first insurance company that gives you quotes, you might overpay for car insurance. You won’t always immediately see a low annual premium if you’re looking at online auto insurance quotes either; chances are you’ll have to speak with someone about your situation before you make a choice.
When drivers have a DUI, the average cost that they end up paying is a lot higher than drivers who have speeding tickets, or have been in car accidents. You can often find cheap car insurance after an accident, but DUIs are more tricky. Your rates will increase a lot; they can actually increase your rates for a DUI by 57.5 percent. Drivers with one DUI can pay twice as much as drivers with a clean record.
Car insurance for drivers with a DG10 will often be similar to the car insurance rates that one would pay with a DUI, since many states regard intoxicated driving to include drinking as well as drug intoxication. Most major insurers will look at both as being similar states of reckless driving. If you are looking for affordable car insurance for convicted drug drivers, unfortunately you will likely pay twice as much as other drivers.
What happens if I have a DUI?
Driving while under the influence of alcohol not only puts you at risk, but it puts every other person on the road with you at risk as well.
That is why DUI offenses carry such heavy fines, suspended licenses, and even loss of auto insurance.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, every 53 minutes there is a death in the U.S. caused by a drunk driver.
This kind of accident costs insurance companies plenty, which is why some insurance companies will see you as a high-risk driver and may not insure you at all if you have a DUI conviction.
If your insurance company does choose to keep you after a DUI, you can expect your insurance rates to nearly triple.
While that may seem like a grim outcome, it is still possible to find affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers, especially if you find auto insurance that doesn’t check driving record or search for car insurance companies that only look back 3 years.
If you want affordable car insurance after a DUI, it’s best to disclose your DUI status when shopping around, use comparison tools, get multiple quotes and avoid any other traffic violations.
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Is the SR-22 form necessary to get car insurance with convictions?
You may think that cheap car insurance for all bad drivers is difficult to come by, which is why you might be wondering, “Who has the cheapest car insurance for seniors?” just as much as you might be curious about finding cheap insurance for convicted drivers.
Whether you are looking for USAA car insurance, Titan insurance, or Geico insurance, you will be able to find what you’re looking for if you know which companies are best for convicted drivers. For example, Geico high-risk car insurance is highly popular with convicted drivers from all over the country.
Interestingly, if you live in Delaware, Kentucky, North Carolina, New York, New Mexico, Oklahoma, or Pennsylvania, it could take years for your insurance company to learn about your DUI.
That is because these states don’t require you to provide proof of insurance via an SR-22, which makes it more possible to find cheap car insurance after an accident.
Here are some facts about this form and your driving ability:
- An SR-22 is a form that you have to provide to your insurance company informing them of your DUI.
- When states find out about your DUI conviction, they are legally able to raise your insurance rates or even cancel your coverage.
- The states that do require you to file an SR-22 usually charge fees for the form. In addition, you will be required to file an SR-22 for at least three years.
- In many cases, you can have a DUI conviction removed from your driving record if you take specific classes assigned by the state.
- If you have more than one DUI, you could face a suspended license.
- Some insurance companies will still allow you to have liability insurance through their company if you have multiple DUIs, but most will not offer comprehensive coverage.
Not being able to purchase comprehensive coverage could pose a problem if your vehicle is leased or financed, as your lender will require you to maintain a certain level of insurance that includes collision coverage and comprehensive coverage.
If you can’t purchase insurance due to your DUIs, your bank will purchase insurance naming themselves the beneficiary of the policy.
You will still be billed the auto insurance premiums for this policy; however, the bank receives any payments for your vehicle if you cause an accident.
They want to ensure that they receive payment for your vehicle if you become uninsurable.
Incidentally, when the bank purchases a car insurance policy for your vehicle, the premiums are typically at least two times more expensive than if you were to buy it on your own.
Do I need to worry about other types of convictions?
While a DUI is very serious, it isn’t the worst conviction that you could get while driving, such as causing an accident that kills someone. If you are convicted of negligence, it could lead to a manslaughter conviction and actual jail time.
However, there are many different types of convictions that are very minor.
Any type of conviction will affect your insurance premium, but minor offenses, especially ones that don’t lead to an insurance claim, will not cause extreme insurance price hikes.
However, you should still expect to pay rates that are higher than the average monthly car insurance payment.
