Getting convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs usually leads to higher insurance rates. The same is true if you get a driving while intoxicated (DWI) or operating while intoxicated (OWI) violation. However, by comparing rates from different companies, you can find a cheap DUI, DWI or OWI insurance provider for your needs. While DUIs, DWIs and OWIs are not the same, this guide will simply refer to DUIs as our findings may apply to all three impaired driving violations (depending on which a state imposes).
MoneyGeek found that State Farm offers the best and cheapest DUI insurance for both minimum and full coverage policies.
Car Insurance After a DUI (2023)
Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI
State Farm offers both the most affordable minimum and full coverage car insurance after a DUI:
- Minimum coverage: State Farm ($767 per year)
- Full coverage: State Farm ($1,231 per year)
On average, the full coverage policy State Farm offers is significantly cheaper than the average premiums after a DUI.
Finding cheap DUI insurance is essential to ensure you’re complying with your state’s regulations without breaking the bank. Rates can vary depending on your location and other factors; use the table below as a starting point to find the cheapest car insurance companies and their rates for drivers with a DUI.
Liability-only coverage grants you access to an affordable policy that meets state minimum liability requirements. However, keep in mind that, among insurance companies that will insure you, you may pay almost twice as much as a driver with a clean record.
The DMV doesn't require drivers with records to get full coverage insurance, but you may need to sign up for SR-22 insurance or FR-44 insurance.
Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI by State
The cheapest DUI insurance provider can vary by location, as state laws and regulations, risk factors, population density, weather patterns and competition among insurance providers all play a role in how insurers determine premiums.
Get an overview of the cheapest DUI insurance providers by state and at different age ranges using the table below.
The state you live in determines how DUI, DWI or OWI are handled. For example, in some states, a DUI stays on your driving record for life and cannot be expunged. If you have an out-of-state violation, you might also face consequences in your home state. DUIs, DWIs and OWIs are among the most severe driving violations nationwide. Each can significantly impact auto insurance rates, so it’s essential to understand how these impaired driving offenses affect your policy.
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Cheapest Car Insurance for Military Drivers After a DUI
Military-affiliated drivers and their families can get the cheapest car insurance after a DUI from the following insurers:
- Minimum coverage: USAA ($674 per year)
- Full coverage: State Farm ($1,231 per year)
Some insurance companies may offer discounts on auto insurance for military members, veterans and their family members with a DUI. However, keep in mind that availability and eligibility requirements can vary depending on the insurer and state. Use the table below to find the cheapest insurer for military drivers with a DUI.
Some insurers may offer veterans special deals, such as lower rates, waived fees or special coverage options. Veterans may also be eligible for discounts based on their age, driving record and other factors, depending on the provider. To get the best deal, compare discounts offered by a few of the best and cheapest car insurance providers for military families and veterans. Make sure to read the fine print to identify any limitations and exclusions.
Best Car Insurance After a DUI
These are the top three providers for full coverage car insurance after a DUI based on MoneyGeek's ranking system:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek Score of 89 out of 100 ($1,231 per year)
- Travelers: MoneyGeek Score of 89 out of 100 ($1,729 per year)
- Progressive: MoneyGeek Score 88 out of 100 ($1,448 per year)
State Farm offers the best insurance for DUI-convicted drivers, followed by Travelers and Progressive. To determine the best insurance provider for drivers with a DUI, MoneyGeek used a ranking system that weighed affordability, customer satisfaction, financial stability and other factors.

State Farm offers drivers DUI insurance at an average of $1,231 per year. With an above-average customer satisfaction rating, State Farm offers drivers with a DUI a good balance between affordable premiums and quality service.
State Farm offers the best and cheapest auto insurance for drivers with a DUI. To make premiums even more affordable, State Farm gives drivers access to a range of discounts that are easy to qualify for, such as bundling, insuring multiple cars and driving safely. The company also services all 50 states and Washington, D.C., which makes it an accessible option no matter where you are in the country. However, State Farm does miss out on a few key coverages that drivers with a DUI may want, such as deductible modification, new car replacement and gap insurance.

