How a DUI Affects Your Auto Insurance

How a DUI Affects Your Car Insurance

Fast facts:

In 2025 consumer rate studies, a single DUI typically raises full-coverage premiums about 60%–90% on average, depending on state and insurer, per Forbes Advisor, NerdWallet, and Bankrate.
Nationally, post‑DUI full‑coverage averages commonly cluster around $3,800–$4,600 for a middle‑aged driver profile in 2025 studies, implying roughly $1,500–$2,500 more per year than a clean record; surcharges often persist 3–5 years. Forbes Advisor | NerdWallet | Bankrate

You already know driving under the influence makes you a danger to yourself and others on the road. It also makes you a much bigger risk to auto insurance companies, which is why they’ll ask drivers with a DUI on record to share the weight of that risk by paying much higher premiums. In 2022 alone, 13,524 people were killed in alcohol‑impaired-driving crashes — 31% of all traffic deaths — underscoring why penalties and insurance surcharges are so significant (NHTSA).

Average yearly full coverage auto insurance*	Average rate increase with a DUI*	Average yearly full coverage auto insurance after DUI*
Clean-driver baseline varies by state/insurer	About 60%–90% (typical 2025 studies)	$3,800–$4,600 (nationally common in 2025)

*2025 consumer rate analyses using Quadrant data: Bankrate, Forbes Advisor, NerdWallet

These rates are modeled averages for comparison only. Your premium will vary by state, insurer, credit tier, coverage, and vehicle.

Learn how we tested rates for DUI auto insurance.

We studied how a DUI impacts auto insurance rates for drivers 40 years of age, using Quadrant Information Services data as summarized in 2025 by Bankrate, Forbes Advisor and NerdWallet. Our test considers drivers with one recent DUI and an otherwise clean driving record.

First Things First: Understanding DUI, DWI, OUI, and OVI

There are many ways to say “drunk driving.” DUI and DWI are most common, but you might also see the terms OUI, OVI, OMVI, or variations of these depending on which state you live in.

• DUI: Driving under the influence
• DWI: Driving while intoxicated
• OUI: Operating under the influence
• OVI: Operating vehicle intoxicated
• OMVI: Operating a motor vehicle impaired

All of these terms cover alcohol‑impaired driving and, in many states, impairment by drugs or a combination of alcohol and drugs. For our discussion, “DUI” includes driving with a per se BAC of 0.08 or higher (Utah’s per se threshold is 0.05) and drug‑impaired driving. States are also refining cannabis‑related definitions: a minority use numeric THC thresholds (for example, Washington’s 5 ng/mL per se and Illinois’ 5 ng/mL per se), while others rely on impairment‑based standards or “permissible inference” at certain THC levels (e.g., Colorado at 5 ng/mL). See GHSA, NCSL (marijuana and driving), RCW 46.61.502, Colorado DOT, and Illinois statute.

How a DUI Impacts Auto Insurance Rates

We looked at how a DUI impacts auto insurance rates, compared to other driving incidents, for drivers at the age of 40. Across 2025 studies, DUIs cause far greater increases than routine tickets or a single at‑fault crash. Typical full‑coverage increases after one DUI are roughly 60%–90%, pushing national post‑DUI averages into the $3,800–$4,600 range for a standardized 40‑year‑old driver, with the exact figure depending on state, coverage, and carrier. Most insurers rate a DUI as a major violation for about 3–5 years, and some may non‑renew or move you to a higher‑risk market; many states also require proof of financial responsibility (SR‑22, or FR‑44 in Florida/Virginia) that can keep costs elevated during the filing period. Sources: Forbes Advisor (2025), NerdWallet (2025), Bankrate (2025), Insurance Information Institute, FLHSMV, Virginia DMV.

	Clean driving record*	Speeding ticket*	At-fault accident*	DUI*
Average annual full coverage premium	Baseline varies by state and insurer	Typically a smaller increase vs. baseline	Often a moderate increase vs. baseline	About +60%–90%; post‑DUI often $3,800–$4,600 nationally

*2025 national averages synthesized from Bankrate, Forbes Advisor and NerdWallet. Individual results vary significantly by state and company.

These rates are a sample set meant only for general comparison. Your own premium will vary.

Learn how we tested rates for DUI auto insurance.

Driver’s License Restrictions After a DUI

After a first-time DUI arrest/conviction, most states impose swift administrative license action (suspension/revocation) separate from criminal penalties, followed by reinstatement steps that frequently include proof of financial responsibility (SR‑22 or, in Florida/Virginia, FR‑44), fees, and in many jurisdictions ignition interlock installation. Many states have expanded all‑offender interlock policies or incentives; IIDs reduce repeat DUI re‑arrests by about 70% while installed, though pairing with treatment improves long‑term outcomes (GHSA; NCSL interlock laws; CDC). Driving while suspended can lead to jail time or a fine of up to $1,000.