The exception to this is if you have a long history of convictions on your driving record.
Basically, if you have a lot of speeding tickets, then the insurance company is going to increase your risk value. In other words, insuring you is riskier because you are a careless driver.
While there are classes that you can take to reduce the points you accrue on your license, every state has its limit on how many classes you can take.
In addition, these classes cost money, sometimes as much as $100.
Can convicted drivers check their driving records?
You can check your driving record by contacting your DMV and asking for a copy of it. Some states have a point system, where you get a point for every moving violation you’ve committed. When checking your driving record, you can see all your moving violations. Your non-moving violations will not be on your driving record and non-driving criminal activity.
Your offenses will stay on your record for at least three to five years. You can receive an unofficial copy online. You will have to pay a fee to receive your driving record. The cost will vary by state.
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Can high-risk drivers remove convictions from their driving records?
Sometimes we have things on our driving records that we would like to get off. When you expunge a violation, you remove all police and court records from public access; it will be as though it never happened. Even if you went to jail for it.
In order to get an expungement, you will have to be a first-time offender. You can’t file an expungement immediately after your conviction. During the time of your expungement petition, you can not have pending criminal charges.
What are some tips for finding cheap coverage if you’re a convicted driver?
Finding car insurance for a convicted driver can be expensive, and you will want to lower the cost as much as you can. Keeping your driving record clean and avoiding more traffic violations can help you avoid higher car insurance rates.
You can follow these six tips to find the most affordable high-risk car insurance:
- Look for age-related discounts. There are a lot of car insurance companies that have discounts based on the driver’s age.
- Get safety features. If you add air bags, anti-theft locks, and anti-lock brakes, it can reduce the cost.
- Keep your mileage low. If you keep the mileage on your car low, you get a discount. Drivers who drive less are less likely to have an accident.
- Bundle your car insurance with the same insurance company. Who has the cheapest high-risk car insurance? The best answer to that is to shop around and consider bundling for better discounts. By getting home and car insurance from the same company, you can get big discounts.
- Get a membership with an accredited union or organization. Insurance companies offer special rates to some groups.
- Drive an older car. The cheapest cars to insure for convicted drivers are often older models that require less to insure.
Although certain offenses may remain on your driving record for several years, as time passes, you will be better off. Getting basic car insurance policies with the minimum coverage can save you money, but is not recommended. If you only have the basic amount of auto insurance coverage, you may not hit the legal limit for what’s required in your state.
Car owners with bad driving records don’t have to settle for paying exorbitant insurance rates. Defensive driver car insurance discount are often available with accredited car insurance companies, and you can find more affordable rates the longer you go without another conviction.
How can I decrease my car insurance rates with a bad driving record?
High-risk drivers can work diligently and be proactive when it comes to improving their records. Sometimes it shows that you are committed to not only saving money on your insurance policy, but also in turning your driving history around. More often than not however, it appeals to the companies looking to offer competitive rates, Here are a few ways to appeal to car insurance companies when you have a less-than-perfect driving record:
- Take a defensive driving course – Taking a defensive driving course will definitely save you money, and in some jurisdictions, it can also remove points from your license.
- Compare auto quotes – Car Insurance companies that know you are shopping around may offer you a better deal. If your current company isn’t offering you the lowest deal because of your record, they may change their tune if you say you’ve found an affordable rate elsewhere.
- Get a joint policy – Historically, good drivers often get car insurance bargains. If a member of your household has a decent driving record, adding them to your account can net you a lower annual rate on your current policy.
The best car insurance for a bad driving record will still be expensive, but the base rate will go down eventually. Some driving offenses are best dealt with simply by staying out of trouble for several years. Though certain offenses may remain on your driving record for several years, over a period of time, they’ll drop away and you’ll be left with a clean driving record.
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How do defensive driving courses reduce points on your license?
Defensive driving courses – or Point Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) – are courses that help people reduce expenses related to their vehicles. A PIRP course can be taken online or in a classroom. Taking one of these courses can take four points off your driving record and reduce your insurance rates by ten percent.
The classes can be anywhere between $15 and $100. The course time varies depending on what company your choice to take the course with; it can be anywhere from three to 45 days. It may not be the cheapest option, but it can definitely make your record look better.
