For most California drivers, CSAA offers the cheapest car insurance with a DUI, with rates of $45 per month for minimum coverage and $119 per month for full coverage. However, GEICO, Mercury and Progressive also have very affordable rates for those with a DUI conviction.
DUI Car Insurance in California
Updated: July 13, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
In total, the cheapest car insurance with a DUI in California is offered by CSAA with rates costing $45 per month on average.
Depending on your driver profile and coverage level chosen, monthly California car insurance costs with a DUI can cost approximately $180 for state minimum and $387 for full coverage.
After a DUI in California, you must file an SR-22 and carry at least $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 for property damage. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is not required.
Cheapest DUI Car Insurance in California
| CSAA | $45 | $119 |
| GEICO | $113 | $252 |
| Mercury | $121 | $244 |
| Progressive | $137 | $280 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $137 | $329 |
*Rates are for a 40-year-old driver with good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Compare Cheap Car Insurance With a DUI in California
While the information above covers most drivers, it doesn't represent everyone with a DUI in California. Below, we've broken down the cheapest companies for those with DUIs by coverage level, age and credit score so you can find the rates that are best for your profile.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Range:30-59
Select
Credit Score:Good
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| CSAA | $45 | $541 |
| GEICO | $113 | $1,362 |
| Mercury | $121 | $1,452 |
| Progressive | $137 | $1,644 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $137 | $1,648 |
*A 100/300/100 liability-only coverage represents the minimum policy offered by most insurers that can satisfy California law for most drivers.
How Much Does DUI Car Insurance Cost in California?
For most drivers, car insurance with a DUI in California costs on average $2,164 per year for minimum coverage. However, depending on your unique driver profile and coverage level chosen, the yearly costs can vary greatly. Compared to clean drivers without a DUI, those with the driving violation can increase rates by around 134%.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Range:30-59
Select
Credit Score:Good
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| $180 | $2,164 | $103 | $1,239 | 134% |
*A 100/300/100 with no comprehensive and collision coverage represents the minimum coverage policy offered by most insurers that can satisfy California law for most drivers.
HOW LONG DOES A DUI AFFECT CAR INSURANCE IN CALIFORNIA?
In California, a DUI conviction stays on your driving record for 10 years, and insurance companies often view this as a serious risk when setting rates. While many insurers begin to lower premiums after three to five years, a DUI can influence pricing for up to seven years. California law also requires drivers with a DUI conviction to file an SR‑22 and maintain it for a specified period, typically around three years, which further affects insurance costs.
Additional Costs to Consider When Having a DUI in California
While your car insurance premiums will surge after a DUI, several less obvious expenses can significantly impact your budget, so it’s smart to prepare accordingly.
- Fines and fees. California drivers convicted of DUI face base court fines ranging from roughly $390 to $1,000. Still, mandatory assessments, state penalties, and county fees can push total costs into the $1,800 to $2,500 range for a first offense. Repeat DUI offenses, or those with aggravating factors like high blood alcohol content (BAC) or accidents, can trigger fines upwards of $3,000 to $5,000.
- Towing and impound Fees. Following a DUI arrest, authorities typically impound the vehicle, and towing costs in California tend to be between $250 and $500, with daily storage fees around $30 to $50 depending on location and duration of impound.
- Education and treatment. All DUI offenders must complete a state-approved alcohol and drug education program. First-time offenders generally attend a 12-hour program costing $270 to $367, while more serious or repeat offenses may require longer classes (up to 30 months), which can cost anywhere from $1,200 to over $5,000.
- DMV reinstatement and IID costs. To restore your driver’s license, you must pay a DMV reissue fee of typically $125 for administrative suspensions, and maintain an SR-22 form for three years. If ordered, installing and monitoring an ignition interlock device (IID) can cost $70 to $150 up front plus $60–$80 per month.
- Attorney fees and accident costs. Legal representation in DUI cases often costs $2,000 to $6,000, with more complex cases higher still. If your DUI involved a crash, you’ll also be responsible for any repair costs, medical bills, restitution, and higher probation-related fees, bringing your total expenses into the $5,000 to $20,000+ range.
California DUI Car Insurance Requirements
After a DUI in California, drivers must file an SR‑22 certificate to prove they carry the state’s minimum liability insurance, which is $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 property damage. SR‑22 coverage must be maintained for three years following license reinstatement, during which any lapse may result in re-suspension by the DMV.
Although PIP is not required, many drivers opt for additional protection like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Because insurers treat DUI convictions as high-risk, carrying SR‑22 and maintaining continuous coverage typically leads to higher premiums.
