Updated: May 20, 2024
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In the District of Columbia, the two cheapest auto insurance companies for individuals charged with driving under the influence (DUI) are Erie and State Farm, whether purchasing full or minimum coverage. But, GEICO is the best company overall, per MoneyGeek’s scoring system.
BestAuto InsuranceAfter a DUIBest Companies for DUI Insurance in 2023
Car insurance companies have the legal right to refuse to insure drivers with a DUI on their record. But if they continue your auto insurance policy after a DUI in the District of Columbia, expect your auto insurance rate to increase. In the District of Columbia, on average, drivers with a DUI pay 51% more annually for a full coverage policy than before the violation.
Premiums become more expensive because DUI offenders are considered high-risk drivers, increasing the possibility of them having a claim. You can also expect, after a DUI conviction in the District of Columbia, to have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
The cheapest car insurance companies after a DUI conviction nationally are Progressive and State Farm. But MoneyGeek’s research found Erie and State Farm offer the cheapest car insurance after a DUI in the District of Columbia.
MoneyGeek found the following companies offer the most affordable full coverage car insurance for DUI offenders in the District of Columbia:
At an average cost of $1,334 annually, USAA is also an affordable option for DUI offenders with a military background.
| 1 | CompanyErie | Annual Premium$1,227 |
| 2 | CompanyState Farm | Annual Premium$1,270 |
| 3 | CompanyUSAA | Annual Premium$1,334 |
| 4 | CompanyGEICO | Annual Premium$1,388 |
| 5 | CompanyProgressive | Annual Premium$1,694 |
Based on MoneyGeek’s research, on average, the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance after a DUI in the District of Columbia is with the following companies:
At around $715 per year, a USAA minimum coverage car insurance policy is also an affordable choice for DUI offenders with a military background.
| Erie | Minimum Annual Premium$643 |
| State Farm | Minimum Annual Premium$703 |
| USAA | Minimum Annual Premium$715 |
| GEICO | Minimum Annual Premium$795 |
| Allstate | Minimum Annual Premium$872 |
The cheapest, lowest-limits auto insurance policy may not be the best choice for everyone. While the District of Columbia has minimum car insurance requirements, the car insurance coverage you need depends on your specific situation and desired protection.
MoneyGeek ranked auto insurance companies in the District of Columbia based on customer satisfaction, affordability and financial stability to find the absolute best. Overall, the best car insurance company in the District of Columbia after a DUI conviction for full or minimum coverage is GEICO.
GEICO and State Farm are the best auto insurance companies offering a full coverage policy with a DUI violation in the District of Columbia. Learn more about each company in the following table.
With State Farm, a driver with no violations pays around $1,161 a year for full coverage. However, DUI offender rates increase by roughly 9.40%, making the policy cost around $1,270 per year.
State Farm is a great insurer overall. It offers affordable rates for the average driver. However, State Farm doesn't offer accident forgiveness add-on coverage or gap insurance.
A GEICO full coverage policy for drivers with a clean record costs roughly $606 per year. Meanwhile, people with a DUI pay about $1,388 annually, around a 129% increase.
GEICO is a top-rated insurer. It offers low-priced premiums for every kind of driver, including DUI offenders. But, its complaint score is average.
For the District of Columbia’s minimum car insurance coverage requirement, the best companies are GEICO and State Farm. But, while minimum coverage is the lowest-priced auto policy you can get, it may not provide enough protection.
A minimum coverage policy with State Farm costs around $644 per year for drivers with a clean record. Meanwhile, DUI offenders pay around $703 per year, roughly 9% more.
State Farm offers an airbag and multiple vehicle discount and add-on rideshare insurance. Although it doesn’t have unique add-on coverages, it is a good option for people who bundle insurance policies because of its large discount.
Drivers without a DUI pay around $352 per year for a GEICO minimum coverage policy. People convicted of a DUI, though, pay roughly $795 annually, which is about 129% more expensive.
GEICO offers many discounts and has excellent affordability ratings. However, it doesn’t offer add-on coverage for better car replacement or new car replacement.
