MoneyGeek found that State Farm is the best car insurance company in Connecticut for drivers convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI). Meanwhile, the cheapest company in Connecticut for full coverage car insurance after a DUI is Progressive. State Farm is the cheapest for minimum coverage. Compare the cost of these companies’ policies in the table below.
Getting Car Insurance in Connecticut After a DUI (2024)
After a DUI conviction, an insurer will either raise your car insurance premiums or drop you entirely. A full coverage car insurance policy in Connecticut costs about $1,376 per year. This average increases to $2,690 per year after a DUI.
Updated: August 20, 2024
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Best Companies for DUI Insurance in 2023
Insurance may still cover you after a DUI conviction in Connecticut, but it‘s not guaranteed. Insurers can legally refuse to offer you insurance when you have a DUI on your record. This is true in Connecticut and every other state.
If a company does insure you, the cost of the policy becomes more expensive. In Connecticut, a policy costs an average of 95.55% more after a DUI. Insurers see drivers with a DUI conviction as having increased chances of future offenses, which is why their premiums are higher.
Drivers with DUI convictions also face legal consequences. Connecticut’s penalties include license suspension or revocation, mandatory ignition interlock device installation and substance education programs.
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Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Connecticut After a DUI
Nationally, the cheapest companies for car insurance after a DUI are Progressive and State Farm. The same is true in Connecticut, since both companies rank the most affordable for full and minimum coverage and minimum policies after a DUI.
Cheapest Companies for Full Coverage in Connecticut After a DUI
The following companies offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance policies in Connecticut after a DUI:
- Progressive: $1,381 per year
- State Farm: $1,441 per year
It may be more expensive than minimum coverage, but a full coverage policy gives you added protection if liabilities arise.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Full Coverage After a DUI
1 | Progressive | $1,381 |
2 | State Farm | $1,441 |
3 | USAA | $1,741 |
4 | Allstate | $2,181 |
5 | Travelers | $2,493 |
Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage in Connecticut After a DUI
In Connecticut, the cheapest companies for minimum coverage insurance after a DUI are:
- State Farm: $817 per year
- Progressive: $973 per year
USAA offers cheap car insurance for DUI drivers at $926 per year, but it is only available to members of the U.S. military, veterans and eligible family members.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Minimum Coverage After a DUI
State Farm | $817 |
USAA | $926 |
Progressive | $973 |
Allstate | $1,211 |
Travelers | $1,427 |
GEICO | $1,564 |
Nationwide | $1,720 |
Amica Mutual | $2,068 |
MetLife | $3,953 |
When it comes to car insurance, each state has its own minimum coverage requirements. Complying with your state’s minimum requirements only may be cheaper, but adding more coverage to your car insurance policy guarantees extra liability protection.
How much car insurance you need depends on state laws, how much protection you want and what you can afford in case of an accident. You’ll want to consider all of these factors before purchasing an auto insurance policy.
Top Car Insurance Companies in Connecticut After a DUI
MoneyGeek ranked several insurance companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction, financial stability and more. We found that State Farm is the best choice for full and minimum coverage car insurance in Connecticut after a DUI because it offers affordable premiums, common coverages and discounts for different types of drivers.
Best Companies for Full Coverage in Connecticut After a DUI
Getting full coverage auto insurance offers additional protection and saves drivers from unexpected financial liabilities. After a DUI, the companies listed below took the top two spots for the best full coverage insurers.
5/5
Affordability
5/5
Financial Stability
4/5
User Satisfaction
4.5/5
Claims
The average premium for full coverage without a DUI is $1,324 per year. This rate increases to $1,441 with a DUI, resulting in an 8.84% increase in post-DUI car insurance costs.
State Farm is one of the most financially stable car insurance companies in the nation. It is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. State Farm offers numerous discounts and coverages that are common across other insurers.
2.9/5
Affordability
4.5/5
Financial Stability
4/5
User Satisfaction
5/5
Claims
The cost of an Allstate full coverage car insurance in Connecticut is $1,540 per year without DUI. Annual full coverage with a DUI is $2,181. This is a 41.62% increase.
Allstate is also available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Although voted top two for drivers with a DUI, it falls behind on available discounts. However, Allstate offers unique add-ons, including custom parts and sound system coverage.
Best Companies for Minimum Coverage in Connecticut After a DUI
State Farm and Allstate are the best companies for minimum coverage after a DUI in Connecticut if you only want your car insurance to fulfill the state requirements.
Please note that choosing a minimum coverage policy may be an affordable option but it has disadvantages. Namely, such a policy may not provide enough coverage for what you really need.
5/5
Stability
4/5
Satisfaction
5/5
Claims
4/5
Affordability
The average premium for minimum coverage from State Farm is $747 per year without a DUI. The cost of the same coverage increases to $817 with a DUI, 8.84% more expensive.
State Farm has common add-on coverages and several discounts that make its policies more affordable. The company also receives commendable scores for customer complaints and financial stability.
5/5
Stability
4/5
Satisfaction
5/5
Claims
3/5
Affordability
Allstate’s minimum coverage car insurance costs $833 per year without a DUI. It costs $1,211 with a DUI. That’s a 41.62% increase in rates after a DUI.
Allstate offers the usual auto insurance coverages and some unique add-ons. These coverages can benefit a wide range of drivers.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Connecticut After a DUI?
