Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI


Key Takeaways
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State Farm provides the cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI nationwide, with premiums averaging $2,299 per year and is the most affordable company in 14 states.

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A DUI increases car insurance rates by an average of $1,178 per year. Full coverage premiums range from $2,484 to $5,272 annually, depending on coverage limits and deductibles.

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State Farm, Travelers, and Progressive earn the highest ratings for DUI car insurance coverage, combining competitive rates with superior customer satisfaction and financial stability.

Finding affordable DUI car insurance after a conviction affects your driving record and premiums. Car insurance rates after a DUI increase by $1,178 annually on average, but comparison shopping can reduce these costs. This guide provides detailed company reviews of car insurance providers for DUI offenders across all major providers, age groups and coverage levels to help you secure the most affordable protection available.

Best Cheap Car Insurance After a DUI

State Farm has the cheapest full coverage car insurance after a DUI at $192 a month, which is 43% below average. Travelers comes in at $236 and National General at $249. GEICO charges $334, a $142 monthly gap from State Farm that adds up to $1,704 a year.

Progressive at $251 and AIG at $295 round out the most accessible options. Among the best car insurance companies for post-DUI drivers, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive runs from $2,299 to $4,012 a year for identical coverage.

State Farm$192$2,29943%91.31
Travelers$236$2,82630%91.97
National General$249$2,98426%83.86
Progressive$251$3,01125%93.82
UAIC$289$3,47114%77.45
AIG$295$3,54212%82.79
Geico$334$4,0120%79.92

State Farm's agent network is useful for DUI drivers navigating SR-22 requirements. Travelers has accident forgiveness programs that can limit rate increases after a second incident. National General allows flexible payment scheduling for drivers managing higher post-DUI premiums.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Adults After a DUI

Young drivers with a DUI conviction pay $293 a month with State Farm, which the lowest rate available for this group. Allstate charges $518 for the same coverage, a $2,700 annual difference. National General is the second-cheapest at $353 a month.

State Farm$293$3,51044%91.15
National General$353$4,23532%85.99
Travelers$362$4,34231%91.84
UAIC$405$4,86022%80.23
Progressive$422$5,06519%91.09
AIG$424$5,08519%85.2
Allstate$518$6,2171%83.1

Cheapest Car Insurance for Middle-Aged Drivers After a DUI

Adult drivers pay $133 a month with State Farm after a DUI, which is the lowest rate in this group. Travelers and Progressive both charge $144. Progressive has online tools for tracking SR-22 status, and Travelers has accident forgiveness and agent support.

State Farm$133$1,59239%91.29
Travelers$144$1,72534%93.99
Progressive$144$1,73334%96.29
National General$178$2,13919%83.22
Kemper$202$2,4258%75.59
UAIC$206$2,4686%76.71
Geico$214$2,5662%80.84
AIG$214$2,5682%81.42

Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors after a DUI

Senior drivers pay less after a DUI than younger age groups. State Farm's rate is $150 a month, Progressive's is $186 and Travelers' is $201. National General charges $215 and allows flexible payment scheduling.

State Farm$150$1,79644%91.48
Progressive$186$2,23530%94.08
Travelers$201$2,41224%90.09
National General$215$2,57719%82.38
AIG$248$2,9737%81.74
Kemper$249$2,9846%74.29
UAIC$257$3,0853%75.43

Cheapest Car Insurance for Military Drivers After a DUI

USAA offers the cheapest minimum coverage for military-affiliated drivers at $522 per year, while State Farm has the lowest full coverage rate at $1,231. Some insurers also provide discounts for active-duty military, veterans and their families with a DUI. The table shows the cheapest options:

Data filtered by:
30-59
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
State Farm$1,231$103
USAA$1,258$105
Progressive$1,448$121
Farmers$1,656$138
Allstate$1,695$141
Travelers$1,729$144
Nationwide$1,888$157
GEICO$2,464$205
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DISCOUNTS FOR VETERANS WITH A DUI

Some insurers offer veterans special deals on coverage, such as lower rates, waived fees or special coverage options. Depending on the provider, veterans may also be eligible for discounts based on age, driving record and other factors.

