DUI Insurance Cost Estimator
A DUI/DWI conviction is the single most expensive factor in car insurance. Use this tool to estimate your premiums and understand how costs change over time.
Fill out the form to see the estimated financial impact of a DUI.
Ways to Reduce Costs After a DUI
While your rates will inevitably rise, there are strategies to mitigate the damage:
Shop High-Risk Carriers
Major standard carriers (like State Farm or Geico) may drop you or charge astronomical rates. Look for "Non-Standard" insurers like The General, Kemper, or National General who specialize in this market.
Defensive Driving Courses
In many states, voluntarily taking a DMV-approved defensive driving course can remove points from your license and grant a small discount (5-10%) on insurance.
Adjust Your Coverage
If you drive an older vehicle, consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage. However, do NOT lower your Liability limits too much, as you are now a high-risk target for lawsuits.
Methodology
We assume a base US insurance rate of approx. $1,400/year for a clean driver. A DUI conviction typically triggers a "Major Violation" surcharge. In the first year, this surcharge can range from 80% to over 200% depending on the state. Our calculator applies these multipliers, which gradually decrease as time passes, assuming no further violations occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a DUI affect my insurance rates?
Typically 3 to 5 years. Most insurance companies look back at your driving record for the past 3 to 5 years (some states, like California, have a 10-year lookback for the DUI itself, but the insurance surcharge usually drops off after year 3 or 5).
Will my insurance company cancel my policy?
They might. When your policy comes up for renewal, they run your record. If they see a new DUI, they may send a notice of non-renewal. You will then need to find a new carrier before your current policy expires.
Is an SR-22 the same as DUI insurance?
An SR-22 is a form filed by your insurer to prove you have coverage. Most DUI convictions require an SR-22 filing for 3 years. The "DUI Insurance" is just a regular policy that includes this filing and the high-risk surcharge.
Can I hide a DUI from a new insurance company?
No. Insurance companies subscribe to the CLUE report and DMV databases. If you lie on an application, they will find the conviction during the underwriting period (first 30-60 days) and will either back-charge you the higher rate or cancel the policy for fraud.
Does a DUI affect my credit score?
The DUI itself is a criminal/traffic record, not a credit record. However, the fines, legal fees, and increased insurance costs can lead to debt that impacts your score if unpaid.
Why is the estimate for "5+ Years" so low?
After 5 years, most insurance carriers stop charging the "Major Violation" surcharge. Your rate effectively returns to that of a standard driver, assuming you have kept a clean record since the incident.