The cheapest car insurance you can get with a DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction in North Carolina is $98 per month. Car insurance companies take DWIs and DUIs seriously, and you can expect your insurance rate to increase. In some cases, your insurance company may even refuse to renew your policy.
But you can still secure affordable car insurance with a DWI if you take the time to compare quotes.
Cheapest car insurance quotes after a DWI in North Carolina
For North Carolina drivers with a DWI, Nationwide has the cheapest car insurance rates, on average, but it might not be your best option. While you may not necessarily be able to find “cheap” rates, the table below shows some of the lowest quotes after a DWI, according to Insurify data.
How a DWI affects car insurance rates in North Carolina
A DWI significantly affects your car insurance rates, regardless of your location. Since insurers consider you a high-risk driver, you’ll automatically face a high rate increase from your car insurance company.
Here are the average rates drivers pay in North Carolina with and without a DWI.
How to get car insurance with a DWI in North Carolina
If you’re caught driving while intoxicated in North Carolina, you’ll need to file a DL-123 form — also known as an SR-22 form — to get car insurance again.2 The DL-123 (SR-22) form provides proof that you have the minimum insurance coverage required in North Carolina. Ask your current car insurance company to file it for you if it agrees to renew your coverage.
If your current car insurance company won’t file an SR-22 for you, you’ll need to find a high-risk or non-standard insurance company that can insure you and file this form on your behalf. To lower your rates, check for discounts, raise your deductible, or remove comprehensive and collision coverage if your car is paid for.
DWI laws in North Carolina
North Carolina requires drivers with a DWI conviction to carry a DL-123 form (known as an SR-22 form in most other states) after a DWI conviction. This form proves you have the minimum liability car insurance North Carolina requires.
If you’re pulled over for suspected DWI, you can choose to take a test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). If your BAC exceeds 0.08%, the state will automatically suspend your license for 30 days. If you refuse to take the test, the state will suspend your license for one year.
The consequences of a DWI conviction in North Carolina are as follows:
Minimum car insurance requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina requires every driver to carry car insurance.3 These are the minimum car insurance requirements you’ll need before you get behind the wheel:
$30,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage
$60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
$25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
A DWI can’t be expunged from your record in North Carolina and may increase your car insurance rates for years.4 How much it affects your rates depends on your car insurance company.