How Much Does Car Insurance Increase After a DUI?
Last Updated on January 27, 2026
A DUI (or DWI/OWI, depending on your state) is one of the fastest ways to end up paying significantly more for car insurance. Some drivers even get non-renewed and have to shop with “high-risk” insurers.
So how much does insurance go up after a DUI? The honest answer is: it depends on your state, your insurer, your age, your prior record, and whether you need an SR-22. But we can still give you a realistic range—and show you how to lower the damage.
Quick answer: After a first DUI, many drivers see car insurance increase roughly 60% to 130% — and it’s not unusual for rates to nearly double (especially for full coverage).
- Biggest drivers of the increase: your state, insurer, age, prior record, and whether there was a crash/injuries.
- How long it lasts: many insurers rate a DUI for about 3–5 years, but some look back longer.
- SR-22 / FR-44: if required, it can limit carrier options and increase costs if you lapse coverage.
- Best way to reduce the damage: shop multiple quotes, avoid lapses, and keep your record clean.
- How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After a DUI?
- Rates Usually Rise Even More with Multiple DUIs
- How Long Will Higher Insurance Rates Last After a DUI?
- Why DUI Consequences Vary So Much
- SR-22 (and Sometimes FR-44) Proof of Insurance
- What a DUI Can Cost You Beyond Insurance
- How to Pay Less for Car Insurance After a DUI
- FAQs on Car Insurance After a DUI
- Conclusion: How Much Does a DUI Raise Your Insurance?
How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After a DUI?
For many drivers, a first DUI makes premiums jump somewhere in the neighborhood of 60% to 130%. In plain English: it’s common for rates to nearly double, especially for full coverage. Some drivers see smaller jumps, while others see much bigger spikes—particularly in high-cost states or with insurers that heavily penalize DUI convictions.
Quick estimate: what that increase looks like in dollars
If your current annual premium is $X, a rough “range math” estimate after a first DUI is $X × 1.6 to $X × 2.3. Your actual rate can fall outside this range based on your state, insurer, and driving history.
| If you pay now (annual) | Typical after DUI (approx.) | Approx. monthly increase |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000/year | $1,600 to $2,300 | +$50 to +$108/mo |
| $1,500/year | $2,400 to $3,450 | +$75 to +$163/mo |
| $2,000/year | $3,200 to $4,600 | +$100 to +$217/mo |
| $2,500/year | $4,000 to $5,750 | +$125 to +$271/mo |
Tip: If your quote seems extreme, try changing only one variable at a time (deductible, liability limits, vehicle, address ZIP) to see what’s driving the price.
Why the huge spread? Insurers don’t price DUIs the same way. One company might treat a DUI as worse than an at-fault accident, while another might price it closer to other major moving violations. Your personal profile matters too (age, prior tickets/accidents, credit-based insurance score where allowed, ZIP code, coverage limits, and deductible).
If you want a quick “rule of thumb,” plan for a major increase at renewal once the insurer pulls your updated record and re-rates the policy. If you’re shopping immediately after a conviction, expect fewer carrier options and more “nonstandard” quotes.
Below are sample full coverage averages, which show the effects a DUI has on your insurance rates. These are for a standardized driver profile and are meant for comparison only — your quote will vary by state, coverage, vehicle, and driving history.
| Insurer | Rates Before DUI (Clean Record) | Rates After DUI | Percent Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| American National | $1,251/year | $1,795/year | 43.5% |
| Plymouth Rock | $3,200/year | $4,059/year | 26.8% |
| Progressive | $2,214/year | $3,125/year | 41.1% |
| Mercury | $2,317/year | $4,043/year | 74.5% |
| Erie | $2,269/year | $4,153/year | 83.0% |
Why the increases differ so much: insurers don’t “rate” a DUI the same way. Some standard carriers surcharge heavily (or non-renew) to reduce high-risk exposure, while companies that write more nonstandard/high-risk business may show smaller percentage jumps (even if their baseline rates are already higher). Pricing also varies by state rules, lookback periods, and whether you need an SR-22/FR-44 filing.
About the numbers: The “before vs. after DUI” premiums in the table above come from Bankrate’s rate analysis (refreshed as of Nov 2025). Bankrate notes these are sample rates for a standardized driver profile and are intended for comparison only — your actual quote may be very different based on state, coverage limits, vehicle, credit (where allowed), and your record.
- Source: Bankrate: Cheap auto insurance for high-risk drivers
- Methodology note: Bankrate states it uses Quadrant Information Services and a defined base driver profile when calculating these rates.
