đź“Š The DUI Insurance Reality
Average Rate Increase
65-80%
varies by state
Typical Duration
3-7 years
on your record
SR-22 Required
Most States
3 years avg
🤯 The Shocking Truth About DUI Pricing
Here's what the insurance industry doesn't advertise: in many states, having poor credit hurts your rates MORE than a DUI.
New York Example:
- • DUI with excellent credit: $2,097/year
- • Clean record with poor credit: $2,097/year (nearly identical!)
- • Safe driver with excellent credit: $730/year
Translation: The insurance industry penalizes financial hardship almost as severely as dangerous driving. This is why improving your credit is one of the best strategies for DUI drivers.
⏱️ How Long Does a DUI Affect Insurance?
| Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Years 1-3 | Maximum rate increase (65-100%+). SR-22 required in most states. Limited insurer options. |
| Years 3-5 | SR-22 may end. Rates begin to decrease. More insurers willing to quote. |
| Years 5-7 | Significant rate relief. DUI falls off some insurers' lookback window. |
| Year 7+ | Most insurers no longer consider it. Rates approach normal levels. |
Note: DMV records may keep the DUI for 10+ years, but most insurers only look back 3-7 years for rating purposes.
đź“‹ SR-22: What It Is and Why You Need It
An SR-22 is not insurance—it's a certificate proving you have insurance. Your insurer files it with the state on your behalf.
SR-22 Facts
- • Required for 3 years (most states)
- • Filing fee: $15-50 one-time
- • Must maintain continuous coverage
- • Lapse = license suspension
If You Lapse...
- • Insurer notifies state within days
- • License suspended immediately
- • SR-22 clock may restart
- • Even harder to find coverage
Best Insurance Companies for DUI Drivers
Progressive
Known for insuring high-risk drivers. Snapshot telematics can help prove you're driving safely now. Competitive DUI rates.
The General
Specializes in non-standard market. Quick SR-22 filing. Will insure when others won't—but customer service is weak.
Dairyland
High-risk specialist. Available in most states. Competitive for DUI and SR-22 situations.
State Farm
May keep existing customers after DUI. Local agent can advocate for you. Not the cheapest but good service.
Strategies to Lower DUI Insurance Costs
1. Improve Your Credit
Credit often matters as much as the DUI itself. Pay down debt, dispute errors, build positive history.
2. Take Defensive Driving
Many states offer discounts for completing approved courses. Shows insurers you're taking responsibility.
3. Try Telematics
Programs like Progressive Snapshot let you prove you're driving safely now, regardless of past mistakes.
4. Increase Deductibles
Higher deductibles = lower premiums. Only do this if you can afford the out-of-pocket risk.
5. Shop Aggressively
DUI pricing varies dramatically between insurers. Get at least 5 quotes—differences can be hundreds/month.
6. Re-Shop Annually
As time passes, more insurers will quote you competitively. Don't stay loyal—shop every renewal.
DUI Insurance by State
| State | Avg Increase | SR-22 Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | +337% | 3 years | Highest increase |
| California | +65% | 3 years | Below average |
| Florida | +80% | 3 years | FR-44 (higher limits) |
| Texas | +60% | 2 years | Shorter SR-22 |
| Ohio | +40% | 3 years | Lowest increase |
The Bottom Line
A DUI will significantly increase your insurance costs for 3-7 years—but it's survivable. Shop aggressively (Progressive and The General often have the best DUI rates), improve your credit (it may matter as much as the DUI), and re-shop every year as the DUI ages off. Use telematics to prove you're driving safely now. The financial pain is real, but it does end.