In Connecticut, the average cost of full coverage car insurance with a DUI is $2,690 per year. However, the cost is only $1,376 per year without a DUI. This is a difference of $1,314 per year. Check out the list below to further compare the cost of car insurance before and after a DUI.
How long does a DUI affect the cost of your car insurance?
Each state specifies the length of time that a DUI will remain on someone’s record, otherwise known as a “look-back period.” Look-back periods are meant to deter subsequent violations. They can also be used as a reference for criminal case convictions.
Connecticut’s look-back period is 10 years. So if a Connecticut driver is charged with a DUI and then 10 years later is charged with another, the second DUI charge will be treated as a first offense because it happened outside of the look-back period.
Full Coverage
$1,376Full Coverage
$2,690This is 95% more expensive.
Car insurance after a DUI is more expensive because insurers consider you a high-risk driver. They believe you’re more likely to have an accident in the future, resulting in more claims and liabilities. This is why the cost of your annual premium increases after a DUI. The rate of increase depends on the state and your number of offenses.
You can use MoneyGeek’s auto insurance calculator below to estimate the cost of your insurance based on your financial details.
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Rates updated:
Nov 05, 2024
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More expensive auto insurance is just one of many financial repercussions of a DUI. DUI drivers have to deal with additional fees, such as the following:
- Legal fees. A DUI has criminal implications, so a driver will need to pay fines, attorney’s fees and court fees.
- Towing or impound fee. A driver will need to have their car towed or impounded after a DUI since they won’t be able to drive.
- Education and treatment. Drivers often need to undergo alcohol or drug education programs after a DUI as part of the court’s diversionary program.
- DMV reinstatement fee. A driver’s license is suspended after a DUI, so a driver will need to pay for reinstatement with the DMV.
Getting Car Insurance in Connecticut After a DUI
Sometimes, insurance companies deny coverage to drivers with DUIs. They can do so legally since most of these companies are private institutions. In Connecticut, a DUI can stay on your record for at least 10 years.
All of this can make it increasingly difficult to find affordable auto insurance in Connecticut after getting a DUI. Therefore, it’s especially important for high-risk drivers to compare insurance quotes to find the most affordable rates for their situation.
SR-22 insurance is a requirement for high-risk drivers, specifically for offenses like DUIs, driving without insurance, driving with a suspended license and reckless driving. Although conveniently called “SR-22 insurance,” SR-22 is actually a form that your insurance company files on your behalf to prove that you meet the state-minimum requirements for auto insurance. SR-22 insurance is mandatory for high-risk drivers in Connecticut.
Connecticut DUI Laws
A DUI conviction carries legal repercussions in addition to financial consequences. Every state has different DUI laws.
In Connecticut, DUI offenders face license suspension or revocation, mandatory ignition interlock device installation and limited driving privileges. However, penalties vary depending on the number of committed offenses and the driver’s age.
The list below shows the laws and legal implications that a driver with a DUI conviction in Connecticut may face.
Driving with a 0.08% BAC
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the alcohol content in your bloodstream. In Connecticut, operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or above is considered driving under the influence. For drivers under 21, this threshold decreases to a BAC of 0.02%.
Even if you’re within the legal BAC limit, an officer can still arrest you if you’re exhibiting impaired driving.
90-day administrative license suspension
An officer can confiscate and suspend your driver’s license if your BAC is over the legal limit. Driver’s license suspension for a first DUI offense in Connecticut is 90 days.
Limited driving privileges
Drivers in Connecticut with suspended licenses can apply for a Special Operator’s Permit. This permit allows them to drive for work, class and medical purposes.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation
An IID disables the car’s engine when it detects alcohol on the driver’s breath. An IID is required for all DUI offenses in Connecticut. The device needs to remain in the car for one to three years depending on the number of violations.
Penalties for repeat offenders
The gravity of a driver’s penalty depends on their number of offenses or convictions. For example, the third and subsequent convictions for operating under the influence warrant permanent revocation of a driver’s license.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It can be difficult to navigate auto insurance after a DUI conviction. MoneyGeek answers some commonly asked questions about finding car insurance after a DUI in Connecticut to help you get what you need.
It depends on your insurer. Note that private insurance companies can legally refuse coverage to drivers with a DUI on their records. They do so because drivers with DUI pose higher risks which can financially burden insurers.
The cheapest car insurance companies in Connecticut after a DUI are Progressive and State Farm. The best companies are State Farm and Allstate.
According to Connecticut’s look-back period, a DUI remains on your record and can affect your car insurance rates for at least 10 years.
After a DUI, comparing rates among different insurance companies can help you find the best rates and coverages that suit your needs.
Methodology
MoneyGeek determined the top companies for individuals with DUIs in Connecticut by analyzing data on each company’s financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims and affordability. This information was obtained from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. The rates above are based on a 40-year-old male with and without a DUI driving a 2010 Toyota Camry LE with 12K annual mileage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
sources
- CT.gov. "Connecticut's Drunk Driving Law." Accessed April 25, 2022.
- CT.gov. "Special Operator's Permit (‘Work Permit / Education Permit / Medical Permit’)." Accessed April 25, 2022.
- Responsibility.org. "National Drunk Driving Statistics Map." Accessed April 25, 2022.
- Stanford University. "What Is BAC?." Accessed April 25, 2022.
- Governors Highway Safety Association. "Alcohol Impaired Driving." Accessed April 25, 2022.