How Much is Car Insurance After a DUI?

Updated on 11/24/2023 / Under

Being convicted of a DUI can lead to a significant increase in your auto insurance cost. The severity of the offense and the insurance company you're working with will determine how much your auto insurance average rates will go up. On average a DUI conviction increases insurance rates by 65%. In addition to higher premiums, some insurance carriers may also require a higher deductible or exclude coverage for specific high-risk drivers.

If you are facing a DUI we can help you fight the charge to reduce the chances or severity of potential penalties like fines, license suspension, being required to get SR-22 insurance, and more. For more information, call us today at (630) 425-0250 to schedule a free consultation with a DUI attorney in Naperville.

How a DUI Conviction Can Affect Your Insurance

If you’ve recently been convicted of a DUI, you’re undoubtedly facing the consequences of your actions. You may be struggling with fines, jail time, and other repercussions. One often overlooked consequence is the impact that a DUI can have on your auto insurance rates costs.

When determining your insurance rate after a DUI, most insurance providers look at several factors such as your driving history and whether you had a clean driving record previous to the conviction, the severity of the illegal blood alcohol concentration offense, and how long ago it occurred.

a car insurance form, money, and calculator on a desk

Generally speaking, the more serious the offense and the longer it happened, the lower your rates will be. However, even if you’ve had a DUI conviction for several years, you may still not be paying the lowest rates that you would have before the offense.

The best way to find the most affordable auto insurance after a DUI is to shop around and compare rates from different insurers. Some companies may be willing to offer discounts or other incentives to drivers with DUI convictions, so make sure you ask about these options. Additionally, consider taking a defensive driving course or completing other rehabilitative programs that may lower your rates.

The Impact of a DUI on Car Insurance Rates

The impact of a DUI on insurance rates can be considerable. Auto insurance companies charge much higher annual rates of premiums to those who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is because those with DUI convictions pose a heightened risk to the insurer and are more likely to file insurance claims for damages and injuries.

Learn More: How Much Does a DUI Attorney Cost?

The exact amount you can expect to pay in increased premiums will depend on the severity cost of insurance after a DUI varies significantly depending on the state, the severity of the offense, and how long ago it occurred.

Additionally, different insurance companies may have different policies about providing coverage to drivers with DUI convictions. Some may refuse to cover them at all, while others may provide coverage but at a higher rate. It’s important to shop around and compare rates from different

Factors That Affect Insurance Costs After a DUI

When it comes to understanding how much insurance will cost after a DUI, several factors can influence the overall cost. The most important factor is the severity of the DUI offense and the age of the driver. Typically, younger drivers are seen as more high-risk than older drivers when it comes to DUI offenses, so their premiums may be higher.

Another factor that can affect the cost of your insurance after a DUI is where you live. Some states have stricter laws and regulations regarding DUIs, which can result in higher premiums. Additionally, some states may require drivers to carry an SR-22 form. An SR-22 filing can increase premiums even further.

Lastly, your driving record will be taken into consideration when determining how much you’ll pay for insurance after a DUI. If you have a history of traffic violations, a poor credit score, or records of at-fault accidents, your rates will likely be higher than those with a clean record.

Driving Record

A driving record is a document issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that shows all the traffic violations and infractions you have committed while driving. It also contains all the tickets, fines, suspensions, and other penalties associated with those violations. This document is used to help auto insurance providers determine how much insurance they will expect you to pay after a DUI conviction.

shots, car keys, and a wallet on a bar

Insurance agent rates can vary widely depending on the severity of the offense, the age of the driver, and the state in which you live. Generally speaking, those with DUI convictions can expect to pay higher insurance premium rates for car insurance.

Additionally, some insurers may not provide coverage at all for drivers with a DUI conviction, so it’s important to shop around and compare insurance department rates from different companies.

Age and Gender

The cost of auto insurance after a DUI conviction will vary based on age and gender. Generally, younger drivers, particularly those under 25, will face the highest insurance quote rates following a DUI because they are considered the most risky. Meanwhile, older drivers typically receive lower insurance premiums after a drunk driver conviction compared to younger drivers.

When it comes to gender, male drivers typically pay more than female drivers for their insurance premiums after a DUI. This is because male drivers are historically more prone to reckless driving than female drivers, and are therefore seen as more risky by auto insurers.

Criminal History

Having a criminal history can have devastating effects on the cost of insurance. If someone has been convicted of a DUI offense, their insurance premiums may go up exponentially. Depending on the circumstances, drivers may face an increase in rates ranging from 25% to 300%. In addition, some insurers may even choose to cancel a policy altogether if there is evidence of a criminal record.

Related Content: Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Illinois

Criminal records can also affect a driver's ability to obtain or renew their license. In some cases, drivers may have to wait several years before they can legally drive again. Additionally, in some states, drivers may be required to satisfy certain conditions such as completing an alcohol awareness program or submitting proof of insurance before they can receive their license back.

Financial Responsibility Laws

Financial Responsibility Laws are laws in place that require drivers who have been convicted of DUI to purchase an auto insurance policy with higher limits than what is normally required in their particular state. This type of special insurance coverage is known as SR-22 Insurance, and it typically must be maintained for 3 years following a DUI conviction.

The cost of SR-22 Insurance varies greatly, but it is usually more expensive than traditional auto insurance. Additionally, some insurers may refuse to provide coverage to drivers with a DUI conviction, so you must shop around and compare rates from different companies before making a purchase.

Insurance Company and Provider

Depending on the severity of the DUI, the amount of the increase could be anywhere from 20% to more than 400%. Typically, this kind of rate increase will remain in place for three years after the conviction. Insurance companies typically view drivers with DUIs as high risk and may even refuse to renew a policy for them.

a woman shopping for car insurance online

You must shop around and compare rates from different insurance companies and providers before making a purchase. This will help ensure that you get the best possible cheap auto insurance coverage for the lowest possible premium. Additionally, some states may require drivers with DUIs to purchase SR-22 insurance, which can be more expensive than traditional auto insurance.

Average Cost of Auto Insurance After a DUI

Having a DUI on your record can affect insurance and cause your cheap car insurance premiums to skyrocket. Auto insurance rate increases after a DUI can vary widely depending on the insurer and each state's insurance laws, the severity of the illegal blood alcohol content infraction, credit history, felony charges, and other factors such as bad driving history, age, and zip codes.

In general, insurers typically charge much higher rates for drivers who have been convicted of a DUI than those with clean records. The average insurance product premium increase after a DUI conviction can range anywhere from 25% to more than 300% in rate hikes. Additionally, some insurers may choose to cancel a policy altogether if there is evidence of a criminal record.

How Our Firm Can Help With a DUI Charge

If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, it's important to understand the potential financial implications of your illegal blood alcohol level charges. One such consequence is increased insurance premiums after a DUI conviction.

Depending on your state of residence, the amount can vary significantly, as each state has its laws and regulations regarding DUI penalties. Insurance companies will look at the severity of the offense when calculating your rate increase, so you should speak to an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options and ensure that you are getting the best rate.

Our DUI Lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. Contact our office today at (630) 425-0250 for a free consultation.

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