Nevertheless, coverage is still required to meet state insurance requirements.
Here’s what you need to know about car insurance after a DUI, how rates change, and tips to lower your premiums.
What happens after drinking and driving?
If you are stopped and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, the arresting officer will likely confiscate your driver’s license. When you are released from custody, you may be issued a temporary license that you can use until you are charged in court.
Whether you want to hire an attorney for your court hearing depends on your personal preferences and driving history. For example, if you have a history of drunk driving, it may be wise to hire an attorney to help resolve your case for a reduced fee.
If you are convicted of DUI, your license will likely be revoked for at least 90 days, although it could be longer depending on state regulations and if it is your first offense. A DUI conviction will also appear on your driving record, and your auto insurance company may terminate your coverage.
If not, rate hikes are expected.
How drunk driving affects car insurance premiums
If your insurance company allows you to continue your policy after a DUI or DWI conviction, you can expect a significant increase in your car insurance premiums. His 2023 study for car insurance comparison site QwoteWizard estimates that car insurance premiums increase on average by $1,495 per year, or $124 per month, after a DUI. The study is based on data from Quadrant Information Services, which collects rate and pricing data from insurance companies nationwide.
However, the amount of the tax increase may vary by state. According to a study by QwoteWizard, drivers in Hawaii, California, and North Carolina saw the greatest increase after driving under the influence. For example, drivers in California paid an average of $157 per month if they were clean and paid an average of about $433 per month after a DUI.
In addition to drunk driving, your car insurance premiums will also be higher if you are involved in an accident due to negligence, a speeding ticket, or other violations. Depending on the state and driving history, a DUI can stay on your record for 3 to 10 years, but in states like Minnesota and Hawaii, other violations typically stay on your record for up to 5 years or more. .
Insurance companies often increase premiums for at least three years after a driving violation, but the length of time your premium stays high will vary depending on the insurance company, your driving history, and the violation.
SR-22 and FR-44 requirements
Certain states, such as California and Washington, require your insurance company to submit documentation to the state to prove that you continue to meet minimum coverage requirements after driving under the influence. In Virginia and Florida, if you have a DUI conviction, you must file an FR-44 instead of an SR-22. Some states, such as New York, do not require you to file an SR-22 or FR-44, but you can expect higher premiums for serious driving violations.
Requirements vary by state, but typically an FR-44 or SR-22 application must be filed at least three years after the DUI conviction. Once you meet your state’s requirements, you can request your insurance company to remove the form from your records.
How to get compensation after drunk driving
If your insurance company offers coverage for drivers with prior DUIs, it will be much easier to maintain adequate insurance, but it will be costly. You can request that your insurance company submit the necessary documents to your state. However, you can expect your regular monthly car insurance premiums to increase due to your conviction.
Things get a little more complicated when your insurance company cancels your policy because of a DUI conviction. You need to find a company that will issue auto insurance to high-risk drivers. You should do so now to avoid lapses in coverage, which could result in higher premiums. It may be helpful to contact your state’s department or bureau of motor vehicles to find out about obtaining DUI auto insurance.
Keep in mind that most states require at least a minimum amount of auto insurance, which often includes two types of liability insurance. Please note that insurance requirements may vary by state.
- personal injury liability: If you are at fault in a car accident, your insurance will cover the medical expenses of the other passengers in the car.
- Property damage liability: We will pay the cost of repairing property damage if you are found responsible for the accident.
If your car is leased or financed, your lender may require you to get more coverage. Here are some other coverage options.
- : Pays for repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged by a covered event, such as severe weather, fire, theft, or other events beyond your control.
- : Covers the cost of repairing your car if your car is damaged in an accident with another person’s car.
- : It protects you in the event of a collision with another driver who does not have proper auto insurance.
- : Personal Injury Protection (PIP), also known as no-fault insurance, pays for your medical expenses if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Tips for finding cheap car insurance for high-risk drivers
Once you have a list of potential insurance companies that issue insurance to high-risk drivers and understand your insurance requirements and needs, it’s time to find coverage. Car insurance will cost more if you are charged with a DUI, but premiums vary by company. Here are some tips for finding relatively affordable coverage.
1. Use a price comparison tool
Online insurance calculators and price comparison tools allow you to view quotes from multiple insurance companies in one place. These tools can help you save time when purchasing new insurance as a high-risk driver.
2. Get multiple quotes
If you would like to find a car insurance quote yourself, you can also use that method. Many major insurance companies, including Progressive, State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, USAA, The General, and Erie, all write high-risk insurance. You can start your application online or contact an insurance agent to get a quote and compare rates.
3. Look for discounts
Many insurance companies offer discounts, which may be available regardless of your DUI. For example, you may be able to save on insurance premiums by bundling multiple policies, such as homeowners and auto insurance, with the same insurance company. Other common ones include safe vehicles, good grades, low mileage discounts, and good driver discounts.
How to minimize the long-term impact of drunk driving on your insurance premiums
If you are convicted of a DUI, it typically remains on your driving record for 5 to 10 years, although the length of time varies by state. But there are things you can do to reduce the amount of time you have to face rising interest rates.
1. Maintain a clean driving record
Maintaining a detailed driving record is the best way to reduce your charges over time.
2. Take a defensive driving course
Many insurance companies offer safe driving discounts for completing a defensive driving course.
3. Improve your credit score
You may be used as a factor in setting individual insurance rates. The lowest interest rates are often reserved for individuals with excellent or good credit, as they are considered a lower risk to insure. Note that some states prohibit the use of credit score as a rating factor.
4. Look for new coverage
If your DUI was several years ago, your new insurance company may be able to offer you a better rate. It’s worth shopping around every year to see if you can get one.