How does a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction affect your car insurance? In most cases, a DUI conviction can raise your rates significantly for three to seven years. You may open your renewal notice expecting the usual bill only to find that your rate has jumped, or your carrier will no longer renew your policy. How much you pay depends on factors such as your state, insurance carrier, driving history and personal profile.
You may need car insurance after a DUI from a non-standard carrier, along with an SR-22 or FR-44 filing to restore your driving privileges. Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) can help by comparing options from more than 20 carriers, including those that work with high-risk drivers and offer SR-22 or FR-44 filing services.
Get an auto insurance quote online or call 1-855-478-3705 to explore your options.
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How a DUI affects your car insurance rates
Insurance companies use your driving history to estimate how likely you may be to file a future claim. Because alcohol and drugs can impair judgment, coordination and reaction time, a DUI conviction usually places a driver in a higher-risk category. This change may lead to a higher insurance premium.
How does a DUI affect car insurance if your policy is already active? Your carrier may not learn about the conviction immediately. It may discover the DUI when reviewing your driving record at renewal or when you request an SR-22 filing. Once the carrier reviews the conviction, it may increase your rate, decline to renew your policy or change the coverage options available to you.
If your rate recently changed and you want to understand other possible reasons, read more about why your car insurance goes up in the IIA Knowledge Center.
Not every company evaluates a DUI the same way. Standard carriers may have stricter underwriting rules, while non-standard carriers specialize in helping drivers with serious violations, coverage lapses or other challenges on their records. Comparing carriers can help you find insurance after a DUI if your current company no longer offers a practical option.
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?
There is no single rate increase that applies to every driver. A DUI insurance rate increase can vary widely based on several factors, including:
- State laws and minimum coverage requirements
- The carrier’s underwriting guidelines
- Your driving history before and after the DUI
- Your age and location
- The type of vehicle you drive
- Your selected coverage limits and deductibles
- Whether you need an SR-22 or FR-44 filing
- Any previous accidents, tickets or coverage lapses
A driver with a clean record before the first DUI may receive a different quote than someone with multiple accidents or serious violations. Rates may also vary between standard and non-standard carriers because each company weighs risk differently.
Instead of relying on a national average that may not reflect your situation, request quotes using your actual driver, vehicle and coverage information. Shopping across multiple carriers is one of the most reliable ways to understand how much insurance may go up after a DUI and find a policy that fits your current needs and budget.
How long does a DUI affect car insurance?
There are two timelines to consider: How long the conviction remains on your driving record and how far back an insurance company looks when calculating your rate.
A DUI may remain on a driving record for three to 10 years or longer, depending on state law. Some states keep DUI convictions on driving records for much longer. The period that an insurer reviews when setting rates is often shorter, typically three to seven years, but the exact DUI insurance lookback period depends on the carrier and state.
Your rate may not return to its previous amount as soon as a filing requirement ends or the conviction passes at a certain age. However, rates may improve gradually if you avoid new accidents, tickets, serious violations and coverage lapses. Since carriers use different timeframes and underwriting guidelines, comparing new quotes at each renewal can help you see whether better options are available.
SR-22 and FR-44 filings after a DUI
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility, not an insurance policy. It is filed by an insurance carrier with the state to confirm that a driver has the required amount of liability coverage. A state may require an SR-22 after a DUI conviction, driving without insurance, a license suspension or another serious violation.
If you need SR-22 insurance, the filing usually must remain active for a set period, often three years. Requirements vary by state and violation. A lapse in your insurance policy during that period may cause the carrier to notify the state, which could lead to additional penalties or another license suspension.
Florida and Virginia may require an FR-44 after certain serious violations. An FR-44 serves a similar purpose but generally requires higher liability limits than an SR-22.
Not every carrier serves drivers who need these filings. IIA works with carriers that offer SR-22 and FR-44 filing services where available. An IIA agent can help you review your state’s requirements and compare coverage options.
Can I get car insurance after a DUI?
Yes, you can typically get car insurance after a DUI, although you may have fewer carrier options and pay a higher rate. Some standard carriers may decline to offer a new policy or may not renew an existing one after reviewing the conviction.
Non-standard auto insurance carriers specialize in covering drivers whose records may include DUIs, accidents, serious tickets, license suspensions or coverage lapses. Their rates and underwriting requirements still vary, so receiving one expensive quote does not necessarily mean every carrier will offer the same price.
