A DUI driver is someone who operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. In California, under Vehicle Code § 23152, driving under the influence (DUI) means driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or driving while impaired by any drug, including prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances, that affects the ability to drive safely. This also includes drivers under 21 with any detectable alcohol in their system and those impaired by a combination of alcohol and drugs. Essentially, if a person’s mental or physical abilities are impaired enough to affect their driving, they can be charged with a DUI.

What is DUI Insurance?

DUI insurance is not a separate type of insurance. It simply refers to your regular car insurance after a DUI conviction. The main difference is that your insurance company now sees you as a high-risk driver, so your rates will be much higher than before. You will still have the same kind of insurance, but you will pay more because of the DUI on your record

Car Insurance Cost After a DUI

Car insurance becomes significantly more expensive after a DUI conviction. While the average annual cost for a full coverage policy for drivers with clean records is about $2,680, a single DUI can raise this cost substantially. The exact increase depends on your state, insurance carrier, and personal factors.

Average Cost Increase by State

Insurance premium hikes after a DUI vary widely by state due to differing insurance laws and local risk factors such as population density and accident rates. For example:

• California and Hawaii: Drivers with a DUI can see premium increases of 150% or more, with some companies charging nearly triple the rate for clean drivers.
• Alaska and New York: These states have relatively smaller increases, sometimes under 40%.
• Florida and Alaska: According to Forbes, these states have some of the lowest average rate increases after a DUI, around 28%.

Duration of DUI Impact on Driving Record

• A DUI can remain on your driving record for anywhere from 3 to 15 years, depending on state laws. This long presence can affect insurance premiums for several years, keeping rates elevated during this period.

Insurance Requirements After a DUI

• SR-22 Filing: Most states require drivers convicted of a DUI to file an SR-22 form, which is a certificate from your insurance company proving you carry the state’s minimum liability coverage. This is often necessary to reinstate a suspended license
• FR-44 Certification: In states like Florida and Virginia, an FR-44 form may be required instead of an SR-22, usually involving higher minimum coverage limits
• License Suspension: DUI convictions often lead to license suspension, which further complicates insurance and driving privileges

Not all insurance companies provide SR-22 or FR-44 filings, so you may need to switch to a carrier specializing in high-risk drivers3.

How to Find Affordable Car Insurance After a DUI

Finding cheap car insurance after a DUI requires effort, but it is possible with these strategies:

• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoiding additional violations or accidents can help reduce premiums over time.
• Bundle Insurance Policies: Combining auto insurance with home or renters insurance can yield significant discounts.
• Opt for Discounts on Payment Methods: Choosing paperless billing, automatic payments, or paying premiums in full may lower costs.
• Shop Around and Compare Quotes: Different insurers have varying underwriting standards; comparing rates can reveal the best deals for your situation.
• Increase Your Deductible: Raising your deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage lowers monthly premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim. Choose a deductible you can comfortably afford.

Challenges of High-Risk Insurance After a DUI

Being classified as a high-risk driver due to a DUI means fewer insurance companies will offer coverage, and those that do often charge significantly higher premiums. Rates can increase two to five times compared to drivers with clean records. This limited competition can make it harder to find affordable insurance, but specialized insurers and comparison services can help locate the best rates.