To get the best deal, compare discounts from a few of the best car insurance companies with DUIs serving military families and veterans. Read the fine print to identify any limitations and exclusions.

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance

Drivers requiring SR-22 filings save money through comparison shopping. American Family has the most affordable SR-22 coverage at $198 monthly, followed by GEICO at $227. Despite having the cheapest standard DUI coverage, State Farm ranks sixth at $262 monthly, showing how companies specialize differently in high-risk coverage.

American Family$198$2,381
Geico$227$2,723
Travelers$228$2,736
Progressive$231$2,770
Auto Owners$242$2,904
State Farm$262$3,144
AIG$299$3,589
National General$331$3,966
Chubb$341$4,092
Allstate$355$4,262

Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI by State

State Farm has consistent affordable premiums across multiple states, offering the cheapest DUI insurance option in 14 states. Regional specialists like Farm Bureau deliver superior value in their home markets. In Arkansas, Farm Bureau has the cheapest premiums at $89 monthly, 38% cheaper than the state average.

AlabamaAIG$86$1,03643%
ArizonaState Farm$126$1,50844%
ArkansasFarm Bureau$89$1,06938%
CaliforniaGeico$206$2,47536%
ColoradoAmerican National$93$1,11354%
FloridaState Farm$176$2,11547%
HawaiiState Farm$78$94166%
IdahoState Farm$47$56756%
IllinoisTravelers$121$1,44837%
IowaState Farm$66$79449%
KentuckyState Farm$112$1,34453%
LouisianaFarm Bureau$189$2,26745%
MaineProgressive$69$82444%
MarylandGeico$110$1,32368%
MassachusettsPlymouth Rock Insurance$110$1,32050%
MinnesotaState Farm$103$1,23456%
MontanaState Farm$57$68957%
NebraskaProgressive$111$1,33346%
New HampshireProgressive$79$95240%
New JerseyPlymouth Rock Insurance$145$1,74165%
New MexicoState Farm$104$1,24332%
New YorkProgressive$100$1,19762%
North CarolinaNational General$189$2,27350%
North DakotaAmerican Family$60$71755%
OregonState Farm$113$1,35354%
PennsylvaniaTravelers$107$1,28864%
Rhode IslandState Farm$85$1,02467%
South CarolinaAmerican National$81$97856%
South DakotaProgressive$55$66064%
VermontState Farm$43$51765%
VirginiaFarm Bureau$79$95358%
WyomingState Farm$54$64444%

DUI penalties and rates vary by state. See our guides to car insurance after a DUI in your state:

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HOW STATE LAWS AFFECT DUI INSURANCE

Each state handles DUI, DWI and OWI violations differently, affecting how long DUIs affect car insurance rates and availability. In some states, a DUI remains on your driving record for life and can't be removed. Out-of-state violations lead to penalties in your home state. These offenses are among the most serious driving violations nationwide.

Average Cost of Car Insurance After a DUI

A DUI conviction raises the average annual premium from $3,283 to $4,461, which is a $1,178 increase. The exact amount varies by age group and coverage level.

DUI Insurance Cost by Age Group

Age affects DUI insurance costs, with young drivers averaging $6,001 annually compared to adults at $2,430, which is nearly 2.5 times higher.

Adult Drivers$203$2,435
Senior Drivers$253$3,031
Young Drivers$500$6,001

DUI Insurance Cost by Coverage Level

DUI insurance costs range from $2,104 for minimum coverage to $5,272 for comprehensive with zero-dollar deductible policies. If you need only the basics, cheap liability-only insurance meets state requirements without comprehensive or collision coverage. Find the right balance between comprehensive protection and manageable premiums based on your financial situation and risk tolerance:

State Minimum Liability Only$176$2,104
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.$207$2,484
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$2,000 Ded.$277$3,321
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.$347$4,168
50/100/50 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded.$353$4,236
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$250 Ded.$366$4,390
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded.$384$4,603
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$0 Ded.$440$5,272
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SHOULD YOU GET MINIMUM OR FULL COVERAGE AFTER A DUI?

