Best car insurance for drivers with a DUI

Most people are aware that getting a DUI comes with serious consequences. Drivers with a DUI can expect to spend time in court, possibly even serve time in jail, and will probably pay thousands upon thousands of dollars in fees and increased costs over time. But what if it is too late and you already have a DUI on your record, are you doomed to pay more for car insurance forever? 

Luckily, there are many ways to save money on car insurance for DUI offenders, and some companies offer cheaper rates, on average, to drivers with a past DUI.

Cheapest car insurance companies after a DUI

You can expect to see a significant increase in your insurance rate if you have a DUI. Also referred to as a DWI or an OUI, a DUI is considered a serious offense and causes a much bigger premium increase than a speeding ticket or minor fender bender. 

Exactly how much your insurance rate will change is based on a number of factors, including which insurance company you choose and what else is on your driving record. The chart below shows the 15 cheapest insurance companies for drivers with a DUI:

How to shop for affordable auto insurance after a DUI

The significant jump in the cost of insurance after a DUI leaves many people searching for a DUI insurance trick to reduce their rates but, unfortunately, there isn’t one. Luckily, there are still ways to save money on your car insurance after getting a DUI, including:

• Compare quotes: Comparing quotes between companies is the best way to make sure you are getting the lowest possible rate.

• Take advantage of discounts: A DUI won’t stop you from taking advantage of the many discounts (bundling discount, employer discount, military discount, etc.) offered by most insurance companies.

• Improve your credit rating: Your credit rating impacts your car insurance rate in most states, which means working to improve your credit can go a long way toward reducing your annual premium.

• Reduce your mileage: The number of miles you drive in a year impacts your insurance rates, so finding a way to drive less (work from home, take public transit, etc.) can save you money on your car insurance.

• Reconsider your vehicle: Some vehicles are more expensive to insure than others. Choosing an older model vehicle or an economy car instead of a luxury vehicle can save you hundreds of dollars a year on your car insurance.

• Increase your deductibles: Raising your deductible is an easy way to lower your insurance rates, but you will have to pay that money out-of-pocket in the event of a claim, so consider whether or not that would be affordable before making that change. 

It is also important to be a safe driver. Avoiding accidents and moving violations will help keep your rates as low as possible while you wait for your DUI to fall off your record.

High-risk auto insurance: alternative car insurance after a DUI

Drivers with a DUI on their record risk being denied coverage from some insurers, even potentially having their current policy cancelled by their insurance company. 

However, this doesn’t mean you are uninsurable; there are many insurance companies that offer coverage for drivers with a DUI, including some that are specifically designed for high-risk individuals. 

If your driving record prevents you from finding an insurance company, you have the option of joining your state’s high-risk insurance pool. Every state requires insurance companies operating within their borders to take a certain percentage of high-risk drivers who are assigned to them out of the high-risk pool. This guarantees you will find an insurance company to cover you, but expect the insurance offered to be very expensive.

What happens to your car insurance after a DUI?

There are several things that may happen to your car insurance after a DUI, including:

Your rates go up: Expect to pay significantly more for car insurance for several years after a DUI. Many states require a DUI to stay on your record for 10 years or more, so you could pay an increased rate for more than a decade.

You may have to file paperwork: You may be required to file a certificate of financial responsibility known as an SR-22 or an FR-44 with your state, which requires proof of insurance from your insurance company.

You may have a suspended license: Many states immediately suspend your license after a DUI. If this has happened to you it is important to reach out to your insurance company to find out what this means to make sure you don’t end up with a gap in your car insurance. 

Your insurance may not be renewed: Some insurance companies will cancel your coverage if you have a DUI, so you may find yourself unable to renew your policy.

Laws vary from state-to-state, so there may be other things that happen with your car insurance after a DUI. You may want to reach out to a DUI attorney in your area who can help you with your legal case as well as guiding you through any local car insurance legal requirements.

How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?

You will definitely see an increase in your car insurance rates after a DUI, but the amount your insurance increases will vary from company to company. 

For example, a driver between the ages of 30 and 45 who drives a 2017 Toyota Camry LE with a very good credit rating would be charged an average of $3,205 annually with Encompass. 

However, if that driver had a DUI on their record, their average insurance rate would jump to $16,601 each year. If that same driver chose a policy with Root they would pay $664 each year for insurance coverage with a clean driving record and $709 with a DUI.

This is why comparing rates between companies is such an important part of finding affordable car insurance.

Should I tell my insurance company about a DUI?

Not telling your insurance company about your DUI might seem tempting, but whether or not you say anything doesn’t change the situation. Your insurance company is going to check your driving record every time your policy renews, which means you can expect to see your rates go up even if you don’t say anything to your insurance company.

Methodology

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

• Bodily injury liability: 50/100

• Property damage liability: $50,000

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100

• Comprehensive: $500 deductible

• Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.