If you have a DUI on your record, you may be dropped by your insurance carrier and need to find a new insurer that specializes in covering high-risk drivers.
What happens following a DUI conviction will vary from state to state. Attorney Ben Michael with Michael & Associates, a law firm in Austin, Texas, says that 49 of 50 states have laws on the books that will suspend or revoke a person’s driver’s license after a DUI,
“The duration and severity depend both on the state and how many DUIs a particular driver has been convicted of,” Michael says.
The state of Florida provides an example of how a DUI offense could affect you.
“In Florida, a conviction for a first-time DUI offense could cost you as much as $1,000 in fines, up to six months in jail, the possibility of losing your driver’s license for up to six months, and 50 hours of community service,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications for the Insurance Information Institute, an insurance industry association.
Additionally, in most states, drivers with a DUI are required to file an SR-22 form. Friedlander says this form proves you have the state minimum liability insurance coverage.
- If caught driving under the influence, you could lose your driver’s license. The penalty may vary by state laws and if you have previous DUI convictions.
- How long a DUI conviction stays on your record varies by state, but it will affect your insurance rates as long as it stays on your driving record.
- If you are convicted of DUI, your insurance company may drop you. Expect to look for a new insurer and pay higher premiums.
What is DUI insurance?
DUI insurance is not an actual insurance policy. Instead, it’s any auto insurance policy you have after a DUI offense.
If you’re driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicating substances, you can be charged with an impaired driving offense. The penalties for a DUI conviction vary widely depending on the state and your specific charge.
DUIs often lead to higher insurance rates, and insurers will rate you as a high-risk driver. Shopping around with different providers is good for those who have had one. Even if you can find a policy after being convicted of a DUI, it will probably come with an exorbitant premium.
What do DUI, OUI, DWI, and OVI stand for?
States use different designations for a “driving under the influence” infraction, but they typically mean the same thing, Friedlander says.
Here’s a breakdown of various terms used for DUI:
- DUI: Driving under the influence while impaired by alcohol or other chemical substances.
- OUI: Operating while under the influence while impaired by alcohol or other chemical substances.
- DWI: Depending on the state, this is driving impaired or intoxicated. Note that some states use both a DUI and DWI designation, although a DWI infraction is sometimes considered less severe than a DUI infraction.
- OVI: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other chemical substances.
Explore our guide on the differences between a DUI and a DWI.
How much does car insurance cost after a DUI?
Depending on the situation, you should expect your car insurance costs to increase by 40% to 90% or more after a DUI. Generally, this involves paying hundreds or thousands of dollars more for an auto insurance policy after you have a DUI on your driving record.
If you are wondering how much DUI insurance is per month, the answer varies based on the state. For example, DUI insurance in California costs an average of $565 per month. But DUI insurance in Florida costs an average of $380 per month.
Guide: See how much car insurance costs after a DUI in your state.
How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?
Like most things regarding a DUI, where you were arrested will affect how long a DUI will ding your insurance rates. How long a DUI remains on your driving record varies by state. As long as it’s on your driving record, it can affect your insurance rates.
How to find cheap car insurance with a DUI
Finding cheap car insurance with a DUI is often a challenge. Below are some strategies to help you find a policy that suits your budget after this mistake.
- Shop around. Every insurer has a different method of determining rates. With that, it’s important to get quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable rate for your situation.
- Ask for a discount. Some insurers offer discounts to certain drivers, like those who bundle policies or belong to a particular organization. It never hurts to ask for a cheaper rate.
How to save money on car insurance after getting a DUI
After getting a DUI, saving money on car insurance can be tricky. But you do have some strategies to consider when seeking the cheapest DUI insurance, which we explore below.
- Increase your deductible. If you have the money on hand to cover a higher deductible after a DUI, consider increasing your deductible. But remember – your deductible will be deducted from any comprehensive or collision claim payout.
- Stick to safe driving. Try not to get any other incidents on your record, like a speeding ticket or an at-fault accident. Additional issues will only push your insurance costs higher.
- Seek a payment discount. Some insurers offer a discount if you pay for your policy in full or for automatic payments.
- Bundle multiple insurance policies for a discount. Bundling auto with your homeowners, condo, renters or life insurance can net a multi-policy discount.
- Shop around. Insurers rate violations like DUIs differently, so your current insurer may penalize you more for a DUI than another would.
What happens after a DUI conviction?
After a DUI conviction, the consequences vary by state. Most states have laws that will revoke or suspend your driver’s license following a DUI, although the length and severity of this consequence will depend on where you live and if you have previous DUI convictions. Your carrier may drop you following a DUI conviction.
Expect to shop for a new insurer and pay much higher premiums after a DUI. Lastly, you must file an SR-22 or FR-44 form, proving that you maintain minimum liability insurance coverage after your DUI.
Will my car insurance be canceled after a DUI?
Friedlander says that many standard auto insurers will cancel your coverage after a DUI conviction, forcing you to find insurance with a carrier specializing in high-risk drivers. But this isn’t always the case.
Will I lose my license after a DUI?
Your license may be revoked indefinitely following a DUI conviction, depending on the state you live in, the severity of the infraction, whether you have had previous DUI convictions, and other factors. Or it may be suspended for a specific period.
Your license may be reinstated after paying fines, completing safety classes or serving probation and/or jail time.
Will an out-of-state DUI transfer to my home state?
In most states, yes. If you are on vacation or visiting friends out of state when the DUI happens, you will still be on the hook back home since most states share driver information. Furthermore, a second DUI in another state can significantly impact your home state record – many states will consider it a second DUI offense, and you’ll be subject to those penalties.
What are the legal and financial consequences of a DUI conviction?
The first consequence often appears in the onslaught of legal fees following your DUI.
“Beyond legal fees, expect rate hikes of at least 50-100% for several years,” says Paul Schneider, president of Schneider & Associates Insurance Agencies in Florida.
“Some carriers may drop your policy leaving limited, high-cost options. Budgeting for much higher premiums avoids coverage gaps. The financial impact of a DUI can be devastating without preparation.”
Your license will be revoked or suspended, depending upon your state. Other consequences include ignition interlock device installation, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation and jail time. If you caused damage or injury during a DUI accident, expect even more severe consequences.
Is your insurance company notified when you get a DUI?
In almost all states, your license will be suspended, and once your policy comes up for renewal, your insurer will pull your DMV record, and they’ll see a DUI on your record.
What is an SR-22, and do you need it after a DUI?
An SR-22 filing is a document that your insurance company must file with the state DMV to prove that you are carrying the proper car insurance coverage. If you let your policy lapse, miss a payment, or cancel your policy, the insurance company will revoke the SR-22 and your license will be re-suspended.
Drivers convicted of a DUI are often mandated by the court to carry insurance and must provide proof of these insurance limits before their license is reinstated. An SR-22 provides this proof.
Do you need non-owner car insurance after a DUI?
If you no longer own a vehicle, non-owner SR-22 insurance can be an excellent way to keep your coverage current. These policies only offer liability coverage and require that you don’t have regular access to a car so prices tend to be lower than a standard policy.
Bottom line
After a DUI, it’s important to get clear on the consequences and do the legwork to get the appropriate insurance coverage.
In most cases, you’ll pay significantly more for DUI car insurance. But as you explore your options, don’t forget to shop around. Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies can help you find the coverage you need at the right price point.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute “What determines the price of my auto insurance policy?” Accessed August 2024.
- Insurance Information Institute “If I file a claim, will my premium go up?” Accessed August 2024.
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