Travelers is the most affordable provider for most drivers with a DUI in Ohio, offering monthly rates of $58 for minimum coverage and $125 for full coverage. Erie, Auto-Owners Insurance Co, and Allstate also present competitive rates for drivers with a bad record.
DUI Car Insurance in Ohio
Updated: June 25, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Our research reveals that Ohio's cheapest DUI car insurance is Travelers, which costs $58 per month.
For drivers with good credit scores, the average monthly cost is $73 for state minimum coverage and $154 for full coverage after a DUI.
In Ohio, a DUI conviction requires you to file an SR-22 and carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage; personal injury protection (PIP) coverage isn’t required.
Cheapest DUI Car Insurance in Ohio
*Rates are for a 40-year-old driver with good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Compare Cheap Car Insurance With a DUI in Ohio
We understand that your profile may not match the ones we used for the table above. So we’ve broken down the cheapest car insurance for a DUI for combinations including coverage level, age group and credit.
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
| Erie | $58 | $694 |
| Travelers | $58 | $700 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $62 | $744 |
| Allstate | $73 | $875 |
| Grange Insurance | $74 | $893 |
*A 100/300/100 liability-only coverage represents the minimum policy offered by most insurers that can satisfy Ohio law for most drivers.
How Much Does DUI Car Insurance Cost in Ohio?
In Ohio, DUI car insurance averages $881 per year, varying based on your driver profile. A DUI can hike your rates by around 75% compared to drivers without such a record. We've detailed average costs by coverage level, credit score and age group to help you see these changes.
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
| $73 | $881 | $32 | $378 | 75% |
*A 100/300/100 with no comprehensive and collision coverage represents the minimum coverage policy offered by most insurers that can satisfy Ohio law for most drivers.
HOW LONG DOES A DUI AFFECT CAR INSURANCE IN OHIO?
After an OVI (operating a vehicle impaired) conviction in Ohio, expect your insurance premiums to stay elevated for a minimum of three years. Most insurers use a three- to five-year look-back period, but some may extend this to six years when assessing your history
Additional Costs to Consider When Having a DUI in Ohio
Everyone knows a DUI drives up your insurance rates, but there are many additional factors. The total impact can easily reach thousands of dollars, from court fines to license reinstatement fees. Here’s what to expect so you can plan ahead.
- Fines and fees. A first-time OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) in Ohio carries mandatory fines ranging from $565 to $1,075. The penalties increase significantly if you have prior offenses or a high BAC level. Additional court costs may also apply.
- Towing and impound costs. After a DUI arrest, your vehicle will likely be towed and impounded. You can expect to pay around $250 to $500 in towing fees, plus daily storage charges until your car is released.
- Driver intervention programs. Most first-time offenders must attend a three-day driver intervention program instead of serving jail time. Depending on the provider and location, these programs typically cost between $295 and $335.
- Ignition interlock device. Sometimes, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device. Installation costs run from $70 to $150, with monthly service fees between $60 and $90. Over a year, this can total more than $1,000.
- License reinstatement and SR-22 fees. You’ll need to pay a $475 reinstatement fee to reinstate your license after an OVI. You’ll also have to file an SR-22 form as proof of financial responsibility, which adds another $25 to $50 in administrative costs.
- Attorney fees, court costs and restitution. Hiring a lawyer, paying court costs, and covering damages if you caused an accident can quickly become the most expensive part of a DUI. Legal expenses alone can add thousands, especially if your case is contested or results in civil liability.
- Additional penalties and conditions. You may also be ordered to undergo alcohol assessments, complete extended treatment programs, or comply with probation requirements. Refusing a BAC test can trigger further penalties under Ohio laws, especially recent updates like Liv’s Law.
Ohio DUI Car Insurance Requirements
After a DUI in Ohio, drivers must file an SR‑22 and maintain liability insurance with at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident and $25,000 property damage. While PIP is not required, you may choose it and cover it under your policy. You’re required to keep this coverage active for three years, the standard SR‑22 period set by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Other Ohio DUI Laws to Know
Ohio enforces strict DUI laws beyond SR-22 requirements and minimum insurance coverage, with penalties escalating based on offense history and severity.
