How Do Insurance Companies Find Out About a DUI?

Last Updated on December 12, 2025

A DUI (sometimes called DWI) almost always leads to higher car insurance premiums. The size of the increase depends on your state, insurer, and driving history—but it’s common to see a major jump for several years after a conviction.

So how do insurance companies find out about a DUI?

In most cases, insurers discover DUIs when they pull your driving record (Motor Vehicle Report, or MVR)—often at renewal, when you request changes, or when you apply for a new policy. You’re usually not required by law to proactively report a DUI to your insurer, but you do need to answer questions truthfully anytime your insurer asks (including on new-policy applications).

Below is what triggers insurers to check, why SR-22/FR-44 requirements can “force” discovery, and how to keep costs as low as possible after a DUI.

Key Takeaways

• Insurers usually find DUIs by pulling your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), often at renewal or when you apply for a new policy.
• The DMV typically doesn’t “call your insurer,” but your DUI shows up when the insurer checks your driving record.
• SR-22 or FR-44 requirements after a DUI often force quicker discovery because an insurer must file proof of coverage with the state.
• To pay less after a DUI, shop quotes, avoid new violations, and ask about discounts and policy options that fit your situation.

Insurance Companies Regularly Check Your Driving Record (MVR)

As a licensed driver, you have a driving record, often called your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).

Insurers use the MVR to verify who’s driving, confirm license status, and check your driving history for tickets, accidents, suspensions, and serious convictions like DUIs.

Many companies re-check MVRs on a regular schedule—commonly every 6 to 12 months (often around renewal). Some may also pull reports when you add a driver, add a vehicle, change an address, or request certain coverage changes.

Because mistakes happen, it’s smart to periodically check your MVR for inaccuracies—especially if you’re seeing unexpected rate increases or you’re shopping for new coverage.

A single DUI can trigger a steep surcharge at the next pricing update. Multiple DUIs, at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or other violations during the insurer’s “lookback” window can push rates higher—or lead to non-renewal or cancellation.

Does the DMV Notify Your Insurance Company?

Usually, the DMV (or your state’s equivalent agency) doesn’t proactively call your insurer to announce a DUI. Instead, insurers learn about convictions when they pull your MVR (directly or through a reporting service) and see the updated record.

That means timing can vary. If your insurer only checks at renewal, you might not see a rate change immediately after the incident—until the next time your record is reviewed. However, there’s one big exception that often speeds things up: SR-22 or FR-44 filings.

SR-22 and FR-44 Insurance After a DUI

In many states, drivers with a DUI must carry SR-22 or FR-44 coverage (or a similar proof-of-insurance requirement) to reinstate driving privileges.

After a DUI, the DMV may suspend your license and registration. To get back on the road, you may need an SR-22/FR-44 filing, which is a certificate your insurer files to prove you meet your state’s insurance requirements.

To obtain the filing, you (or your agent) must contact an insurer to add it to a policy. Once the filing is requested, the insurer will typically review your driving record and rate you accordingly. In other words, your insurer might not “discover” the DUI instantly—but an SR-22/FR-44 requirement often brings it to light quickly.

Not all states use SR-22 or FR-44 in the same way. Some states require it only after repeat offenses or only in certain circumstances. If you’re required to obtain one, the DMV will notify you of the requirement.

Can I Avoid Telling My Insurer About My DUI?

You’re typically not required by law to proactively inform your current insurer the moment you’re convicted. But insurers routinely check records, and many DUI-related situations (like SR-22/FR-44 filings) make discovery likely.

More importantly, you should never lie or provide misleading information. If your insurer asks about violations on an application or during underwriting, giving false information can create serious problems later—like policy cancellation, non-renewal, or denial of a future claim.

Your Insurer Could Non-Renew (Especially with Multiple Incidents)

If this is your first DUI on an otherwise clean record, some insurers will keep you—just at a higher price. Others may choose not to renew when the term ends, particularly if there are additional tickets, accidents, or prior violations.

High-risk drivers may need non-standard insurance companies or, in some cases, coverage through a state-sponsored option (like an assigned risk plan) if they can’t find affordable coverage on the standard market.

Don’t Hide Household Drivers or “Exclude” Them Without a Plan

If you withhold information about a DUI (yours or a driver in your household), you can create major coverage issues.

An insurer could deny a future claim if they can show you misrepresented who drives the vehicle or intentionally hid a high-risk driver. In severe situations, it could even be treated as insurance fraud.

Example: Your spouse has a DUI. You buy a policy and don’t list them, but they regularly drive your vehicle. If they crash the car, the insurer may investigate, pull driving records, and question whether the policy accurately reflected the risk. That can lead to delays, denial, or cancellation.

If someone in your household truly won’t drive your car, ask your insurer about an excluded-driver option (where allowed) and the risks of doing so. Rules vary by state and insurer.

Be Upfront When Shopping for a New Policy

How long a DUI “counts” depends on your state, the insurer’s underwriting rules, and the timeframe they use to rate violations. Many drivers feel the impact for 3–5 years, but some states/insurers may consider a DUI longer.

When you apply for a new policy, insurers typically ask about recent violations and convictions. If you leave it out, you might get a cheaper initial quote—but the insurer can discover the DUI later when it pulls your MVR, then re-rate (or cancel/non-renew) based on the accurate record.

How to Pay Less on Car Insurance After a DUI

After a DUI conviction, it’s smart to compare quotes—because companies price DUIs very differently. Many experts recommend shopping around after a DUI conviction, at-fault accident, or other serious incident.

To keep costs down, focus on what you can control:

• Compare rates every renewal: even a small percentage difference adds up fast over several years.
• Ask about discounts: paid-in-full, bundling, telematics/usage-based programs, and defensive driving (where accepted).
• Adjust coverage strategically: raising deductibles can lower premiums (just be sure you can afford the deductible).
• Avoid new violations: the clean-driving time after a DUI matters a lot for long-term pricing.
• Choose the right policy type: if you don’t own a car, you may be able to use a non-owner policy (when appropriate) to maintain continuous coverage.

FAQs on Insurance Companies Finding Out About a DUI

Final Word on Insurance Companies Finding Out About DUI’s

Insurance companies typically learn about DUI convictions by checking your driving record (MVR). Many insurers pull records around policy renewal, and they may also check when you apply for new coverage or request certain changes.

If you need SR-22 or FR-44 coverage after a DUI, that requirement often accelerates the process because an insurer must file proof of insurance with the state.

To get the best price after a DUI, be honest, avoid additional violations, and compare quotes—because different insurers treat DUIs very differently.