How Much Does Car Insurance Increase After a DUI?

A DUI conviction marks you as a high-risk driver, resulting in substantial insurance premium increases. According to 2025-2026 data, most drivers experience rate hikes between 80-100%, though some states see increases exceeding 125%.

National Average Rate Increases

Full coverage car insurance typically jumps from around $2,697 annually to $5,287 after a DUI—nearly doubling your premium. The exact increase varies based on several factors including your state, insurance company, age, and driving history.

Rate Increase by Age Group:

Major insurance companies apply different surcharge rates. Some examples include Allstate at 39%, GEICO at 86%, Progressive at 30%, State Farm at 6%, and USAA at 88%. These variations highlight why shopping around is crucial after a DUI. Companies like Progressive and State Farm offer significantly different rate increases compared to others.

State-by-State Cost Variations

Insurance costs after a DUI vary significantly by state. Florida drivers see an average increase of $1,085 annually (47-144% jump), while states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Idaho maintain post-DUI full coverage averages under $3,000 per year. Conversely, drivers in North Carolina, Michigan, and California face costs exceeding $6,000 annually.

States with FR-44 requirements (Florida and Virginia) impose even higher minimums than standard SR-22 states, further elevating costs for DUI drivers. Understanding these state-specific differences can help you budget appropriately and explore options if relocation is feasible.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance Rates?

Most drivers see elevated insurance rates for 3-5 years following a DUI conviction, though the impact can extend up to 10 years depending on state laws and insurer policies.

Typical Timeline for Rate Impact

Insurance companies typically look back 3-5 years when assessing your driving record. Once the DUI falls outside this lookback period and you maintain a clean record, rates begin decreasing toward normal levels.

DUI Impact Duration:

• 3 years: Minimum impact period in states where DUIs fall off records quickly
• 5 years: Most common duration for rate increases
• 7-10 years: Extended impact in states with longer driving record retention

Rates don't instantly return to pre-DUI levels after the lookback period ends. Instead, insurers gradually reduce premiums each year you maintain a clean driving record. Significant drops typically occur after 3-5 years when you're no longer classified as high-risk. Similar to how accidents affect insurance rates, maintaining a clean record accelerates recovery.

Factors Affecting Recovery Time

Several factors determine how quickly your rates normalize:

States like California impose penalties for up to 10 years, while others have shorter periods. Your state's Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) retention period influences how long insurers can see the conviction, though many companies only look back 3-5 years even if the MVR holds it longer.

Understanding SR-22 Insurance Requirements

An SR-22 is not actually insurance—it's a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you maintain minimum required liability coverage. Most states mandate SR-22 filings after a DUI conviction.

What Is an SR-22?

Your insurance company files the SR-22 form directly with your state's DMV, certifying that you carry at least the minimum liability insurance required by law. This requirement typically lasts 2-5 years depending on your state and the severity of your offense.

The SR-22 itself costs $15-50 to file, but this small fee doesn't include the substantial increase in your underlying insurance premiums. If your coverage lapses for any reason, your insurer immediately notifies the DMV, potentially resulting in license suspension. Learn more about SR-22 insurance requirements and the filing process.

Which States Require SR-22 After a DUI?

Nearly all U.S. states require SR-22 filings after DUI convictions, though specific requirements and durations vary by state. Most states mandate SR-22 for approximately 3 years, though DUI convictions may require up to 5 years of continuous filing.

SR-22 Alternative States:

• Florida and Virginia: Use FR-44 certificates requiring higher liability limits than standard SR-22
• Texas: Requires SR-22 for approximately 2 years for certain convictions

Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 filing services, which limits your options when searching for coverage. This is why many drivers turn to non-standard or high-risk insurance specialists after a DUI.

How to Obtain SR-22 Insurance

Getting SR-22 insurance involves these steps:

1. Contact insurance companies that offer SR-22 filing services
2. Purchase a policy meeting your state's minimum liability requirements
3. Request SR-22 filing from your insurer
4. Pay the filing fee (typically $15-50)
5. Wait for confirmation that your insurer filed with the DMV

Your insurer handles the actual filing process. You must maintain continuous coverage throughout the required period—any lapse triggers DMV notification and potential license suspension. If you don't own a vehicle, consider non-owner car insurance with SR-22 filing.

Best Insurance Companies for DUI Drivers

Finding affordable coverage after a DUI requires researching companies that specialize in high-risk drivers. Some insurers offer significantly better rates than others for drivers with DUI convictions.

Top-Rated Companies for DUI Coverage

Progressive consistently offers the cheapest rates for DUI drivers, averaging $235-268 per month for full coverage—16-37% below the national average for high-risk drivers. Their acceptance rate for DUI drivers and multiple discount opportunities make them a top choice.

