National General offers the most affordable car insurance for drivers with a DUI in the state, with monthly rates of $74 for minimum coverage. State Farm, Progressive and Nationwide also provide competitive rates.
DUI Car Insurance in North Carolina
Updated: June 26, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Our research reveals National General is the cheapest in North Carolina for DUI drivers at $74 per month.
Most drivers with a good credit score pay around $231 per month for minimum coverage and $493 per month for full coverage after a DUI.
After a DUI in North Carolina, you must file a DL-123 and carry at least 30/60/25 liability coverage. PIP isn’t required, but uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory.
Cheapest DUI Car Insurance in North Carolina
| National General | $74 | $277 |
| State Farm | $128 | $260 |
| Progressive | $166 | $269 |
| Nationwide | $199 | $412 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $209 | $441 |
*Rates are for a 40-year-old driver with good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Compare Cheap Car Insurance With a DUI in North Carolina
We understand your profile might be different from those in the table above. That's why we offer insights on the cheapest car insurance for a DUI, tailored to your coverage needs, age, and credit score. Find affordable options that suit you.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:30-59
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| National General | $74 | $887 |
| State Farm | $128 | $1,532 |
| Progressive | $166 | $1,995 |
| Nationwide | $199 | $2,385 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $209 | $2,503 |
*A 100/300/100 liability-only coverage represents the minimum policy offered by most insurers that can satisfy North Carolina law for most drivers.
How Much Does DUI Car Insurance Cost in North Carolina?
DUI car insurance costs around $2,773 annually in North Carolina, depending on your driver profile. A DUI can raise your rates by as much as 280% compared to drivers without high-risk profiles. We've outlined the average costs for different coverage levels, credit scores and age groups below.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:30-59
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| $231 | $2,773 | $170 | $2,043 | 280% |
*A 100/300/100 with no comprehensive and collision coverage represents the minimum coverage policy offered by most insurers that can satisfy North Carolina law for most drivers.
HOW LONG DOES A DUI AFFECT CAR INSURANCE IN NORTH CAROLINA?
While DUI convictions stay on your North Carolina driving record for up to seven years (or ten years for felony DUIs), insurance companies typically only impose surcharges for three years under the SDIP program. Some insurers may still treat you as a higher-risk driver for five to seven years based on their internal policies.
Additional Costs to Consider When Having a DUI in North Carolina
It's well-known that car insurance rates can soar after a DUI, but the additional costs that come with this driving violation are often overlooked. Below, we've broken down a complete list of considerations:
- Fines and fees. North Carolina law mandates that drivers pay court-imposed fines after a DUI conviction, which can range from $200 to $10,000 depending on the severity of the offense (Level 5 to Aggravated Level 1) and any prior history. Court costs and administrative fees often add another $190 to $200.
- Towing/impound fee. Once arrested, your vehicle is typically towed and stored. Expect to pay around $100 to $250 for towing, plus $20 to $40 per day in impound storage fees.
- Drug education and treatment. DUI offenders must complete a substance use assessment (which costs around $100) and may be required to attend ADETS (Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School), which typically costs $160 to $260. More intensive treatment may cost significantly more, depending on the provider.
- DMV reinstatement fee. To reinstate your license, you'll pay the North Carolina DMV a $167.75 DWI reinstatement fee, along with a $83.50 license restoration fee and potentially a $50 service fee. Civil revocation fees of $100 may also apply if your license was suspended immediately after arrest.
- Attorney fees and damages. If you caused an accident while driving under the influence, you're responsible for any medical or property damages. Legal representation alone can cost anywhere from $2,500 to over $10,000.
- Ignition interlock device. Required for some DUI convictions, particularly with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, installation typically costs $70 to $150, with monthly monitoring fees of $60 to $80. North Carolina also requires a 45-day no-driving period before an interlock device can be installed.
- Probation supervision and testing. If placed on supervised probation, you may pay around $40 per month and additional costs for drug testing or monitoring.
North Carolina DUI Car Insurance Requirements
After a DUI conviction in North Carolina, drivers may be required to file a DL-123 form to prove they carry valid car insurance. This form must be submitted to the North Carolina DMV before your license can be reinstated. Although North Carolina doesn’t impose a fixed DL-123 filing period like other states do with SR-22s, your insurer will notify the DMV of any lapse in coverage, which could impact your license status.
The state requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. North Carolina does mandate uninsured/underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage at the same limits as your bodily injury liability.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Starting July 1, 2025, North Carolina’s minimum liability limits will increase to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident and $50,000 for property damage. Drivers with DUIs should review their coverage to ensure compliance when the change takes effect.
