How a DUI affects your car insurance
What is a DUI?
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a serious offense that signals to insurance companies that you’re a high-risk driver. Whether referred to as a DUI, DWI, or OWI depending on your state, the consequences are similar and substantial.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired drivers are involved in about 30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S.
This increased risk profile directly affects how insurers treat drivers with a DUI on their record.
How a DUI could impact your insurance rate
While exact premium increases vary by insurer and state, drivers with a DUI are typically reclassified into high-risk categories, which can result in:
- Loss of preferred rates
- Loss of eligibility for discounts
- Higher deductibles
- Limited access to standard insurers
Violations such as DUIs often lead to higher insurance costs and tighter underwriting restrictions, explains the Insurance Information Institute (III).
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get a quoteSR‑22: What it is and when you need it?
Many states require an SR‑22 certificate after a DUI conviction. This is not a policy itself, but rather a form your insurer files to verify that you carry your state’s minimum required auto liability coverage.
- When is it required? After DUI convictions and other serious violations.
- How long is it required? Typically, three years (however, this varies by state).
- What does it cost? Your insurer may charge a one-time filing fee and increased premiums.
While the SR‑22 requirement can expire, a DUI conviction may stay on your driving record far longer.
How long a DUI stays on your record
A DUI may remain on your driving record for 3 to 10 years, depending on your state. Even after legal penalties expire, your insurer may continue to weigh that violation in pricing decisions for years to come.
The longer you maintain a clean record post-DUI, the more likely you are to see your rates decrease over time.
Tips to get reinsured after a DUI
Here are a few steps that can help you find more affordable coverage:
- Shop quotes from insurers that accept high-risk drivers
- Complete a defensive driving course (if eligible)
- Explore usage-based insurance (UBI) programs to reward safe driving
- Bundle policies (auto + renters or homeowners) to access multi-policy discounts
Getting a DUI is a serious legal and financial event, but it can be manageable. With the right steps, you can maintain coverage, fulfill your legal obligations, and begin the path to rebuilding your driving record.