Comparison of Best DUI Insurance Companies:

State Farm applies the smallest rate increase after a DUI at just 6%, making them worth checking even if their standard rates aren't the lowest. Travelers offers competitive rates around $241 monthly and consistently appears among the most affordable options.

For military members and their families, USAA provides rates comparable to civilian insurers despite an 88% increase, with superior customer service ratings.

Regional and Non-Standard Insurers

Regional companies often provide better rates than national carriers for high-risk drivers:

• NJM: Cheapest at $223/month but only available in five states
• Erie: Strong regional option with competitive DUI rates
• Mercury: California specialist with competitive high-risk pricing
• The General: Focuses specifically on high-risk drivers nationwide
• National General: Specializes in non-standard insurance policies

These companies actively accept DUI convictions and offer various discounts including bundling, automatic payment, defensive driving courses, and usage-based insurance programs. Learn more about finding the best coverage options for your situation.

Money-Saving Strategies After a DUI

Despite elevated rates, DUI drivers can access various discounts and strategies to reduce insurance costs. Taking proactive steps immediately after conviction helps minimize financial impact.

Available Discounts for High-Risk Drivers

Many standard discounts remain available even after a DUI conviction:

Discount Opportunities:

Defensive driving courses signal your commitment to safe driving and help rebuild your insurance profile. Most states approve specific courses that qualify for discounts—check with your insurer for approved programs.

Usage-based insurance (UBI) programs track your driving habits through mobile apps or plug-in devices. Demonstrating safe driving behaviors like smooth braking, reasonable speeds, and limited night driving can significantly reduce premiums.

Additional Cost-Reduction Strategies

Beyond discounts, consider these approaches:

1. Increase your deductible: Higher deductibles reduce premium costs, though you'll pay more out-of-pocket for claims
2. Reduce coverage on older vehicles: Consider dropping collision and comprehensive on cars worth less than $3,000
3. Improve your credit score: Many states allow credit-based insurance scoring, which impacts rates
4. Shop annually: High-risk rates vary dramatically between companies—compare quotes every renewal period
5. Maintain continuous coverage: Gaps in coverage result in even higher rates

When to Shop for New Insurance

Compare quotes from multiple insurers at these key times:

• Immediately after DUI conviction: Find companies specializing in high-risk drivers
• At each renewal period: Rates change frequently for high-risk drivers
• After 3 years: Many companies significantly reduce rates at this milestone
• When SR-22 filing ends: You'll qualify for standard policies again

Don't assume your current insurer offers the best rate. Companies that provided competitive rates before your DUI may not be the cheapest option afterward. Consider adding uninsured motorist coverage to protect yourself given the higher risk environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance company automatically drop me after a DUI?

Not all insurance companies drop drivers after a DUI conviction, though many non-standard policies or preferred programs won't renew. Major companies like Progressive, State Farm, and GEICO typically continue coverage but apply significant rate increases. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and actively seek DUI clients. If your current insurer drops you, immediately shop companies specializing in high-risk or non-standard policies to maintain continuous coverage and avoid license suspension.

Can I get car insurance without SR-22 after a DUI?

Whether you need SR-22 insurance depends on your state's laws and your specific DUI circumstances. Most states require SR-22 filing after DUI convictions for 2-5 years. However, the SR-22 is just a certificate—you still need standard car insurance meeting minimum liability requirements. A few states don't use SR-22 certificates, while Florida and Virginia require FR-44 instead. Check your state DMV requirements or consult with insurance agents to determine your specific filing obligations.

How much does car insurance cost after a DUI compared to before?

Car insurance after a DUI typically costs 80-100% more than before conviction, though increases range from 30% to 127% depending on your insurer, state, age, and driving history. A driver paying $2,697 annually might see rates jump to $5,287 after DUI. Progressive and State Farm offer the smallest increases at 30% and 6% respectively, while GEICO and USAA increase rates by 86-88%. State-specific factors also impact costs significantly—shop multiple companies to find the lowest post-DUI rate.

Do I need to tell my insurance company about a DUI?

Yes, you must inform your insurance company about a DUI conviction, though timing varies by state and insurer policies. Most insurers discover DUI convictions when checking your Motor Vehicle Record at renewal, but failing to disclose can result in policy cancellation or claim denial. Some insurers require immediate notification, while others learn about it during routine record checks. Proactively informing your insurer demonstrates honesty and allows you to discuss options before renewal, potentially preventing sudden cancellation.

When will my insurance rates return to normal after a DUI?

Insurance rates typically begin decreasing 3-5 years after a DUI conviction once it falls outside your insurer's lookback period, assuming you maintain a clean driving record. Rates don't instantly return to pre-DUI levels but gradually decrease each year without additional violations. Some states and insurers impose 7-10 year lookback periods, extending elevated rates longer. Factors like completing defensive driving courses, maintaining continuous coverage, and shopping multiple insurers at the 3-year mark help accelerate rate reductions toward normal levels.