Fines
First-time OVI (operating a vehicle impaired) offenders face fines of $375 to $1,075, while repeat offenders or those with high BAC levels can expect higher fines and mandatory court-surcharges and attorney and education costs.
Imprisonment and release
Ohio law mandates imprisonment even for a first OVI: a minimum of three days in jail, or house arrest as an alternative. Second offenses may result in 10 days or more behind bars or extended home monitoring; third-time offenses lead to at least 30 days incarceration.
Impounding of vehicles
If a tow is required after a first OVI, the vehicle is released once fees have been paid and ownership is established. A second OVI within six years triggers a mandatory 90-day immobilization and impoundment of license plates. A third offense in six years results in permanent seizure of the vehicle by the state.
Suspension periods
A first OVI leads to a six-month to three-year suspension. Second offenses result in one to five years; a third offense can mean two to 10 years. Commercial drivers face lifetime disqualification after certain repeat offenses.
DUI education requirements
All OVI offenders must complete court-approved alcohol/drug education programs, with more extensive treatment required for repeat or high-BAC offenders. First-time offenders may qualify for the Driver Intervention Program in lieu of jail.
Ignition interlock requirements
Judges frequently require ignition interlock devices (IIDs) after an OVI. Installation, monitoring, and monthly service fees may apply, and operation without an IID can extend your license suspension.
How to Get the Best Cheap Ohio Car Insurance With a DUI
Getting car insurance after a DUI in Ohio isn’t always straightforward, but the right approach can help you find affordable, legal coverage.
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Understand your needs
Following a DUI in Ohio, you’re required to meet higher liability standards, but it’s also important to think about your broader coverage needs. Your income, driving frequency, and vehicle age can all influence how much protection makes sense. If you're unsure where to start, this auto insurance coverage needs calculator can help you evaluate your situation.
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Research costs and discounts
Before committing to a policy, research what drivers with similar records are paying in your area. While DUI-related discounts aren’t offered, Ohio drivers can still lower premiums by requesting quotes online, enrolling in autopay, or paying in full. A defensive driving course approved by the state could earn you up to a 10% discount with some insurers.
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Compare multiple providers
It’s essential to shop around. Gathering quotes from a variety of insurers allows you to see who offers the best rates, but make sure you’re comparing policies with the same coverage limits. This ensures you’re making a fair evaluation.
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Use state high-risk car insurance programs if denied
If you’re denied coverage by regular insurers, Ohio operates a high-risk pool through the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan (OAIP). This ensures that drivers who meet minimum legal requirements can still obtain liability coverage, even if they’re classified as high-risk.
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Make lifestyle or vehicle changes
Improving your credit score can significantly reduce your premium. In Ohio, a driver with poor credit and a DUI can pay over $1,500 more per year than someone with a strong credit history. To start improving your score, check out this resource guide. Additionally, switching to a vehicle that's cheaper to insure may help lower your rate.
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Consider non-traditional coverage types
A pay-per-mile insurance option might be more affordable if you don't drive frequently. Usage-based insurance is another route; these programs use telematics to reward safe drivers with discounts of up to 40%. Also, some automakers now offer their own insurance programs, which may be competitively priced compared to traditional insurers.
Cheap DUI Insurance in Ohio: Bottom Line
For Ohio drivers with a DUI, Travelers, Erie and Auto-Owners are the top picks for affordable minimum coverage. While our findings highlight these options, we encourage you to get personal quotes and assess the coverage you need to secure your best deal.
DUI Insurance in Ohio: FAQ
Below, you'll find expert answers from MoneyGeek on commonly asked questions about DUI insurance in the Ohio.
Who has the cheapest car insurance for Ohio drivers with a DUI?
For Ohio drivers with a DUI and good credit, Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage, while also being the most affordable for state minimum coverage.
How much does a DUI increase rates in Ohio?
In Ohio, a DUI can increase your insurance rates by 75% for minimum coverage and full coverage.
How much does DUI car insurance in Ohio Cost?
In Ohio, minimum coverage car insurance for a driver with a DUI costs around $73 per month, while full coverage averages $154 per month.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance for Ohio's DUI Drivers
To determine the top companies for drivers with DUIs in Ohio, 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
- OAIP. "Welcome to Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan." Accessed June 25, 2025.