What Happens After a DUI With Car Insurance?
Last Updated: October 28, 2026
A DUI can cause your car insurance premiums to skyrocket while limiting your choice of providers.
Because a DUI stays on your driving record for years, finding affordable coverage can become a major challenge. However, you can still secure the coverage you need by targeting insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers.
What happens after you get a DUI?
Alcohol and illegal substances impair coordination and slow down reaction times, making intoxicated drivers statistically much more dangerous. In fact, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that 11,904 people died from a drunk driving accident in 2024.¹
The penalties for a DUI depend on where you live.
Depending on your state’s regulations, you could face:
License suspension or revocation
Vehicle registration suspension or revocation
Vehicle impoundment
Fines
Vehicle ignition interlock requirement
You may also need to file an SR-22 or FR-44. These forms serve as proof of coverage and will allow you to get your driver’s license reinstated. Many insurers will file this form on your behalf, though not all offer it.
In most states, you’ll need to maintain the SR-22 or FR-44 for three to five years.
Insurers routinely run driver record reports. Even if you don’t disclose your DUI conviction, your provider will find out, likely resulting in a steep rate hike or the non-renewal of your policy.
How much does insurance go up after a DUI?
Your car insurance premium will spike sharply after a DUI. A DUI can increase a yearly premium by over $2,000, though the exact increase depends on your carrier.
Yearly premium impact of a DUI
Expert insight
A DUI is one of the most significant rating factors in auto insurance, and drivers should expect higher premiums and fewer carrier options for several years. The good news is that coverage is still available, and drivers who maintain a clean record moving forward, keep continuous insurance coverage, and shop multiple companies can often find much more affordable rates than they initially expect.
Lindsay Bolton is a licensed independent insurance agent.
Recent tickets and accidents are a strong incentive to shop for a better car insurance rate. Drivers who shop after one to two years of coverage have the highest violation rate of any tenure group at about 30%, even higher than new shoppers.²
Shopping with a DUI on your record can be tougher, since not every carrier weighs it the same way. Luva lines up quotes from multiple insurers side by side, so you can see the real differences and compare with clarity.
How long does a DUI stay on your record?
A DUI will typically stay on your driving record for five to 10 years, depending on where you live. Many states also enforce a “look-back” period, sometimes extending to a lifetime, in which prior offenses are used to significantly increase the penalties for a new charge.³
A DUI will also remain on your criminal record permanently, although its impact fades if you maintain a clean record. Some states will expunge your DUI after a certain number of years.
When it comes to your insurance, most carriers review your driving record for a period of three to five years. After that time, you will likely see your premiums start to decrease.
What is the best car insurance with a DUI on your record?
We compared estimated average monthly premiums across a range of carriers for a sample driver with a DUI:
Expert insight
Not all insurance companies treat DUI convictions the same way. While many standard carriers will significantly increase rates or non-renew policies, some companies are more competitive for high-risk drivers and may offer substantially lower premiums than others. This makes comparison shopping especially important after a DUI.
Lindsay Bolton is a licensed independent insurance agent.
Insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers are often more willing to accept applicants that standard carriers decline, and many offer SR-22 filings as a service.
Each company offers different coverage limits, so be sure you’re comparing the same coverages and deductibles. Luva makes that easy, letting you compare rates from multiple carriers side by side to find the right coverage for your situation.
What do you do if standard companies deny you?
Standard car insurance companies may decline an application for a driver with a DUI, but you still have options for getting car insurance.
Here’s a step-by-step plan for finding an insurance company if you have a DUI:
Check with your current agent or insurance company to see if you can continue on your current policy.
Get quotes from companies that offer non-standard insurance.
Verify that the company you choose can file an SR-22 or the appropriate financial responsibility form on your behalf.
Apply for the policy and pay the premium.
Because carriers weigh a DUI differently, comparing quotes from both standard and non-standard insurers is a practical way to find competitive rates.
Tips for finding cheaper insurance after a DUI
Your insurance rates will increase after a DUI, but there are still steps you can take to lower your premium and find cheaper coverage:
Take a defensive driving course
Maintain a clean driving record
Disclose your DUI and any other driving activity upfront
Get multiple quotes
Avoid a lapse in coverage
Bundle your insurance policies
Leverage available discounts
Car insurance with a DUI: FAQs
Sources
- 1.Drunk Driving — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- 2.Luva Research
- 3.Drunk/Impaired Driving and Underage Drinking Data — Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility
- 4.Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
Toni has been freelancing as an author and freelance writer for over 11 years. As a licensed insurance agent for 20 years, Toni researches and writes on all insurance topics, including property, casualty, life, health, travel, event, pet, cyber, and more. She has previously written for People Inc., Forbes.com, USA Today, Mutual of Omaha, Healthnews, and BetterHelp. She strives to break down complex insurance concepts to make them understandable for the everyday consumer.
Learn MoreLindsay Bolton is the founder of Agency Zoomify and a nationally recognized insurance agency growth consultant with extensive experience in sales, operations, client retention, and agency automation. As the former owner of a highly successful insurance agency, she built and led a multi-million-dollar book of business while developing high-performing teams, scalable sales processes, and client service systems that consistently drove measurable results. Throughout her career, Lindsay earned numerous industry awards for production, leadership, and agency performance, including multiple Farmers Toppers Club qualifications, Presidents Council recognition, and district awards for commercial insurance, life insurance, mentoring, and overall agency excellence. She has trained and mentored agency owners and producers across the country, helping them improve operational efficiency, strengthen customer relationships, and increase profitability through proven systems and technology. Today, Lindsay works with insurance agencies nationwide through Agency Zoomify, where she specializes in CRM implementation, workflow automation, sales process optimization, and customer retention strategies. Her team helps agencies streamline operations, improve team accountability, enhance the client experience, and maximize the value of every lead through customized automation and best practices. In addition to consulting with agencies, Lindsay is passionate about educating insurance professionals and consumers alike. She believes that informed decisions lead to better financial protection and stronger long-term outcomes. Her practical, experience-based approach allows her to simplify complex insurance topics, making them more accessible and actionable for agency owners, their teams, and the clients they serve. Her expertise spans personal lines, commercial insurance, life insurance, agency operations, customer experience, and business growth, making her a trusted resource for agency owners seeking actionable strategies and measurable results. Whether speaking, consulting, or developing new systems, her mission is to help agencies operate more efficiently, serve clients at a higher level, and build businesses that thrive for years to come. Lindsay Bolton is a licensed independent insurance agent.
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