The cost of car insurance for those convicted of drunk driving

Why you can trust Insure.com

Quality Verified

At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry.

Getting convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) can be a tough experience—legally, financially, and emotionally. It can be overwhelming to deal with the fines, court appearances, and potential license suspensions, but on top of all that, you’ll likely face higher car insurance rates too. Let’s break down what this could mean for your wallet, how rates vary by offense and state, and what you can do to soften the blow.

Average cost of car insurance after a DUI/DWI first offense

So, you’ve made a mistake—no judgment here, we all make them—but the reality is that a DUI/DWI conviction can make your car insurance premiums skyrocket. On average, after a first-time DUI/DWI conviction, you could see your rates go up by anywhere from 30% to 100%. Imagine paying $1,900 a year for insurance and then suddenly being hit with a bill closer to $3,800. Yikes, right?

The exact increase depends on several factors, including your location, your insurer, and your driving history. Some insurers might be more forgiving than others, but generally, you’re going to be seen as a higher risk. And that translates into higher costs for coverage. On top of this, expect these higher premiums to stick around for three to five years, depending on your state’s laws and your insurer’s policies.

Average cost of car insurance after a DUI/DWI second offense

Now, if a first offense stings, a second offense can feel like a financial gut punch. We’re talking serious increases in your car insurance premiums, often well over double what you were paying before. At this point, some insurance companies might even refuse to cover you, leaving you with fewer—and usually more expensive—options.

For example, while the national average increase for a first offense might be around 102%, it can jump to 206% or more for a second offense. That means if your car insurance cost was around $1,897 a year, you might be looking at something closer to $5,804 a year. Plus, depending on your state, you may be required to carry high-risk insurance, often known as SR-22 insurance, which adds more costs to the equation.

Not only does this affect your wallet, but it can also make it a challenge just to find an insurer willing to take on the risk. It’s a difficult situation, but knowing your options and what to expect can help you navigate it.

Cost of car insurance for those convicted of drunk driving by state

Where you live plays a massive role in how much your insurance premiums will go up after a DUI/DWI. Some states have harsher penalties and higher insurance increases than others, so it’s important to know what to expect based on your location.

For instance, if you’re in California, you could see your rates increase by as much as 224%, whereas in North Carolina, you can see a jump as big as 306%! It all comes down to state regulations, minimum insurance requirements, and even accident statistics. Some states have stricter laws, which can lead to higher penalties. In contrast, others might offer more leniency or have lower insurance minimums, meaning your rates won’t jump quite as high.

To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at a few states:

• California: Rates can increase by over 224%, and you might need an SR-22.
• Florida: Expect your rates to go up by about 44%, and you could be required to carry high-risk insurance.
• Texas: Rates typically increase around 65%.

Refer the below table to see how much car insurance will increase when you are convicted under DUI/DWI in your state.

What factors affect the cost of car insurance after a DUI/DWI?

You might be wondering, “Is there any way to keep my rates from shooting through the roof?” While there’s no magic solution, certain factors can influence just how much your premiums will go up after a DUI/DWI conviction.

• Age and Gender: Younger drivers, especially those under 25, tend to see steeper increases. Insurers already view younger drivers as higher risk, so a DUI/DWI only exacerbates this.
• Driving History: If you’ve had a clean driving record before your DUI/DWI, you might get a little leniency. However, if you’ve had previous traffic violations, expect to be hit even harder.
• Credit Score: In many states, your credit score can impact your car insurance rates. A strong credit score might help mitigate some of the increase.
• Type of Vehicle: High-performance or luxury cars often come with higher premiums, even more so after a DUI/DWI.
• Insurance Provider: Not all insurers handle DUI/DWI convictions the same way. Some specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer better rates.

All of these factors can work together to either raise or lower your premiums after a DUI/DWI. While you can’t change your age or driving history, improving your credit score or switching to a less expensive vehicle might help keep costs down.

How to lower your car insurance rates after a DUI/DWI conviction

Okay, so your insurance rates have gone up, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying sky-high premiums forever. Here are some strategies to help lower your car insurance rates after a DUI/DWI conviction:

• Take a Defensive Driving Course: Many insurers offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course. This shows them that you’re serious about being a safer driver moving forward.
• Shop Around: Don’t settle for the first quote you get. Shopping around can make a world of difference, as different insurers will have varying levels of tolerance for high-risk drivers.
• Improve Your Credit Score: If your state allows insurers to use your credit score to determine rates, working on improving it could lead to lower premiums.
• Install Safety Features: Some insurers offer discounts if your car has added safety features, such as anti-theft devices, airbags, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
• Drive Safely: This may seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Staying accident-free and avoiding further violations can eventually lead to lower rates as you prove to insurers that you’re back on track.

Conclusion

After a DUI/DWI conviction, the cost of car insurance can significantly increase. On average, a first offense can cause your rates to spike by 30% to 100%, depending on factors like your state, insurer, and driving history. For a second offense, premiums can more than double, and finding an insurer willing to cover you becomes more challenging.

Take things step by step, explore your options, and keep in mind that time and responsible driving can gradually get your rates back to where they were. You’ve got this!