DUI Car Insurance: How to Get Coverage After a DUI
Quick answer: Car insurance after a first DUI costs 70–110% more than a clean-record policy — an average of $180–$320/month. You will need to file an SR-22 (or FR-44 in FL/VA). Non-standard carriers like Dairyland and The General almost always beat mainstream carriers on price.
Time matters
Do not let your policy lapse between arrest and conviction. A lapse triggers automatic license suspension in most states and restarts any future SR-22 filing period. If your current insurer non-renews, get a replacement policy in place before the cancellation date.
DUI insurance cost by state
Post-DUI premium impact varies dramatically by state:
| State | Avg Monthly (post-DUI) | SR-22 or FR-44 | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $210 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
| Texas | $165 | SR-22 | 2 yrs |
| Florida | $260 | FR-44 | 3 yrs |
| Illinois | $175 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
| Ohio | $155 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
| Georgia | $180 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
| Michigan | $285 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
| Washington | $160 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
| Arizona | $170 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
| Missouri | $150 | SR-22 | 2 yrs |
| Indiana | $145 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
| Virginia | $200 | FR-44 | 3 yrs |
| Nevada | $195 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
| Colorado | $165 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
| Oregon | $155 | SR-22 | 3 yrs |
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Best insurance companies after a DUI
These carriers specialize in high-risk drivers and typically offer the best rates after a DUI:
- Dairyland (Sentry) — starts at $75/mo. Purpose-built non-standard carrier. Fast electronic filing.
- The General — starts at $85/mo. Low down-payment options and monthly billing.
- Direct Auto — starts at $80/mo. Regional; strong for SR-22 in TX, GA, TN, MS.
- Kemper Specialty — starts at $88/mo. Popular through independent agents.
- Acceptance Insurance — starts at $95/mo. Storefront locations useful for cash payments.
- Bristol West (Farmers) — starts at $92/mo. Non-standard arm of Farmers Insurance.
What to expect: the 3-year timeline
- Month 0: DUI arrest → license suspended in most states (30-90 days) → premium at renewal jumps 70-110%
- Months 1-6: SR-22 or FR-44 filing required; ignition interlock in most DUI states
- Year 1: Rate is highest; shop non-standard carriers every 6 months
- Year 2: Rate begins slow decline (5-10% at renewal)
- Year 3: SR-22/FR-44 filing period ends (in most states); rate drops 15-25%
- Years 4-5: Rate continues to decline; consider returning to standard carrier
How to lower your DUI insurance rate
- Get quotes from at least 3 non-standard carriers
- Pay 6 months in full (saves 8-15%)
- Raise deductible to $1,000 (saves 15-20%)
- Take a state-approved DUI/defensive driving course
- Install ignition interlock (some carriers give a discount)
- Consider dropping full coverage on older vehicles
- Shop again at every 6-month renewal — rates drop as time passes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does insurance go up after a DUI?
The national average increase after a first DUI is 70–110% — about $2,400 more per year. Rates vary significantly by state: California and Michigan see the largest increases (100%+), while Ohio and Missouri see smaller bumps (50–75%).
How long does a DUI affect insurance rates?
A DUI conviction affects your insurance rates for 3–5 years in most states, though some states allow insurers to consider DUIs for up to 10 years. The largest premium impact is in years 1–3; rates gradually decline in years 4–5.
Will my current insurer drop me after a DUI?
Some standard carriers (State Farm, Allstate, sometimes GEICO) may non-renew your policy after a DUI. Progressive and USAA usually keep you. Even if you're not dropped, expect a 60–100% premium increase at renewal.
Do I need SR-22 or FR-44 after a DUI?
You need SR-22 in 47 states. Florida and Virginia require the higher-limits FR-44 for DUI convictions specifically. Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania have different state-specific requirements.
Can I get car insurance after DUI?
Yes. Every state has non-standard specialty carriers that specifically write policies for post-DUI drivers: Dairyland, The General, Direct Auto, Kemper Specialty, Acceptance, Bristol West. Filing is available in 24-48 hours.