A DUI is one of the most serious marks you can have on your driving record. Along with fines, court requirements, and a possible license suspension, it can make car insurance after a DUI much harder and more expensive to get.
It is not hopeless, though. Many drivers do get covered again, and rates can improve over time. Here is what to expect and how to move forward.
Key takeaways
- A DUI usually leads to a significant rate increase, and some insurers may not renew your policy.
- Many states require an SR-22 filing after a DUI. Florida and Virginia use a stricter FR-44 filing.
- Insurers that work with higher-risk drivers may still offer coverage.
- Keeping continuous coverage and a clean record afterward can help your rates recover.
How a DUI affects your insurance
In every state, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal for adult drivers, except in Utah, where the limit is 0.05%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A DUI or DWI conviction tells insurers you may be a much higher risk on the road.
As a result, you may see:
- A large surcharge at your next renewal
- Loss of discounts, such as safe driver or good driver discounts
- A non-renewal notice from your current insurer
- Fewer insurers willing to quote you, at least for a while
How much your rate goes up depends on your state, your insurer, your prior record, and the details of the offense. There is no single number that applies to everyone.
Do you need an SR-22 or FR-44?
Many states require drivers convicted of a DUI to file proof of insurance with the state. This is usually called an SR-22. It is not a type of insurance. It is a form your insurer files to confirm you carry at least the required coverage.
A few key points:
- Your insurer files the SR-22 for you, often for a small filing fee.
- You must keep the filing in place for the period your state requires.
- If your policy lapses, your insurer must notify the state, which can lead to a new suspension.
Florida and Virginia use a different form called an FR-44 for certain alcohol-related offenses. It requires liability limits higher than the state minimum. Learn more in our guide to SR-22 insurance.
Steps to take after a DUI
Here is a practical plan for getting and keeping coverage:
- Read every notice. Check letters from the court, DMV, and your insurer for deadlines and requirements.
- Ask your current insurer what happens next. Find out whether they plan to renew your policy and at what price.
- Confirm your filing requirements. Ask your state DMV whether you need an SR-22 or FR-44 and for how long.
- Shop early. Start comparing quotes before your current policy ends so you do not have a gap.
- Keep coverage continuous. A lapse can restart filing periods and lead to higher rates later.
- Complete court and DMV requirements. That may include classes, an ignition interlock device, or other conditions.
Where to find coverage
Not every insurer handles high-risk drivers. Some are more open to drivers with a DUI, especially those that specialize in non-standard auto insurance.
Your options may include:
- Your current insurer, if it chooses to renew you
- Insurers that focus on high-risk or non-standard drivers
- Your state's assigned risk plan or residual market, if you cannot find coverage elsewhere
An independent agent can be very helpful here, since they can check several insurers at once.
Ways to manage the cost
You may not be able to avoid a rate increase, but you can often soften it. Options to consider:
| Strategy | How it may help |
|---|---|
| Compare several quotes | Insurers price DUIs differently |
| Raise your deductible | Lowers premium if you can afford the out-of-pocket cost |
| Drop collision and comprehensive on an older car | Reduces cost on low-value vehicles |
| Drive a less expensive car to insure | Lowers repair and replacement costs |
| Take a defensive driving course | Some insurers and states offer a discount |
| Pay in full or set up autopay | Some insurers offer billing discounts |
Be careful not to cut liability coverage too far. After a DUI, protecting yourself from a costly claim is more important than ever. You also must meet any higher limits your state requires.
How long until rates improve?
A DUI can affect your rates for several years. Each insurer decides how far back it looks, and each state decides how long a DUI stays on your driving record. In many states, alcohol-related offenses stay on your record longer than ordinary tickets.
As time passes without new violations, you may qualify for better rates. That is a good time to compare quotes again. If you are wondering why your rate is still high, see why your car insurance went up.
Options if your license is suspended
A DUI often comes with a license suspension. That can raise tricky questions about insurance for your car and your household.
- Keep the car insured if others drive it. If a spouse or family member still uses the car, it needs coverage. Some insurers let you list the suspended driver as an excluded driver, which means the policy will not cover them while they are excluded.
- Do not cancel coverage without checking the rules. In some states, canceling insurance on a registered car can create its own problems with the DMV.
- Ask about a non-owner policy. If you will not own a car once your license is reinstated, a non-owner policy can provide liability coverage when you drive a borrowed car. It can also carry an SR-22 filing if your state requires one.
- Plan for reinstatement. Ask your agent to have your SR-22 or FR-44 ready to file as soon as you are eligible to reinstate.
Rules on excluded drivers and non-owner policies vary by state and insurer, so ask a licensed agent which options fit your situation. For more ways to bring costs down over time, see how to lower your car insurance premium.
Avoid these mistakes
- Letting your policy lapse. This can trigger a new suspension and make future insurance harder to find.
- Hiding the DUI on an application. Insurers check driving records, and misstatements can lead to canceled coverage.
- Driving without a valid license. This can lead to more charges and make insurance even harder to get.
- Waiting until the last minute. Start shopping as soon as you know your current policy is changing.
Get help finding coverage
Finding car insurance after a DUI takes more effort, but you do not have to do it alone. Quote4Us connects you with licensed insurance agencies in our network, including agencies that may work with higher-risk drivers. Quote4Us is not an insurance company and does not sell policies itself.
Start your free auto insurance quote to see what options may be available to you.
This article is for general information only and isn't legal or insurance advice. Coverage and rules vary by state and insurer.
Frequently asked questions
A DUI can affect your rates for several years. How long depends on how far back your insurer looks and how long the offense stays on your driving record in your state, which can be longer than for other violations. Any required SR-22 or FR-44 filing period also matters. Ask your agent or state DMV for the timeline that applies to you.
Sometimes. If your license is suspended, some insurers will write a policy that lists you as an excluded driver so the car stays insured for other household drivers. You may also be able to buy a non-owner policy once you are eligible to drive again. Options vary by state and insurer, so talk with a licensed agent about your situation.
Insurers typically check your motor vehicle record when you apply and at renewal, so a DUI conviction will usually show up. If you are asked about violations on an application, answer honestly. Leaving it off can lead to a higher price later, a denied claim, or a canceled policy. Being upfront helps you get an accurate quote.