Travelers ranks as the second-best DUI insurance provider across the country, earning a high affordability score and an average customer satisfaction and coverage rating. DUI drivers with a Travelers policy pay an average of $1,729 per year for insurance.
With Travelers, drivers convicted of a DUI can choose from a range of discounts to make premiums cheaper. Aside from common discounts such as bundling, multicar and safe driving discounts, Travelers also offers unique discount opportunities, such as alternative energy, early signing, homeowners and loyalty discounts. Travelers also has a few unique coverages, such as gap insurance, new car replacement and roadside assistance, to help drivers increase their financial protection. If you’re looking for rideshare insurance, however, note that this coverage is only available in Colorado and Illinois.

Progressive is the third-best choice for drivers with a DUI. With policies costing an average of $1,448 per year and above-average coverage scores, Progressive provides an ideal DUI insurance alternative.
Available in 48 states, Progressive is another accessible option for drivers with a DUI. Offering multiple discounts such as for bundling, safe driving, paying in full, going paperless and being a good student, DUI-convicted drivers can find multiple ways to get cheaper premiums. Progressive also offers a range of unique coverages, such as custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage, which can repair or replace any third-party or after-market items that are damaged in a covered event. However, Progressive may be a expensive for younger drivers — especially those who have a DUI.
Obtaining coverage from a standard insurer, like those above, may not be feasible after a DUI. You may need to find a high-risk insurer that specializes in covering DUI-convicted drivers. And your base premium (without discounts applied) could be double or more compared to a driver with a clean motor vehicle record.
— Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute.
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How Getting a DUI Affects Your Car Insurance
Being labeled as a high-risk driver can lead to increased premiums, limited coverage options, and even policy cancellations. Additionally, you may face challenges like the requirement for SR-22 or FR-44 filings and difficulty finding new coverage.
Even so, how you’re affected can vary based on your specific circumstances, such as your state’s regulations, your provider, the severity of your offense and more. Below is just a brief look into the potential implications of a DUI on your car insurance.
Increased insurance rates
As a result of getting a DUI, providers may label you as a high-risk driver. This means providers may view you as more likely to make a claim, whether by getting into an accident or receiving another DUI in the future. To hedge against these risks, you might have to pay an increased premium. The premium surcharge on insurance for high-risk drivers may last for a minimum of three years, depending on the provider and your state’s laws.
Limited coverage
Because you’re considered a high-risk driver, providers may only offer you liability coverage, not wanting to cover comprehensive and collision damages on your policy.
Policy cancellation or non-renewal
Some providers may choose not to renew your policy or may cancel it altogether after a DUI. If you are able to renew your policy, you may receive higher premiums and different coverage terms.
Difficulty finding insurance
After a DUI, some providers may refuse to offer you coverage as you are deemed high-risk, which can make it difficult to find insurance. If you can’t find an insurer to cover you, focus on companies that specialize in non-standard auto insurance, a type of policy designed for high-risk drivers.
Requirement for SR-22 or FR-44 filing
You may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form, which your insurer must file on your behalf to prove you meet your state’s minimum coverage requirements. An FR-44 is required in Florida and Virginia and has much higher liability coverage requirements than SR-22. Filing one of these forms can significantly affect your rates, as it indicates that you had a severe driving violation or repeat offenses.
Getting a DUI affects your car insurance in many ways, but you may also:
- Face jail time.
- Have to pay legal representation fees and court costs.
- Have to pay fees to reinstate a suspended driver's license and suspended state registration.
If you caused a serious accident, or your accident led to injuries or fatalities, you could be liable for a large financial settlement.
— Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute.
Will Insurers Find Out About Your DUI?
Your insurer will find out about your DUI conviction when they pull your record from the DMV or you file an SR-22 or FR-44. When renewing your insurance policy or applying for a new one, insurance companies typically review your DMV records to assess your risk level as a driver. Your motor vehicle record (MVR) reveals key factors, such as your driving history, license status, insurance history and violations or accidents, including DUIs. If you have a DUI, your insurance company will naturally find out when filing required forms like SR-22 or FR-44 on your behalf.