If you are asking, “Can I get car insurance after a DUI if I do not own a vehicle?” you may qualify for a non-owner policy. This type of policy may help you meet an SR-22 requirement and restore your driving privileges, but it generally does not cover a vehicle you own or regularly use. An agent can help you determine whether a non-owner policy fits your situation.
IIA works with more than 20 insurance carriers and can provide several quote options, including from carriers that offer high-risk car insurance. This gives you a chance to review multiple options without contacting each carrier separately.
How to lower your car insurance after a DUI
You may not be able to avoid an immediate rate increase, but the following steps could help you manage the cost of car insurance:
- Compare multiple carriers: Rates can vary significantly, especially between standard and non-standard insurers. Shopping around may help you find a lower rate for the coverage you need.
- Maintain a clean driving record: Avoiding new tickets, accidents and serious violations may help your rates improve over time.
- Keep continuous coverage: A lapse could increase your rate and create problems with an active SR-22 or FR-44 filing.
- Ask about discounts: Depending on the carrier, you may qualify for paid-in-full, prior coverage, multi-car, paperless or other discounts. Safe driver discounts may become available after enough time has passed.
- Consider a higher deductible: Raising your collision or comprehensive deductible may reduce your premium but choose an amount you could reasonably pay after a covered claim.
- Complete required courses: A state-approved DUI education or defensive driving course may be required. Some carriers may also offer a discount for completing an eligible course.
- Review your coverage at renewal: Your needs may change, and your DUI may have less influence on your rate as time passes without another incident.
- Ask about flexible payment options: A monthly plan may make your payments easier to manage, although fees and options vary by carrier.
IIA agents can help you compare carriers and identify discounts for which you may qualify. Discounts, payment plans and coverage availability vary by state and insurance company.
Compare DUI car insurance quotes with IIA
Finding coverage after a DUI can feel complicated and overwhelming, but you do not have to sort through every option on your own. IIA works with more than 20 carriers, including non-standard carriers that serve drivers with DUI convictions and other serious violations.
With IIA, you may have access to:
- SR-22 and FR-44 filing services where available
- Help from Spanish-bilingual insurance agents
- Acceptance of foreign licenses and a matrícula consular ID, depending on the carrier and state
- Flexible payment options, including monthly payments and card payments
- Same-day digital proof of insurance after the policy is activated and the initial payment is received
- Multiple quotes based on your driver profile and coverage needs
IIA agents understand that drivers may face complicated situations and are ready to help without judgment. Call 1-855-478-3705 to speak with an insurance agent, compare DUI car insurance quotes and review the options available to you.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?
The increase depends on your state, carrier, driving history, age, location, vehicle and coverage selections. An SR-22 or FR-44 requirement may also affect your options. Comparing personalized quotes is the best way to understand what you may pay.
When does a DUI stop affecting insurance?
Insurers commonly review three to seven years of driving history when setting rates, but the period varies. The DUI may stay on your official driving record for three to 10 years or longer, depending on state law.
Do I need an SR-22 after a DUI?
Your state may require an SR-22 after a DUI, but requirements vary. Florida and Virginia may require an FR-44 for certain convictions. Contact your state’s motor vehicle agency or an insurance agent to confirm what filing you need and how long you must maintain it.
Will my current carrier drop me after a DUI?
Your carrier may continue your policy at a higher rate, decline to renew it or change the coverage options available to you. The outcome depends on the carrier’s underwriting guidelines, your driving history and state law.
Does car insurance cover drunk driving accidents?
Coverage depends on your policy, your state and the specific circumstances of the accident. Insurance is not a substitute for legal representation, so drivers charged with a DUI should consult with an attorney and speak with an insurance agent to understand what their specific coverage includes.
How can I lower my car insurance rate after a DUI?
Compare quotes, maintain continuous coverage, avoid new driving violations, ask about discounts and review your options at every renewal. You can also consider changing your deductible if you can afford the additional out-of-pocket cost after a covered claim.
How does a DUI affect car insurance over the long term? Although the conviction may raise your rate and limit your options for several years, maintaining a clean record and comparing carriers at each renewal may help you find better rates as time passes. IIA can help you compare coverage from several carriers, including non-standard options for drivers who need an SR-22 or FR-44 filing.
Call 1-855-478-3705 today to speak with a Spanish-bilingual agent and get a personalized quote.
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