Which car insurance companies offer a defensive driving discount?
Below is a list of companies that give discounts for defensive driving.
- Allstate
- American Family Insurance
- Farmers
- Geico
- Liberty Mutual
- MetLife
- Nationwide
- State Farm
- Travelers
- USAA
The exact cost of the discount you will receive can depend on your age, state, and driving record. They may not be the cheapest car insurance companies, but you’ll end up learning to work with what options you have.
How did my insurer find out about my conviction?
Keeping a traffic conviction from your insurer is not a good idea. Your insurance company will find out about your criminal record if you don’t tell them because looking for violations is part of the underwriting process.
If your car insurance company sees you have a criminal record, they will adjust your rates accordingly.
Most major carriers only care about certain violations. They are concerned with convictions that make you a high-risk driver. They will increase your rates as a result of moving violations and anything related to driving, with some exceptions. Parking tickets do not affect your rates. Most other criminal convictions don’t impact rates either. Shoplifting, for example, is unrelated to driving and thus wouldn’t impact rates.
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What do I do if my car insurance company drops me?
It isn’t the end of the world if your current insurer drops you as a client; there are other insurance options.
First, you need to visit your state’s Department of Insurance website and see if there is a state-sponsored program you can join. This will be more expensive, but at least you will be able to drive your vehicle.
You will have to face the fact that, if your convictions were serious enough for your insurance company to drop you, you are going to have fewer options than someone with a clean driving record.
Next, you should take the time to get car insurance quotes from several companies as well.
During the questioning process, you will be asked how many driving convictions you have, how many accidents, how long ago the accidents occurred and so on.
If the insurance company can’t insure you, you will receive a message that you aren’t eligible for their auto insurance.
If you don’t want to face that kind of rejection and you want to save time, then you should use a quote tool that allows you to compare the rates between several companies at once.
You won’t be shown companies that won’t provide you with insurance, only those for which you qualify.
When using a quote tool, it is important to be honest about your convictions as this is the only way to get an accurate quote.
A quote isn’t a guarantee of services and if you exclude anything, then you will be rejected on the back end of the quote, which is when you contact the insurance company.
Enter your zip code below to compare cheap insurance for convicted drivers from multiple companies now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find cheap insurance for convicted drivers?
Finding cheap insurance for convicted drivers requires comparing quotes from multiple companies. You can use online quote tools to compare rates from different insurers and choose the one that offers the most affordable coverage for your specific situation.
How much do rates increase after a DUI conviction?
On average, car insurance rates can increase by $149.67 per month after one DUI conviction. However, the actual increase may vary depending on various factors such as the insurance company, location, driving history, and the severity of the conviction.
How long does it take for insurance rates to decrease after a DUI conviction?
Typically, it takes three to five years for an insurance company to lower your rates after a DUI conviction. During this time, it’s crucial to maintain a clean driving record and demonstrate responsible behavior to improve your insurability.
What happens if I have a DUI?
Having a DUI conviction can lead to several consequences, including heavy fines, a suspended license, and an increase in your car insurance rates. Some insurance companies may even refuse to insure you due to the high-risk nature associated with DUI offenses.
Is SR-22 form necessary for car insurance with convictions?
In most states, if you have a DUI conviction, you’ll be required to file an SR-22 form. The SR-22 is a document that verifies you carry the state-required minimum liability coverage. Not all states require an SR-22, but if your state does, it’s important to comply with the requirement to maintain your driving privileges.
Can high-risk drivers remove convictions from their driving records?
It may be possible to remove convictions from a driving record through an expungement process, but specific requirements and eligibility criteria vary by jurisdiction.
How can I decrease my car insurance rates with a bad driving record?
High-risk drivers can work on improving their driving records over time by practicing safe driving habits and avoiding further traffic violations. Additionally, taking defensive driving courses can help reduce points on the license and potentially lower insurance rates.
Which car insurance companies offer a defensive driving discount?
Many car insurance companies offer a defensive driving discount. The availability and extent of the discount may vary, so it’s best to check with individual insurance providers for specific details.
Can you really find cheap car insurance with a DUI?
Finding cheap car insurance with a DUI can be challenging, as DUI convictions often lead to significantly higher insurance rates. However, by comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies and speaking with agents directly, it’s possible to find more affordable options.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
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.