Being upfront about a DUI is crucial when discussing your insurance options. Failure to disclose this information could result in your policy being terminated or complications arising when you need to make a claim.
You're not limited to sticking with your current insurer, especially if you're concerned about rising premiums. It's a smart financial move to compare quotes from at least three different providers. That way, if your current insurer offers to renew your policy but at a rate that's out of your budget, you'll already have alternative options lined up, helping you find coverage that's both affordable and adequate for your needs. You’re also allowed to switch car insurance companies at any time if you find a better offer in the middle of your term.
How Rates Increase After a DUI
The average cost of car insurance after a DUI is $808 more per year compared to a driver with a clean motor vehicle record. As this figure demonstrates, having a DUI on your record can significantly affect your auto insurance premium. As the risk of future accidents and claims is higher for drivers with a DUI, providers charge higher premiums to offset that risk.
Full Coverage Car Insurance Premium Comparison Based on Driving Record
Annual Premium
$1,054Annual Premium
$1,862This is 77% more expensive.
While insurance costs significantly increase after a DUI, how much your costs increase depends on a few factors. These include:
- Severity of the offense: A first-time DUI offense may be viewed differently compared to a second or third offense.
- Previous driving history: Whether you have a history of driving violations, such as speeding tickets or at-fault accidents.
- Age and gender: Your age and gender are considered when calculating insurance rates. Auto insurance for teens is generally more expensive, for instance, as they have less experience driving.
- Type of vehicle: Whether the vehicle you are driving poses a hazard (e.g., a sports car or a very old car).
- Location: Where you reside and external statistics are considered, such as the crime rate or population density.
To get a better understanding of how these factors impact car insurance rates after a DUI, use the table below and examine the difference between premiums for different driving records and age ranges.
Average Cost of Car Insurance After a DUI
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium After a DUI
There are no quick fixes that can dramatically lower your car insurance rates after a DUI. However, you can get the best deal available with a little extra effort. Some steps you can take to find more affordable coverage include:
Start shopping immediately
The sooner you start looking for coverage after a DUI, the more time you’ll have to find cheap liability-only insurance, as not all providers may insure you. Look for providers who offer discounts you can qualify for as well.
Lower your coverage
Look into different types of coverage and decide what you need. You may have to settle for less coverage or higher deductibles to make your premiums more affordable.
Compare quotes
Gathering and comparing quotes allows you to see your options and choose what’s best for you. Make sure to compare quotes from at least three different companies.
Complete DUI classes or programs
By completing DUI classes or programs, you can demonstrate to insurers that you’re taking steps to become a safer driver. Depending on the insurer, you might even get a discount for completing a program.
Improve your driving record
Opt to drive safely and keep a clean record after your DUI. Over time, doing so will improve your driving record. You can also improve your record by taking defensive driving classes.
Look before you renew
Before renewing your policy, make sure to check out offers from other providers. You might find a cheaper or better policy after shopping around. Once you're secured coverage, review your policy and shop around for better rates every six months to a year. As time passes and your record improves, you may qualify for lower premiums.
Consult an insurance agent
If you're finding it particularly challenging to get affordable insurance, consider consulting with an insurance agent who is familiar with car insurance companies that insure high-risk drivers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance After a DUI
Navigating auto insurance after a DUI can be complicated. Our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about DUI insurance can help provide clarity about the process.
Read More on Auto Insurance
Expert Advice: Car Insurance After a DUI
- How can a DUI impact your finances overall?
- How can drivers with a DUI on their record lower their car insurance over time?
- What steps can drivers take to mitigate the financial impacts of a DUI?
- What resources are available to help people repair their driving record and/or finances after a DUI?

Trial Attorney, Simeone & Miller, LLP

Professor at the School of Applied Business at Daytona State College
About Devon Delfino
