How insurance raises the total cost of a DUI

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the single most expensive mistakes you can make on the road. If you’re charged with a DUI, fines can start at as little as $100 depending on your state’s laws — but the total cost of a DUI can add up to tens of thousands of dollars or more. One of the biggest costs associated with a DUI comes in the form of inflated insurance rates, which can add thousands of dollars per year to your living expenses. 

How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?

On average, a single DUI charge raises the average cost of full coverage auto insurance by $2,198 per year, or $183 per month. The cost of state minimum coverage nearly doubles after a DUI, from just $664 per year to $1,309. 

Insurance companies charge more after a DUI because it’s a serious moving violation that carries a high risk of accidents, injuries, property damage and the claims that come with them. If you were lucky and didn’t get in a crash while driving under the influence, only your DUI charge will raise the cost of your insurance. But an at-fault accident on your record — especially one that resulted in significant injuries or fatalities — won’t just result in more serious criminal charges; it may also cause a bigger hike in your insurance rates or even being dropped altogether. 

Keep in mind that not all insurance companies deal with DUIs in the same way. Some insurers, like American Family and Progressive, tend to institute smaller rate hikes for customers with DUIs, while others penalize this offense more severely. Some insurers, like State Farm, may not even write policies for drivers with DUI convictions. The table below compares average rates from Quadrant Information Services from a range of carriers for drivers with and without DUI convictions. It’s important to note that the only way to know if your preferred carrier will offer you a policy after a DUI is by requesting a quote. 

Other financial implications of a DUI

The financial consequences of a DUI aren’t just limited to a fine and insurance surcharges. There are numerous other fees associated with receiving a DUI citation, which could add up to thousands of dollars over several years. While actual costs might vary based on state and situation, American Addiction Centers estimate that a DUI could cost between $10,000 to $25,000 or more.

Some potential expenses after a DUI could include:

• Fines
• Posting bond
• Car towing or impound fee
• Attorney costs
• Court and jail fees, including sentencing and probation
• Random drug screenings
• Driving school
• Ignition interlock installation
• License reinstatement fee
• Lost income from court and/or jail time
• Alternate transportation due to license suspension 

How to lower auto insurance rates after a DUI

On average, a driver with a DUI sees their full coverage car insurance go up by 92 percent after a DUI charge. Here are a few ways you might be able to save on your insurance following a DUI:

Research your state’s requirements

Not all states treat DUIs the same, so research your state’s requirements regarding DUI and DWI charges. You may need to look into non-standard auto insurance, as well as which car insurance carriers will submit an SR-22 or FR-44 on your behalf to the DMV.

Shop around

Each insurer measures risk differently. Shopping around and comparing car insurance companies could help you find cheaper auto insurance rates, even after a DUI. Many other factors, like your location, type of vehicle, annual mileage and more could influence your final rate.

Check discount opportunities

If you’ve received a DUI citation, you likely won’t be able to earn a good driver discount for at least a few years. However, that’s not the only car insurance discount available. If you own your home, you could add a multiple policy discount by bundling your home and auto insurance with the same carrier. You could also get a discount by being a member of certain affiliate or professional groups, keeping your annual mileage low and more.

Practice safe driving habits

Safe drivers typically enjoy some of the lowest car insurance rates, so it helps to be mindful of your driving habits. Some car insurance companies offer telematics programs that can reward you with discounts for not braking hard or accelerating quickly, driving less and avoiding late night driving when accidents are more likely to occur.

Maintain continuous coverage

While you might be tempted to let your car insurance lapse in the face of steep DUI rates, it may not be the right move. Car insurance is mandatory in every state after a DUI — and even if your license is suspended or you get rid of your car, maintaining coverage may be necessary to keep you in compliance with the law. It could also help you avoid the steep rates associated with a lapse in coverage if you plan to get car insurance any time in the future. 

The differences between DUI, DWI, OVI and OUI

For the sake of simplicity, we refer to convictions from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol as a DUI. But there are several related terms that are often categorized together:

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

Many of these distinctions vary based on the state you’re in. DUI and DWI are terms often used interchangeably, but a state may use just one of these to refer to a driver with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. If that’s the case, then a DWI typically has the stronger penalty compared to a DUI. In many states, these offenses also apply to driving while under the influence of drugs.

Some states use alternative acronyms like OUI, OVI and OMVI to include broader types of vehicles. For example, states like Ohio got rid of “OMVI” in favor of OVI so that people riding bikes or other non-motorized vehicles could also be held accountable while doing so under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the average cost of car insurance after a DUI?

  After a DUI, the average cost of full coverage car insurance increases from $2,388 to $4,568 per year. Average rates vary by state and will differ for every driver based on their insurer and driving record. For example, drivers in Maine, New Hampshire and Idaho pay an average rate of under $3,000 per year for full coverage car insurance after a DUI, while drivers in North Carolina, Michigan and California pay over $6,000 per year, on average.

• What is the cheapest car insurance after a DUI?

  The cheapest car insurance company varies from person to person. However, Bankrate’s analysis found that some of the cheapest providers for high-risk insurance include American National, Progressive and Selective (based on average rates). You might start by requesting quotes from these providers, as well as from regional insurance companies that offer auto insurance to drivers with a DUI.

• What is the total cost of a DUI?

  The average cost of a DUI will vary by state and the type of offense, so it’s difficult to provide an accurate or comprehensive estimate — but your costs could be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Start by educating yourself about your state’s regulations and then you can work with a knowledgeable professional to learn more.

• How much does it cost to post bail after a DUI?

  Bail fees can vary depending on location and are also often subject to judicial discretion. The American Addiction Centers estimates that bail could cost anywhere from $100 to $2,500.

• Do I have to switch insurers if I get a DUI?

  Not necessarily. While some insurance companies choose not to work with drivers who have DUI convictions and could cancel or fail to renew your policy, in many cases you’ll have the option to continue with the same insurer you had before the incident. That said, it’s typically a good idea to compare a few rates before you renew your policy with your current insurer, because another carrier could have a better rate based on your updated driving record.

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze October 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $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 2022 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 the following incidents applied: clean record (base) and single DUI conviction.