Find the Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI (2025)

If you have a DUI on your record, that means you were caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Most DUIs are misdemeanors, but they still come with serious consequences. You could have your drivers' license and vehicle registration suspended, pay up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees, and even serve jail time.

A DUI will almost always cause your insurance rates to increase significantly. The national average full-coverage policy for a driver with a clean record is $184 per month, but this increases to $271 per month after a DUI. But you can still find ways to save on car insurance after a DUI, like comparing quotes from multiple insurers.

What is DUI insurance?

“DUI” stands for “driving under the influence” of one or more substances that impair your ability to drive safely. Depending on the state, the illegal “influence” could be alcohol, drugs, or both.

A DUI conviction will significantly affect your car insurance. No policy exists specifically for DUI coverage, but you’ll likely pay much more for standard car insurance after a DUI charge. You may have trouble finding coverage at all. And in certain states, you’ll need to have your insurer file an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate of financial responsibility, proving that you have the state's minimum required amount of liability insurance.

What are the penalties after a DUI?

Each state determines how it will penalize drivers convicted of a DUI. Generally, penalties can include one or more of the following:

• Suspension or revocation of vehicle registration

• Vehicle impoundment

• License suspension or revocation

• Fines

• Community service

• Vehicle ignition interlock

• Jail time

You may also face additional, even more serious charges if aggravating factors come into play. For example, in Texas, if you’re caught driving under the influence with a child younger than 15 in your vehicle, you’ll also be charged with child endangerment. And in any state, if your impaired driving results in someone’s death, you could face manslaughter or even murder charges.

A DUI charge typically can remain on your driving record for five to 10 years. Depending on where you live, it may even stay on your record indefinitely.

SR-22 and FR-22 certificates

Neither an FR-22 not an SR-22 are insurance — they're forms you file with the state to prove that you have the minimum required liability coverage. They're often referred to as a certificate of responsibility. Florida and Virginia use FR-44 forms, while other states that require proof of financial liability use SR-22s.

If you need an SR-22 or FR-22 form, the first step is to call your insurance company and see if it offers them. If so, it will add the form to your existing policy and file the document with the state.[1]

However, be aware that each state has its own unique regulations and requirements, so it’s a good idea to contact the DMV to make sure you’ve done everything required of you.

Best cheap DUI insurance companies

On average, drivers with a DUI pay more for car insurance, but it’s possible to find cheap rates. The following table highlights the average monthly quotes of insurers that offer affordable rates for drivers with a DUI.

Cheapest DUI insurance by state

The amount you pay following a DUI will largely be determined by the insurance regulations of the state you live in. For example, states like Idaho are still relatively affordable, with an average monthly quote of $52 for liability coverage. But getting a DUI in New York could cost you upwards of $138 a month.

The following table breaks down what you can expect to pay for liability coverage per month with a DUI in each state. Remember that you always have the option to shop around and look into different insurers. Even New York drivers can save money by comparing quotes to find a more affordable insurer.

How DUIs affect insurance premiums

Any time you’re caught engaging in high-risk driving behavior, such as driving under the influence, it’s likely going to cause your insurance premiums to increase. While accidents and speeding tickets can also cause rate increases, DUIs typically have the most severe impact on what you’ll pay.

The monthly cost for drivers with a speeding ticket can be more than $130 per month for liability-only coverage, while drivers with an at-fault accident pay $135 per month or more. But drivers who have a DUI could see their insurance rates go to $153 or more per month.

That’s because driving under the influence makes you a risk to your insurance company. Alcohol reduces brain function and impairs your judgment, reasoning, and muscle coordination, reducing your ability to safely operate a vehicle. 

And drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher who are involved in fatal car accidents are four times more likely to have previous DUI convictions.[2] For that reason, your insurer could decide not to even renew your policy once it expires.

How to find affordable insurance after a DUI

You should expect your insurance premiums to increase after a DUI, but it’s still possible to find affordable car insurance. Here are seven steps you can take to find cheap rates after a DUI.

1. Research insurance companies

Before you begin shopping for car insurance quotes, it’s important to research which companies offer the most affordable rates for drivers with a DUI. For instance, Insurify research shows that Farmers, Clearcover, and State Farm are the most affordable insurers on average for drivers after a DUI.

2. Compare quotes

It’s always a good idea to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure you find the best deal. Each insurance company has its own method of determining how much your premiums will cost. Most base your rate on your coverage, deductible, age, credit-based insurance score, and driving history. Find quotes for drivers with a DUI from at least three different insurers.

3. Take advantage of discounts

Your insurance premiums will go up with a DUI, but you can still take advantage of discounts. For example, State Farm offers a discount on car insurance if you bundle it with other insurance policies such as home, renters, or life insurance. And Progressive offers discounts for signing up online, enrolling in paperless billing, and paying for your policy up front.

4. Get rid of unnecessary coverage

The amount of coverage you purchase affects how much you pay for insurance, so one of the easiest ways to cut costs is to get rid of any unnecessary coverage. If you don’t drive often, for example, removing collision and comprehensive coverage could help you save money. But it can leave you at greater financial risk if you need to file a claim.

5. Improve your credit score

California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Michigan prohibit insurance companies from using your credit history to determine your insurance premiums, while other states, like Oregon, restrict how and when they can use it. If you don’t live in one of these states, your credit score can be factored into what is known as a credit-based insurance score, which insurers consider when determining premiums.

Taking steps to improve your credit score could help you lower your insurance premiums. Make sure you pay your bills on time and pay down any high-interest credit card debt.[3]

6. Practice safe driving

The best way to lower your insurance premiums over the long run is by practicing safe driving and avoiding additional infractions. A second DUI conviction could end up costing you your license. And additional infractions, like a speeding ticket or an at-fault accident, can cause your insurance rates to go up even more.

7. Continue to shop around

Your DUI could stay on your record for a long time, so it may continue to negatively affect your insurance premiums for years to come. The insurance company offering you the best rates today may not be the best option a year from now. It’s a good idea to continue to compare quotes whenever you renew your policy.