Penalties escalate for high‑BAC, test refusal, or repeat offenses. Some states tightened repeat‑offender treatment — for example, Washington expanded its felony DUI lookback window for counting prior offenses to 15 years (SB 5032). States are also addressing poly‑drug impairment: many now authorize or pilot roadside oral‑fluid testing and explicitly cover cannabis impairment in DUI statutes, with differing THC standards (per se, permissible inference, or impairment‑based). See NCSL drugged driving, NCSL marijuana & driving, and GHSA impaired‑driving resources.

DUI Penalties and Insurance Rates by State

State	Average full coverage rate increase after first DUI offense*	License suspension after first DUI offense
Alabama	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table and Forbes state comparisons	Administrative suspension/revocation; SR‑22 may be required; confirm specifics via GHSA and NCSL (IID)
Alaska	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID programs apply; verify details on GHSA
Arizona	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Admin suspension and IID pathways common; see GHSA / NCSL
Arkansas	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; SR‑22 typically required post‑DUI; see GHSA
California	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension with IID options statewide; check GHSA / NCSL
Colorado	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Admin suspension; marijuana 5 ng/mL THC is a permissible inference for impairment (CDOT)
Connecticut	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID commonly required; see GHSA
Delaware	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension with IID eligibility; see GHSA
Florida	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; FR‑44 filing with 100/300/50 liability for 3 years from reinstatement (FLHSMV)
Georgia	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID options and SR‑22 proof often required; see GHSA
Hawaii	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; confirm IID framework via NCSL
Idaho	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Admin suspension; SR‑22 typically required post‑DUI; see GHSA
Illinois	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Admin suspension; cannabis per se 5 ng/mL THC in blood (625 ILCS 5/11‑501.2)
Indiana	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID and SR‑22 may apply; verify on GHSA
Iowa	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; interlock eligibility common; confirm on GHSA
Kansas	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; SR‑22 filing often required; see GHSA
Kentucky	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID programs available; see NCSL
Louisiana	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; SR‑22 often required post‑DUI; see GHSA
Maine	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; confirm IID and reinstatement steps via GHSA
Maryland	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; Ignition Interlock participation common; see NCSL
Massachusetts	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID for certain offenses; see GHSA
Michigan	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; SR‑22 not used by state but proof of insurance still required for reinstatement contexts; confirm via state resources
Minnesota	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; IID participation widely used; see NCSL
Mississippi	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; SR‑22 often required post‑DUI; see GHSA
Missouri	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; IID options available; see NCSL
Montana	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; see GHSA for specifics
Nebraska	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; IID participation common; see NCSL
Nevada	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; confirm IID/reinstatement via GHSA
New Hampshire	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID requirements apply in certain cases; see NCSL
New Jersey	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID required for many offenses; verify on GHSA
New Mexico	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; interlock programs established; see NCSL
New York	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; IID required for convictions; verify via GHSA
North Carolina	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table; state uses DL‑123 proof rather than SR‑22	Administrative action; confirm penalties and IID rules via GHSA
North Dakota	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; IID eligibility common; see NCSL
Ohio	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID widely used in reinstatement; confirm via GHSA
Oklahoma	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; SR‑22 filing often required; see GHSA
Oregon	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; SR‑22 filing required for reinstatement contexts (Oregon DMV)
Pennsylvania	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID mandated for many offenders; see NCSL
Rhode Island	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID provisions apply; verify on GHSA
South Carolina	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; IID pathways for reinstatement; see NCSL
South Dakota	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; confirm penalties via GHSA
Tennessee	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; IID options; see NCSL
Texas	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; SR‑22 filing common; see GHSA
Utah	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; unique 0.05% BAC per se limit statewide (GHSA)
Vermont	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; IID eligibility; see NCSL
Virginia	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table; carriers must meet higher limits post‑DUI	Administrative suspension; FR‑44 with liability limits double state minimums (100/200/50 as of 2025) typically for ~3 years (Virginia DMV)
Washington	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; felony DUI prior lookback 15 years (SB 5032); cannabis per se 5 ng/mL THC (RCW 46.61.502)
Washington, D.C.	See 2025 DC average in ValuePenguin’s table	Administrative action; IID and reinstatement steps vary; see GHSA
West Virginia	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; IID programs; confirm via NCSL
Wisconsin	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative action; IID for certain offenses; see GHSA
Wyoming	See 2025 state average in ValuePenguin’s state table	Administrative suspension; IID programs active; see NCSL

*Use current 2025 state comparisons from ValuePenguin and Forbes Advisor for average post‑DUI increases by state. Legal penalty summaries: GHSA; IID specifics: NCSL. Florida and Virginia FR‑44 requirements: FLHSMV, Virginia DMV.

