Car Insurance After a DUI in 2026 — Rates, SR-22 & How to Save

Car Insurance After a DUI

$3,000 - $5,400/yrUpdated March 2026

Key Takeaway: A DUI conviction is one of the most costly events for your car insurance, with average rate increases of 65-100%. Beyond the premium hike, you will likely need an SR-22 filing and may face license sus...

A DUI conviction is one of the most costly events for your car insurance, with average rate increases of 65-100%. Beyond the premium hike, you will likely need an SR-22 filing and may face license suspension. Here is what to expect and how to manage costs after a DUI.

How Much Does Insurance Cost After a DUI?

DUI insurance costs $3,000-$5,400/year on average, compared to $1,680/year for a clean record. Rate increases by state vary widely: California: 78% average increase, Florida: 73% average increase, New York: 68% average increase, Michigan: 126% average increase, Texas: 89% average increase. The total additional cost over 3-5 years ranges from $4,000 to $12,000.

SR-22 Requirements After DUI

Most states require an SR-22 filing after a DUI. The SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurer files with the state. Duration: typically 3-5 years. Filing fee: $15-$50 one-time. Key rules: you must maintain continuous coverage, any lapse restarts the clock, and not all insurers file SR-22s. Some states use FR-44 (Florida, Virginia) requiring higher liability limits.

Cheapest Insurance Companies After DUI

Companies known for competitive DUI rates: Progressive (often cheapest for DUI drivers), GEICO (competitive high-risk rates), State Farm (best for first-offense DUI), The General (accepts almost any driving record), Direct Auto (no refusal policy). Average DUI rates by company: Progressive $3,200/yr, GEICO $3,500/yr, State Farm $3,800/yr. Always compare 5+ quotes as rates vary dramatically.

DUI Insurance Timeline

Year 1: Maximum rate increase (65-100%), SR-22 filing begins. Year 2-3: Rates remain elevated but may decrease slightly. Year 3-5: SR-22 requirement may end (state dependent), rates begin to normalize. Year 5-7: Most insurers look back 5 years for DUI, rates approach normal. Year 7-10: Some states and insurers look back 7-10 years. After 10 years, a DUI rarely affects insurance rates.

How to Lower Insurance After a DUI

Steps to reduce costs: 1) Shop around extensively — rate differences can be $1,000+/year, 2) Complete a state-approved DUI education program, 3) Take a defensive driving course, 4) Increase deductibles to lower premiums, 5) Drive a less expensive vehicle, 6) Maintain a perfect record going forward, 7) Ask about good behavior discounts after 1-2 years, 8) Bundle policies for additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a DUI affect insurance rates?

A DUI affects insurance rates for 3-10 years depending on your state and insurer. Most companies look back 5 years, while some look back 7-10 years. The most significant rate impact is in the first 3 years. After the DUI drops from your record, rates should return to near-normal levels.

Will my insurance drop me after a DUI?

Your current insurer may choose not to renew your policy after a DUI. However, they generally cannot cancel you mid-term unless you fail to pay premiums. If dropped, you can find coverage through high-risk insurers, state-assigned risk pools, or companies specializing in DUI coverage.

Can I get car insurance with 2 DUIs?

Yes, but it will be very expensive. With 2 DUIs, expect to pay $5,000-$8,000+/year. Options include high-risk specialty insurers (The General, Direct Auto), state-assigned risk pools, and some major carriers like Progressive and GEICO that accept multiple DUIs.

Does a DUI show up on insurance forever?

No. Most insurers only look back 5-7 years for DUI history when setting rates. Some look back 10 years. After the lookback period, the DUI should no longer affect your premiums. However, the DUI may remain on your criminal record permanently in some states.

Is there DUI insurance forgiveness?

Traditional accident forgiveness programs typically do not cover DUI offenses. However, after maintaining a clean record for 3-5 years post-DUI, most insurers will significantly reduce the rate surcharge. Some states also have DUI expungement programs that can help reduce insurance impact.