DUI insurance rates are usually much higher than rates for drivers with a clean driving record. If you have a DUI on your record, you can expect your rates to increase significantly. While finding cheap DUI rates may not always be easy, you can find a policy that is affordable.
What Are DUI Insurance Rates?
DUI insurance rates tend to be much higher than traditional insurance rates. This is because a DUI conviction on your record leads insurance companies to believe that you are higher risk and more likely to file a claim. Driving under the influence (DUI) is only one charge that can lead to increased rates. Other states may have similar convictions, which include:
- DWI: Driving while impaired or intoxicated
- OUI: Operating under the influence
- OVI: Operating vehicle intoxicated
- OMVI: Operating a motor vehicle impaired
While different states may use different phrases, they each refer to a driver who gets behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, or in some cases, drugs.
DUI Consequences
The consequences of a DUI vary from state to state and are dependent on whether it is a first or repeat offense. DUI charges can lead to many consequences, including:
- Expensive fines
- Potential jail time
- License suspension
- Required attendance in a DUI program
- Potential probation
- Community service requirement
- Requirement of an ignition interlock system in your vehicle
- Required attendance to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
- Impound of your vehicle
Additionally, DUI charges can have an effect on your insurance eligibility and rates. Your insurance company may increase your rates. They may also void your policy, which can lead to a lapse in coverage. While you can expect an increase in rates following a DUI, you are likely to notice an even higher increase if you have multiple DUI convictions.
Depending on where you live, you may also be required to keep a form SR-22 on file. An SR-22 is a form that proves you have auto insurance and that it meets the state’s minimum requirements.
How Much Are DUI Insurance Rates?
According to ValuePenguin, you can expect an increase of as much as $1657 per year on a full-coverage policy. That is approximately 72 percent higher than average. However, different insurance companies will weigh a DUI differently. You can expect the following average rates based on insurance provider, according to Bankrate:
- Erie Insurance Group: Average annual rate of $1207 (pre-DUI) and $2077 (post-DUI)
- Amica Mutual: Average annual rate of $1318 (pre-DUI) and $3511 (post-DUI)
- United Service Automobile Association: Average annual rate of $1252 (pre-DUI) and $2239 (post-DUI)
- Berkshire Hathaway: Average annual rate of $1325 (pre-DUI) and $2939 (post-DUI)
- Auto-Owners: Average annual rate of $1374 (pre-DUI) and $2646 (post-DUI)
- Progressive: Average annual rate of $1419 (pre-DUI) and $1978 (post-DUI)
- Travelers: Average annual rate of $1428 (pre-DUI) and $2442 (post-DUI)
- State Farm: Average annual rate of $1422 (pre-DUI) and $2182 (post-DUI)
- Nationwide: Average annual rate of $1475 (pre-DUI) and $3315 (post-DUI)
- Mercury: Average annual rate of $1577 (pre-DUI) and $2287 (post-DUI)
- Country Insurance: Average annual rate of $1789 (pre-DUI) and $2580 (post-DUI)
- American Family: Average annual rate of $1827 (pre-DUI) and $2004 (post-DUI)
- Farmers Insurance: Average annual rate of $1912 (pre-DUI) and $3511 (post-DUI)
- Sentry Insurance: Average annual rate of $2643 (pre-DUI) and $2657 (post-DUI)
- Kemper Corporation: Average annual rate of $2659 (pre-DUI) and $3216 (post-DUI)
Actual insurance rates, however, will vary depending on other factors like your age and driving record. Also, if you’re already considered a high-risk driver, you could receive even higher increases. For example, if you’re under 18 years old and are charged with a DUI, you might experience an increase as high as three times the average rate, according to data from ValuePenguin.
How to Get Affordable Insurance after a DUI
Even with a DUI on your driving record, you may be able to find affordable rates with the following tips:
- Shop around: While shopping around is always an important part of finding the best insurance rates, it is especially important following a DUI charge. Begin shopping around as soon as possible in case your insurance company drops you from your policy. Gather price quotes from as many insurance providers as you can.
- Consider other factors: A DUI is not the only thing that can increase your rates. Other factors include your age, location, type of vehicle you drive, and your driving record. While you may not be able to control your age or location, you can choose a vehicle that is cheaper to insure and avoid other traffic violations or an at-fault accident on your record.
- Adjust your deductible: Adjusting your deductible may mean that you have to pay more out of pocket if you file an insurance claim, but it can reduce your monthly rates.
- Take a defensive driving course: Some insurance companies allow you to take a defensive driving course. This can be a good way to offset an increase in your rate due to a DUI.
Shopping around is the best way to find affordable DUI insurance. Insurance companies use different formulas for calculating rates. This means that they will likely calculate a DUI differently than other providers. Some may also offer you discounts that are not available with other providers. Discounts like combining policies and paying online can help with achieving affordable rates.
A DUI can stay on your record for years, but according to Insurance.com, it has the biggest influence on your rates between three to five years following the conviction. If it has been longer than five years, then you might consider reaching out to your insurance provider and asking them to recalculate your rates. You should also recheck your rates and compare quotes every six months. You will likely find that your rates frequently change, allowing you to reduce your monthly costs if you change policies.
DUI insurance rates can be expensive, but by comparing prices and evaluating your coverage, you can find a policy that is affordable. Re-evaluate your rates every six months and consider changing providers if your rates continue to increase.
Check this out if you need additional information, resources, or guidance on car insurance.
Sources:
DUI and Car Insurance Common Questions
How does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates?
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