These rates are a sample set meant only for general comparison. Your own premium will vary.

Learn how we tested rates for DUI auto insurance.

Data on state DUI laws provided by the Governors Highway Safety Association

Cheap Auto Insurance After a DUI

“Cheap” auto insurance after a DUI is relative. If the DUI is on your insurance record, rates are going to spike no matter what. Independent 2025 market analyses find violations typically affect premiums for about three to five years, and many states require proof-of-financial-responsibility filings (SR‑22; or FR‑44 in Florida and Virginia) for roughly three years, which can add cost due to higher required liability limits in FR‑44 states (Insurance Information Institute; FLHSMV; Virginia DMV). claims follow you for several years, so you shouldn’t expect that one-time mistake to disappear anytime soon.

That said, every insurer measures risk differently. 2025 comparisons show large carrier‑to‑carrier dispersion after a DUI: Forbes Advisor and NerdWallet often find State Farm and Progressive on the lower end for post‑DUI quotes nationally, while GEICO, Allstate, Farmers and Liberty Mutual trend higher on average — but rankings vary by state and profile. Some companies place drivers with a DUI into non‑standard subsidiaries. If your current insurer prices you out, it’s worth comparing rates broadly (aim for 6–8 quotes) and asking about telematics/usage‑based programs that may offset a portion of the surcharge.

Can Auto Insurance Drop You After a DUI?

You might be afraid your insurer will cancel coverage mid-policy if it finds out you were recently convicted of a DUI. That’s usually not the case. Insurers generally only “drop” customers mid‑term for nonpayment or material misrepresentation. However, a DUI is a major violation, and many insurers will either substantially raise your rate at renewal or choose not to renew, especially if there are multiple violations or aggravating factors. Industry guidance and consumer data confirm the risk of non‑renewal and multi‑year surcharges after a DUI (Insurance Information Institute).

A more likely scenario after receiving a DUI is that your insurer hikes up rates next time you renew, or decides not to renew your policy altogether. Nonrenewal might happen if the DUI isn’t your first offense. Say you have a previous at-fault accident or claim on record; you’re going to start looking a lot riskier to insurers as those incidents compound.

If your insurer decides not to renew coverage or becomes unaffordable after a DUI, you still have options. Shop around and consider switching auto insurance companies if you find cheaper rates elsewhere. If your record is full of red marks and you’re having trouble getting coverage at all, look into a “nonstandard insurer” or state-run auto insurance plan tailored toward high-risk drivers.

SR-22 Forms for DUI Auto Insurance

Drivers convicted of a DUI will likely need to file an “SR-22 form” with their insurer or state insurance department. An SR‑22 is not a type of insurance — it’s a certificate proving you carry at least your state’s required liability limits after a serious violation. Florida and Virginia use a stricter FR‑44 filing for alcohol‑related offenses that mandates higher liability limits (Florida specifies 100/300/50 for 3 years from reinstatement; Virginia requires liability limits equal to double the state minimums — effectively 100/200/50 as of 2025). See Insurance Information Institute, Florida HSMV and the Virginia DMV.

SR‑22s and FR‑44s are required for drivers deemed higher‑risk. You’d likely need one after a DUI, driving without insurance, or repeat serious violations. Insurers typically charge a small filing fee (often around $15–$25) in addition to any premium changes, and the filing must remain active continuously for the full term (commonly about three years). Lapses trigger state notification and can result in re‑suspension (III; FLHSMV).

You can get an SR‑22 or FR‑44 form through your current auto insurance company. They will help you file it with the right state department. If you move across state lines, verify requirements before canceling — many states require continuous filing for the entire period. Washington, for example, explains proof‑of‑financial‑responsibility procedures and strict lapse enforcement for SR‑22 policies (Washington DOL).

Methodology

Reviews.com reviews products, services and companies based on five criteria to help readers understand how companies compare based on similar metrics. As for average pricing, we referenced 2025 consumer analyses that use Quadrant Information Services data (including Bankrate, Forbes Advisor and NerdWallet) for a standardized 40‑year‑old driver profile. For full coverage, the details used were the following:

$100,000 bodily injury liability per person
$300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$50,000 property damage liability per accident
$100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
$300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
$500 collision deductible
$500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with a single DUI conviction applied; most insurers rate major violations for about 3–5 years and many states require SR‑22/FR‑44 for roughly three years after qualifying offenses.