Other North Carolina DUI Laws To Know
North Carolina does not require SR-22 filings, but drivers must file a DL-123 form to prove they carry valid car insurance after a DUI. The state also enforces specific rules around license reinstatement, education requirements and vehicle impoundment.
Fines
Drivers convicted of DUI in North Carolina can expect to face significant financial penalties. Fines for a DUI can range from $200 to $4,000, depending on the severity of the offense and the number of prior convictions. These fines are separate from any court costs, attorney fees, and increased insurance premiums that may also result from a DUI conviction.
Imprisonment and release
A DUI conviction may result in jail time, with sentences ranging from 24 hours to two years, depending on the offense level. Some individuals may be eligible for a limited driving privilege after a mandatory no-driving period, but this is subject to court approval and may require a substance use assessment and installation of an ignition interlock device.
Impounding of vehicles
In some cases, the vehicle involved in a DUI arrest may be seized and impounded, especially if the driver had a revoked license or lacked insurance at the time of the offense. Impoundment may last a minimum of 10 days, with storage fees accumulating daily. If not resolved, the vehicle may eventually be forfeited and sold by the state.
Suspension periods
A DUI conviction results in a driver’s license suspension, which can range from 30 days to permanent revocation for repeat offenders. Reinstating driving privileges typically involves completing a substance abuse assessment, finishing a required education or treatment program, installing an ignition interlock device if required, and paying reinstatement fees to the DMV.
DUI education requirements
North Carolina mandates that DUI offenders complete a substance use assessment and either an Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School (ADETS) program or a more intensive treatment plan. These steps are required before a driver can regain their license and are designed to reduce the risk of future offenses.
How to Get the Best Cheap North Carolina Car Insurance With a DUI
Below, discover tips to secure affordable DUI car insurance in the Tar Heel State. If traditional coverage options fall through, we'll guide you on alternative steps.
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Understand your needs
Following a DUI in North Carolina, you’ll likely face higher coverage requirements. It might be worth considering additional coverage beyond the minimum. Consider your income, location, and driving habits to determine what protection makes sense. We also provide an auto insurance coverage needs calculator to help you consider insurance options.
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Research costs and discounts
Get familiar with typical car insurance rates in your area and for drivers with a DUI. While DUI-specific discounts aren't available, insurers often offer small savings for online quote submissions or paying upfront. North Carolina also offers defensive driving courses, which may lead to premium reductions.
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Compare multiple providers
Although we've highlighted several affordable options, shopping around is still your best bet. Request quotes from multiple insurers and make sure you're comparing the same coverage levels. This lets you evaluate costs fairly and make a more informed choice.
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Use state high-risk car insurance programs if denied
If standard insurers deny you coverage, North Carolina participates in a high-risk insurance program through the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (NCRF). Managed by AIPSO, this program ensures that high-risk drivers, including those with DUIs, can still obtain the required auto insurance coverage.
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Make lifestyle or vehicle changes
Improving your credit score is one of the most effective ways to lower your insurance premiums. In North Carolina, drivers with poor credit and a DUI may pay significantly more than those with good credit, even for basic coverage. If you're considering a new vehicle, it’s also worth looking at a cheaper car to insure, such as a reliable used model.
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Consider non-traditional coverage types
If you drive fewer than 7,000 miles per year, a pay-per-mile program might help reduce your costs. Some insurers also offer usage-based discounts. In addition, certain automakers now provide in-house insurance that may be more affordable than traditional policies.
Cheap DUI Insurance in North Carolina: Bottom Line
For North Carolina drivers with a DUI, the most affordable car insurance providers are National General, State Farm and Progressive. While these are our findings, we urge you to also compare rates, delve into costs, and determine your required coverage to secure the best deal.
DUI Insurance in North Carolina: FAQ
Below, you'll find MoneyGeek's expert answers to common questions about DUI insurance in the Tar Heel State.
Who has the cheapest car insurance for North Carolina drivers with a DUI?
For North Carolina drivers with a DUI, the cheapest providers are National General, State Farm and Progressive.
How much does a DUI increase rates in North Carolina?
A DUI in North Carolina can increase your rates by roughly 280% for state minimum coverage and up to 290% for full coverage.
How much does DUI car insurance in North Carolina Cost?
In North Carolina, the average monthly cost for minimum coverage after a DUI is $231. For full coverage, expect to pay around $493 per month.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance for North Carolina's DUI Drivers
To determine the top companies for drivers with DUIs in North Carolina, 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. "North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (NCRF)." Accessed June 26, 2025.