Minimum coverage provides a cheap option that meets state-required liability limits. However, drivers with a DUI record may pay much higher premiums, sometimes nearly double the rate of a driver with a clean record. While the DMV doesn't mandate full coverage car insurance for DUIs, drivers with violations may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44.

How Much Does Insurance Increase After a DUI?

A DUI on your record can raise your car insurance premium. On average, it costs $1,178 more per year than for drivers with clean records. Providers charge higher rates to offset the increased risk of accidents and claims associated with DUI convictions.

Full Coverage Car Insurance Premium Comparison Based on Driving Record

carInsurance
Clean Driving Record
$3,283

Annual Premium

This is 26% less expensive.
vs
After a DUI
$4,461

Annual Premium

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Car insurance premiums after a DUI are on average$1,178 SAVED

Factors That Affect DUI Premiums

Five variables move DUI premiums beyond the baseline increase.

  • Offense severity. A first DUI costs less than a second or third conviction. Repeat offenses signal a pattern insurers price accordingly.
  • Driving history. Prior violations (speeding tickets or at-fault accidents) compound the DUI surcharge.
  • Age. Younger drivers, especially teens, pay more because the DUI adds to an already elevated rate.
  • Vehicle type. Sports cars and very old vehicles carry higher base rates that a DUI surcharge amplifies.
  • Location. Local crime rates and population density affect premiums independently of the DUI.

Compares premiums for different driving records and age groups:

How to Lower Car Insurance After DUI

DUI insurance costs more, but the gap between the cheapest and most expensive insurer is wide enough that shopping carefully makes a real difference.

  1. 1
    Start shopping immediately

    Not every insurer writes policies for DUI drivers. Use MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator to compare rates across the companies that do. The sooner you start, the more options you'll have before SR-22 requirements kick in.

  2. 2
    Stack available discounts

    DUI surcharges don't eliminate other discount eligibility. Bundling home and auto, multi-vehicle policies, paying in full and paperless billing all reduce the premium independently of your driving record.

  3. 3
    Adjust your coverage level

    A higher deductible or a lower liability limit reduces your premium. Use cheapest car insurance companies data to find the right balance between cost and the coverage you actually need.

  4. 4
    Get quotes from at least three insurers

    Rates vary widely for DUI drivers because the same coverage can cost thousands less with one carrier than another.

  5. 5
    Ask about DUI program discounts

    Some insurers reduce premiums for drivers who complete state-certified DUI classes or defensive driving courses. Check with each insurer directly — not all do, and the discount amount varies.

  6. 6
    Keep your record clean

    A DUI stays on your record for three to five years in most states. Every additional violation extends the high-risk period. A clean record after the DUI is the most reliable way to bring rates down over time.

  7. 7
    Shop before every renewal.

    Get quotes from at least three DUI-friendly insurers before renewing. As the DUI ages and your record stays clean, your risk profile improves — and some insurers will price that improvement faster than your current carrier will.

  8. 8
    Talk to an agent who works with high-risk drivers

    If standard carriers keep declining or quoting unaffordable rates, an independent agent with access to non-standard market carriers can find options that don't appear in online quote tools.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Car Insurance?

A DUI designation as a high-risk driver lasts three to five years. During that window, expect higher premiums, fewer insurer options and possible policy non-renewal.

You may also need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 (required only in Florida and Virginia) and have difficulty finding new coverage. The impact varies based on factors like state regulations, your insurer and the offense's severity.

A DUI stays on your insurance record for three to ten years depending on your state. See how long violations stay on record and when rates normalize.

How Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance?

A DUI conviction affects your car insurance rates and coverage options. The impact extends beyond premium increases. Here's what specific challenges you'll encounter after a DUI:

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    Increased insurance rates

    Insurers consider you a high-risk driver after a DUI conviction, meaning they see you as more likely to file a claim. To offset this risk, your premium may increase. The surcharge on insurance for high-risk drivers lasts three to five years, depending on your provider and state regulations.

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    Limited coverage

    Because you're considered a high-risk driver, providers may offer you minimum coverage only, not wanting to cover comprehensive and collision damage on your policy.

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    Policy cancellation or non-renewal

    Depending on the severity of your DUI infraction, some insurers may cancel your policy mid-term or not renew it at the end of the policy term. You'll receive higher premiums and different coverage terms if you can renew your policy.