A full coverage policy without a DUI conviction costs an average of $1,126 per year in the District of Columbia. For the same coverage, after a DUI in the District of Columbia, drivers pay an average of $1,705 annually or about 51% more. MoneyGeek compares car insurance rates before and after a DUI in the District of Columbia below.
How long does a DUI affect the cost of your car insurance?
A DUI is on your driving record for a certain amount of years. Also known as a look-back period, its duration varies by state. In the District of Columbia, the look-back period is 15 years. One of the reasons why look-back periods are lengthy is to discourage repeat offenses.
Full Coverage
$1,126
Full Coverage
$1,705This is 51% more expensive.
Your District of Columbia car insurance premium after a DUI is more expensive because insurance companies consider you a high-risk driver that may file a claim in the future. But, you can still find an insurance company offering an affordable rate for car insurance. To get personalized estimates, use MoneyGeek’s auto insurance calculator below.
MoneyGeeks's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Jul 26, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
With a DUI, you pay for DUI-related costs in addition to a more expensive auto insurance premium.
Auto insurance companies, as private businesses, can legally decline to renew the policies of people with a DUI conviction in the District of Columbia or elsewhere. Insurers can also cancel your existing policy. Getting car insurance after a DUI in the District of Columbia can be challenging, especially with the 15-year look-back period.
Fortunately, you can still compare quotes and find insurance providers that offer car insurance even after a DUI conviction and get a policy that suits your needs and budget.
In the District of Columbia, those with a DUI conviction must complete an SR-22 insurance form. Insurance providers send it to the DMV on your behalf, verifying that you have the minimum coverage required. Because a driver is considered high-risk after a DUI, they pay more for insurance, as the SR-22 can void discounts and has its own associated fees.
There are severe legal repercussions if you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In the District of Columbia, first-time DUI offenders can face jail time of up to 180 days and fines of up to $1,000. Below, MoneyGeek lists several DUI laws in the District of Columbia.
Driving With a BAC at or Above 0.08% Is Considered a DUI
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. The DUI BAC threshold in the District of Columbia is 0.08%. However, you can still be arrested with a lower BAC if it appears you can’t drive well.
Driving With a BAC of 0.20% Will Result in Increased Penalties
DUI offenders can face jail time in the District of Columbia, depending on their BAC level and the number of repeat offenses.
Jail time for a first offense:
Jail time for a second offense (within 15 years):
Jail time for third and subsequent offenses (within 15 years):
Administrative License Suspension on the First Offense
In the District of Columbia, you can receive an administrative license suspension from an officer for a duration of two to 90 days or until your deposition.
Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
District of Columbia law requires drivers convicted of a DUI to have a mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) for a certain period of time:
Open Container Laws
The District of Columbia prohibits any person, meaning the driver and passengers, from consuming or possessing an alcoholic beverage if its seal is broken or contents removed.
MoneyGeek answers commonly asked questions about acquiring car insurance after a DUI in the District of Columbia and other DUI-related information.
In the District of Columbia, insurers have no legal obligation to cover individuals with a DUI on their record. Your insurance provider can choose to cancel or not renew your policy after a DUI. It’s best to contact your insurer to find out.
DUI offenders in the District of Columbia pay roughly 51% more for a full coverage auto insurance policy than drivers with a clean record. On average, the cost of full coverage for drivers with a clean record is $1,126 per year. But after a DUI conviction, the premium for the same coverage can increase to around $1,705 annually.
MoneyGeek found Erie and State Farm offer the cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in the District of Columbia. The best company for car insurance in the District of Columbia after a DUI, though, is GEICO.
The DUI look-back period in the District of Columbia is 15 years; your DUI affects auto insurance costs for the duration. However, it can vary based on your individual situation.
You can start by shopping around for insurance providers that cover high-risk drivers. Compare quotes from several providers to find one that best fits your needs, even with a DUI.
To determine the top companies for individuals with DUIs in the District of Columbia, MoneyGeek analyzed each company’s financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims and affordability based on data 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 has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick 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.