Other California DUI Laws to Know
In addition to SR‑22 filing and increased insurance requirements, California enforces several stringent legal measures and administrative penalties for DUI offenses.
Fines
A first-time DUI in California carries fines between $390 and $1,000, but mandatory penalty assessments and court fees often increase this to $1,800 to $2,500. For subsequent offenses, total fines can rise to $3,000 to $5,000, while DUI convictions involving a minor, DUI‑related injury, or very high BAC levels may incur higher financial penalties.
Imprisonment and release
Upon conviction, first offenders can face up to six months in county jail, though most receive minimal jail time or opt for work-release programs. Misdemeanor second or third DUI charges allow for up to one year in jail. At the same time, felony DUI cases, including hit-and-run or repeat offenses, carry extensive prison terms ranging from 16 months to several years.
Impounding of vehicles
Under California’s Administrative Per Se law, law enforcement may tow and impound a suspected DUI vehicle for up to 30 days. Towing typically costs $250 to $500, with daily storage fees of around $30 to $50. In serious or repeat offenses, a judge may also order forfeiture of the vehicle.
Suspension periods
If you refuse testing, your driver’s license is automatically suspended under the implied-consent law after a failed BAC test for four months to one year. Separate criminal penalties can extend suspension to one year or longer after a DUI conviction. Repeat DUI convictions result in longer suspensions: two years for a second offense and three years for a third.
DUI education requirements
All DUI convictions require completion of a court-ordered alcohol and drug education program. A first DUI mandates a three‑month (30‑hour) course; high BAC levels, test refusal, or second offenses require a nine‑month (60‑hour) program. Third or subsequent DUI convictions may require up to 18‑ or 30‑month education programs.
How to Get the Best Cheap California Car Insurance With a DUI
Below are practical strategies for securing the lowest possible car insurance rates in California after a DUI, along with guidance on what to do if standard carriers deny you coverage.
- 1
Understand your needs
Your required coverage increases significantly after a DUI in California, but adding extras like uninsured motorist, comprehensive, or collision protection may still make sense. Think about your income, daily driving patterns, and where you live when choosing add-ons. We also provide an auto insurance coverage needs calculator to help you get started.
- 2
Research costs and discounts
Check the average premiums for California drivers with a DUI background. Although most insurers don’t offer DUI-specific discounts, you can still save money through online quotes and signing up early. California also offers state-approved defensive driving courses under $30 that can reduce your premiums by up to 10%.
- 3
Compare multiple providers
We’ve outlined some budget-friendly providers, but your best bet is to get quotes from several companies. Always ensure that each quote reflects the same coverage levels.
- 4
Use state high-risk car insurance programs if denied
If multiple insurers reject your application, the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP) ensures you can still get the state-mandated minimum coverage (30/60/15 liability). Enrollment requires proof of rejection, and carriers must partner with CAARP to provide the policy.
- 5
Make lifestyle or vehicle changes
Drivers with a DUI in California can pay nearly $1,239 more annually than those without a DUI. Additionally, selecting a reliable, lower-value used vehicle can help lower your premiums.
- 6
Consider non-traditional coverage types
If your annual mileage is under 7,000 miles, a pay‑per‑mile insurance program could save you significant money. Usage-based insurance, which rewards good driving habits, may reduce your premiums by up to 40%, and manufacturer-backed insurance plans may offer unexpected savings.
Cheap DUI Insurance in California: Bottom Line
Overall, we found the cheapest overall car insurance providers for California drivers with a DUI are CSAA, GEICO and Mercury. While this is what our research found, we still recommend that you compare rates for yourself, research costs and decide what coverage you need.
DUI Insurance in California: FAQ
Below, we've provided MoneyGeek's expert answers to frequently asked questions about California DUI insurance.
Who has the cheapest car insurance for California drivers with a DUI?
For those with a DUI, CSAA offers the cheapest overall rates in California for minimum and full coverage.
How much does a DUI increase rates in California?
Overall a DUI can increase your rates up to 134% for minimum coverage and 136% for full coverage compared to those without a DUI.
How much does DUI car insurance in California cost?
For minimum coverage, the average rate is $180 monthly and for full coverage it's $387.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance for California's DUI Drivers
To determine the top companies for drivers with DUIs in California, MoneyGeek analyzed each company's financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims and affordability based on data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services.
The rates above reflect a 40-year-old male with and without a DUI driving a 2012 Toyota Camry LE with 12,000 annual miles. We modified this base profile to create the other profiles presented.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- AIPSO. "California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP) ." Accessed June 24, 2025.