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    Difficulty finding insurance

    Some insurers refuse drivers with a DUI coverage due to their high-risk status, making it harder to find car insurance for DUI offenders. If you can't find DUI insurance, consider companies specializing in nonstandard auto insurance for high-risk drivers.

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    SR-22 or FR-44 filing requirement

    After a DUI conviction, you may need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form, which your insurer will submit to prove you meet your state's minimum coverage requirements. An FR-44 is required in Florida and Virginia and has higher liability coverage requirements than an SR-22. Filing either form can raise your rates because it signals a serious driving violation or repeated offenses.

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WHAT HAPPENS LEGALLY AFTER A DUI CONVICTION?

A DUI can affect your car insurance in many ways, but it may also:

  • Lead to jail time
  • Require you to pay legal fees and court costs
  • Involve fees to reinstate a suspended driver's license and state registration

"You could be liable for a large financial settlement if you caused a serious accident or one resulting in injuries or fatalities." — Mark Friedlander, Director of Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

How Do Insurance Companies Find Out About Your DUI?

Insurers access your motor vehicle record (MVR) when you apply or renew. The MVR includes your license status, violations and any DUI convictions. Filing an SR-22 or FR-44 also notifies your insurer directly. Don't omit a DUI on an application, a policy issued on incomplete information can be voided, creating a coverage problem at the worst possible time.

If your insurer's renewal quote is too high after a DUI, you're not locked in. Switching car insurance companies mid-term is allowed, and quotes from at least three providers will show whether a better rate exists.

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WILL YOU NEED A HIGH-RISK INSURER AFTER A DUI?

Obtaining coverage from a standard insurer may not be feasible after a DUI. You may need to find a high-risk insurer that specializes in covering DUI-convicted drivers. Your base premium (without discounts applied) could be double or more than a driver with a clean record. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI: Bottom Line

State Farm, Travelers and Progressive offer high-risk drivers the best and cheapest insurance options. However, comparing policies from other providers can help you find the best fit.

Post-DUI premiums are higher, but they're not permanent. A clean record, stacked discounts and annual rate shopping will bring costs down steadily as the conviction ages off your record.

Car Insurance After a DUI: FAQ

What is the cheapest car insurance for people with a DUI?

What is the best car insurance company after a DUI?

How much does your insurance go up after a DUI?

How long does a DUI affect your car insurance?

How can people with a DUI save money on their auto insurance policy?

Does car insurance cover DUI accidents?

Cheap Car Insurance for DUI: Methodology

Driver profile. Rates reflect a 40-year-old male driver with a DUI conviction (BAC of .08% or higher), a 2012 Toyota Camry LE and 12,000 miles driven annually. The profile was adjusted for driving record, location and military status where noted, with all other variables held constant. Data are from Quadrant Information Services.

We analyzed auto insurance quotes for drivers with DUI convictions, prioritizing insurers offering the lowest premiums across states. Providers were scored based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints to determine the top options for drivers with a DUI conviction.

Our ranking system considers affordability, customer satisfaction, financial stability and other factors to identify the best and cheapest car insurance options at the national and state levels.

Data sources: We gathered evaluations from AM Best, J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). We analyzed 529,578 quotes from 67 companies across 897 ZIP codes, using data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services.

Driver profile: To find the cheapest rates after a DUI, we used a 40-year-old man with a DUI (blood alcohol content of .08% or higher), driving a 2012 Toyota Camry LE with 12,000 miles driven annually.

We modified this profile for different scenarios, including variations in driving record, location and military status. Our sample driver profile remains consistent unless specified, with only the evaluated factor being adjusted.

Coverage levels. Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision, each with a deductible you pay before the policy covers repair or replacement costs. Minimum coverage has no deductible but pays only for damage or injuries you cause to others. The DUI sample driver used full coverage at 100/300/100 liability limits with a $1,000 deductible — $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident and $100,000 property damage per accident.

Learn more about MoneyGeek's auto insurance methodology.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.

He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek so people can make coverage decisions with confidence. His insurance insights have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other media outlets.

Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.

Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.). He began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!