Rates Usually Rise Even More with Multiple DUIs
All of the estimates above assume this is your first DUI. A second (or third) DUI typically triggers:
- Even higher surcharges (often well beyond “double” your previous rate)
- More companies refusing to write or renew the policy
- More state requirements (and longer filing periods) to keep driving legally
Also, if a DUI happened alongside an at-fault crash (especially with injuries), insurers may price the combination much more aggressively than a DUI alone.
How Long Will Higher Insurance Rates Last After a DUI?
Most insurers heavily “rate” a DUI for about 3 to 5 years, but the timeline varies. Some companies look back longer, and some states keep DUI convictions on your driving record for much longer than that.
This is why it helps to understand two different timelines:
- How long the DUI stays on your driving record: often longer (see how long a DUI stays on your record).
- How long it impacts your premium: commonly 3–5 years, but it depends on the insurer and state.
If you’re comparing insurers, don’t assume they all “forgive” a DUI at the same pace. For a starting point, check out our guide to the cheapest auto insurance companies and then compare personalized quotes.
Why DUI Consequences Vary So Much
The consequences of a DUI vary widely between states, insurance companies, and individual situations. Key reasons include:
- State rules: many states require a driver’s license to be suspended after a DUI, and reinstatement requirements differ.
- Underwriting rules: some insurers won’t accept a DUI at all, while others specialize in higher-risk drivers.
- Severity: higher BAC, refusal, minors in the car, or repeat offenses can increase both legal and insurance consequences.
- Your profile: younger drivers often see harsher increases, and your prior tickets/accidents matter a lot.
After a DUI, your insurer may label you as a “high risk” driver, which often pushes you into a more expensive pricing tier—even if you’ve never filed a claim.
SR-22 (and Sometimes FR-44) Proof of Insurance
Many DUI or DWI offenders are required to file an SR-22 form (or, in some states, a similar filing like an FR-44). This is not a special “type” of insurance—it’s a state-required filing that proves you carry at least the required coverage.
SR-22 vs. FR-44: what’s the difference?
| Item | SR-22 | FR-44 |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | State-required proof-of-insurance filing | State-required proof-of-insurance filing (similar concept) |
| Common trigger | Serious violations (often DUI/DWI), license reinstatement requirements | Often DUI/DWI in certain states |
| Coverage requirements | Usually state minimum liability limits (varies by state) | Often requires higher liability limits than the state minimum (varies by state) |
| Main “gotcha” | Lapse or cancellation can restart the required filing period | Lapse or cancellation can restart the required filing period |
| Bottom line | Not special insurance—just a filing attached to your policy | Not special insurance—just a filing, sometimes with higher required limits |
You’ll typically need the filing for a set period (often a few years). Learn more about how long an SR-22 lasts and what can happen if you let the policy lapse while the state requires the filing.
What a DUI Can Cost You Beyond Insurance
Insurance is only one piece of the financial hit. Depending on your state and situation, a DUI can end up costing thousands to tens of thousands of dollars when you add up:
- Court fines and fees
- Towing/impound costs
- Attorney expenses (see whether auto insurance covers legal fees)
- License reinstatement costs
- Ignition interlock device (IID) installation and monthly monitoring
- Higher insurance premiums for multiple years
The “total cost” varies wildly, but it’s safe to say a DUI is one of the most expensive mistakes a driver can make.
How to Pay Less for Car Insurance After a DUI
You can’t undo the conviction—but you can often reduce the long-term damage. Here are strategies that help many drivers lower costs after a DUI:
Checklist: the fastest way to lower your DUI insurance cost
- Get 5–10 quotes (standard + nonstandard carriers if needed).
- Confirm whether you need SR-22/FR-44 and avoid any lapse while it’s required.
- Price both deductibles (e.g., $500 vs $1,000) and compare total annual premium difference.
- Keep liability limits realistic (cutting too far can backfire financially after one crash).
- Stay violation-free during the 3–5 year rating window—one more ticket can trigger another jump.
Some companies barely budge after a DUI; others hit you with massive rate increases. The best way to find the most affordable option is to compare multiple quotes—and keep comparing at every renewal until the DUI stops affecting your price.
FAQs on Car Insurance After a DUI
Conclusion: How Much Does a DUI Raise Your Insurance?
In many cases, a DUI raises car insurance rates dramatically—often close to doubling your premium. The size and length of the increase depends on your insurer, state rules, your age, and your overall record.
If you want the best chance at a lower rate, compare quotes (including high-risk insurers if needed), keep continuous coverage, and focus on clean driving until the DUI ages out of your insurer’s rating window. When you’re ready to shop, start with our list of the best auto insurance companies and compare offers side by side.
