How a DUI Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates (2023)

While there technically is no auto insurance policy called DUI insurance, the phrase is commonly used to inform drivers that a company insures people convicted of driving under the influence.

Keep reading to learn how a DUI affects finding auto insurance quotes online, what your options are for coverage, and discover how to secure affordable DUI auto insurance.

After learning how to get affordable DUI insurance rates, remember to enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to receive rates from the top companies near you.

What is DUI insurance?

Some people assume you need specialized auto insurance for drunk drivers or people with DUI convictions. There is no auto insurance policy titled “DUI insurance.” Instead, companies typically use the term to inform customers that it insures people with DUIs on their driving records.

A DUI automatically makes you a high-risk driver to essentially all auto insurance companies. This is because drunk driving is incredibly dangerous.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), someone dies in a preventable drunk driving car accident every 52 minutes in America.

Some companies outright refuse to insure people with DUIs. Those that do always charge higher than average rates while the DUI remains on your record.

Depending on the state you live in, it may be called DWI for driving while intoxicated. Other states use the acronym OMVI for “operating a motor vehicle while impaired” or just OVI for “operating a vehicle while impaired.”

You also might need to file an SR-22 insurance form in some states to reinstate your license or act as proof of car insurance after a DUI conviction. In Florida, the form is called an FR-44. It acts as proof of insurance, as you’re required to purchase higher coverage levels if convicted of a DUI.

Typically, your insurance company submits the SR-22 or FR-44 form to your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) on your behalf.

Other than higher annual rates and possibly an SR-22 form, you’re still just purchasing a basic auto insurance policy that meets or exceeds the legal auto insurance limits where you live.

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How long does a DUI stay on your insurance?

You should expect your auto insurance after a DUI to increase.

It also may make it more difficult to secure coverage, specifically from traditional insurance companies.

The table below shows the average annual cost of auto insurance with a clean record versus rates for drivers with a single DUI from the top companies.

While the data above represents rates from insurance companies, the state you live in also influences how a DUI impacts your insurance costs.

Overall, anticipate an auto insurance rate increase between 7% to 280% after a DUI charge.

How long does a DUI affect your insurance rates? Usually, it affects your auto insurance costs for up to three years.

However, in California, it stays on your record for ten years.

How do you find cheap auto insurance after a DUI?

We have some DUI insurance tricks to help you secure affordable coverage, even with a poor driving record. Start by shopping around and comparing quotes from the top companies and local or regional agencies near you.

It’s also a good idea to compare DUI insurance quotes from non-standard insurers and companies that specialize in high-risk auto insurance.

Next, research various auto insurance discounts you might qualify for.

The savings opportunities are often stackable, which can help mitigate the higher-than-average rates you’ll be paying for coverage.

Specifically, look for group or membership discounts, military discounts, home and auto bundles, or rate reductions based on anti-theft devices or other safety technology installed in your car.

Finally, practice safe driving techniques to avoid any future traffic violations, especially during the period that the DUI remains on your record.

Not only will this help lower your rates over time, but you may even qualify for a safe driver or claims-free discount.

However, if you live in California, you cannot earn good or safe driver discounts for the 10 years that the DUI is on your driving record.

What are the best DUI insurance companies?

Finding the best auto insurance companies after a DUI depends on where you live, your age, and when your conviction took place.

Some insurance companies increase rates more substantially after a DUI than others.

When it comes to affordability, State Farm auto insurance company provides the cheapest average rates for drivers who’ve committed a DUI. As long as you speak to an agent, the company also offers SR-22 insurance.

Progressive auto insurance company is another strong option. According to the website, Progressive increases rates nationally by just 13% after your first DUI.

For military personnel, USAA auto insurance company provides low enough rates that, typically, it’s still affordable coverage even after a DUI. Civilians do not qualify for USAA coverage and must look elsewhere.

If your driving record is very poor, you have multiple DUIs, or you struggle to secure traditional coverage, consider The General auto insurance company or other non-standard insurers.

Some non-standard companies only offer very basic, no-frills policies to drivers.

The General provides customers with a mobile app, reasonable rates, and SR-22 forms if required.

Finally, consider researching the local, smaller agencies that exist where you live.

The best way to buy DUI insurance at an affordable rate is by comparing quotes online from multiple companies, including standard and non-standard companies.

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How do insurance companies find out about DUIs?

Your insurance company usually learns about your DUI conviction by running your driving record or from your local DMV.

Auto insurance companies re-check your driving record at intervals or when your policy is up for renewal. This ensures that rates are up-to-date and accurate.

If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, your insurance company will see it at this time. Typically, it remains on your record for three years.

Companies may also learn about your conviction if you’re required to file an SR-22 form. Some regional laws require you to file an SR-22 insurance form to reinstate your license or act as insurance proof. Typically, your insurance company submits it on your behalf.

It’s never a good idea to hide a DUI conviction from your insurance company.

Doing so could lead to the company canceling your policy, causing a potential coverage lapse. A coverage lapse would lead to even higher auto insurance costs. We suggest informing your insurer sooner rather than later. This gives you time to learn about the process and evaluate all of your options.

DUI Insurance: The Bottom Line

Ultimately, if you commit a DUI, you’ll be considered a high-risk driver to insurance companies, at least until the conviction falls off of your record.

To buy DUI insurance at an affordable rate, compare quotes online from local companies, national companies, and non-standard insurers.

If you cannot secure coverage, every state offers a last resort program to ensure you can get liability coverage to drive legally. These assigned-risk programs are usually more expensive.

You should never hide your DUI conviction or other citations from an insurance company. You risk losing coverage and experiencing a policy lapse if you get caught.

You’ve learned how to get cheap DUI insurance, now secure the best coverage for you by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below.

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