CarInsurance.com Insights

  • Car insurance rates can increase anywhere from 35% to more than 300% after a DUI conviction.
  • North Carolina, Hawaii and Connecticut see the steepest premium hikes.
  • A second DUI can more than quadruple your insurance costs.

A DUI can raise your car insurance rates anywhere from 35% to more than 300%, depending on your state, insurance company and driving record. Because insurers see a DUI as a sign of higher risk, you may also face policy cancellation or have a harder time finding affordable coverage. In some cases, a single conviction can cause rates to triple.

Understanding how long a DUI affects your rates and what steps you can take afterward can help you prepare for the financial impact.

How much does insurance go up after a DUI?

“Insurance premiums could rise anywhere from 40% to 90% or more, depending on the insurance company, the state you live in, and the number of violations you have on your record,” says Lauren McKenzie, an insurance broker with A Plus Insurance.

Remember that your insurance rates will not automatically go up until your policy is due for renewal.

“For instance, if you have a six-month insurance policy, the rates will be adjusted upon the end of the six months at the beginning of a new insurance term,” she says. “That can give you time to shop around for other insurance companies to compare prices and find something affordable.”

How much does a DUI raise rates in your state?

Residents of North Carolina who get a DUI face the most significant increase in their insurance rates, 330%, followed by 241% in Hawaii, 208% in Connecticut, 190% in California and 182% in Michigan – an already expensive state for car insurance.

With a second DUI, your insurance rates will jump 544% in Michigan, 451% in Hawaii and 392% in Minnesota. In the table below, see how much you can expect to pay for car insurance in each state after a first and second DUI.

State Base rate DUI/DWI first offense Increase ($) Increase (%) DUI/DWI second offense Increase ($) Increase (%)
Alaska$2,167$3,132$96545%$3,994$1,82784%
Alabama$2,116$3,563$1,44768%$5,357$3,241153%
Arkansas$2,942$4,605$1,66357%$6,847$3,905133%
Arizona$2,420$3,799$1,37957%$5,010$2,590107%
California$3,444$9,979$6,535190%$15,860$12,416360%
Colorado$3,181$4,848$1,66752%$7,036$3,855121%
Connecticut$2,742$8,432$5,690208%$10,694$7,952290%
Washington, D.C.$3,465$5,254$1,78952%$6,686$3,22193%
Delaware$3,157$5,151$1,99463%$7,220$4,063129%
Florida$3,916$5,377$1,46137%$7,779$3,86399%
Georgia$2,503$4,599$2,09684%$8,040$5,537221%
Hawaii$1,757$5,983$4,226241%$9,679$7,922451%
Iowa$2,460$4,443$1,98381%$8,189$5,729233%
Idaho$1,901$3,362$1,46177%$5,581$3,680194%
Illinois$1,938$3,486$1,54880%$5,296$3,358173%
Indiana$1,894$3,391$1,49779%$5,190$3,296174%
Kansas$2,496$4,334$1,83874%$7,306$4,810193%
Kentucky$2,624$4,579$1,95575%$7,264$4,640177%
Louisiana$3,999$6,426$2,42761%$8,790$4,791120%
Massachusetts$2,429$4,683$2,25493%$6,865$4,436183%
Maryland$1,999$2,901$90245%$3,355$1,35668%
Maine$1,808$2,997$1,18966%$5,341$3,533195%
Michigan$3,964$11,189$7,225182%$25,528$21,564544%
Minnesota$2,591$6,348$3,757145%$12,750$10,159392%
Missouri$2,151$3,571$1,42066%$5,531$3,380157%
Mississippi$2,397$4,218$1,82176%$6,915$4,518188%
Montana$2,476$4,153$1,67768%$6,889$4,413178%
North Carolina$2,638$11,340$8,702330%$11,340$8,702330%
North Dakota$2,439$4,589$2,15088%$7,591$5,152211%
Nebraska$2,095$3,648$1,55374%$5,943$3,848184%
New Hampshire$1,689$2,808$1,11966%$4,204$2,515149%
New Jersey$3,122$6,300$3,178102%$8,469$5,347171%
New Mexico$2,577$4,174$1,59762%$5,519$2,942114%
Nevada$3,963$6,553$2,59065%$9,020$5,057128%
New York$2,596$4,649$2,05379%$5,938$3,342129%
Ohio$1,783$2,727$94453%$4,321$2,538142%
Oklahoma$2,993$4,442$1,44948%$6,776$3,783126%
Oregon$2,048$3,057$1,00949%$4,078$2,03099%
Pennsylvania$2,327$4,098$1,77176%$5,798$3,471149%
Rhode Island$2,878$6,282$3,404118%$9,080$6,202215%
South Carolina$2,417$3,669$1,25252%$5,457$3,040126%
South Dakota$2,575$5,335$2,760107%$9,031$6,456251%
Tennessee$2,235$3,875$1,64073%$5,727$3,492156%
Texas$3,106$5,137$2,03165%$6,762$3,656118%
Utah$2,356$3,342$98642%$5,284$2,928124%
Virginia$1,835$3,517$1,68292%$4,466$2,631143%
Vermont$1,660$3,358$1,698102%$5,188$3,528213%
Washington$2,389$3,541$1,15248%$4,889$2,500105%
Wisconsin$2,343$4,421$2,07889%$6,268$3,925168%
West Virginia$2,415$3,988$1,57365%$5,328$2,913121%
Wyoming$2,061$3,736$1,67581%$6,113$4,052197%

Which companies offer the cheapest insurance after a DUI?

Progressive and Travelers offer the smallest insurance rate increases after one DUI at 36% and 50%, respectively, with Farmers, State Farm and Allstate rounding out the five smallest increases.

See the insurance rates after a DUI from major companies in the table below.

CompanyClean/baseDUI/DWI first offenseIncrease ($)Increase (%)
Allstate$3,159$5,513$2,35475%
Amica$2,769$8,439$5,670205%
Farmers$3,207$5,455$2,24870%
GEICO$2,159$5,321$3,162146%
Nationwide$2,524$6,276$3,752149%
Progressive$2,569$3,486$91736%
State Farm$2,875$4,972$2,09773%
Travelers$1,962$2,933$97150%
USAA*$1,628$3,130$1,50292%

*USAA is available only to active-duty military, veterans and their eligible family members.

Explore our detailed guide on the difference between a DUI and a DWI

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How long does a DUI stay on your record?

Depending on your state, a DUI can stay on your motor vehicle record anywhere from five years to your lifetime. 

Here are examples of lengths in various states, according to Mark Friedlander, senior director, media relations for the Insurance Information Institute, an insurance industry association:

  • Arizona: Five years
  • California: 10 years
  • New York: 15 years
  • New Mexico: 55 years
  • Florida: 75 years
  • Illinois, Ohio and Vermont: Life

“However, a DUI will remain in your criminal history forever,” says attorney James Grant with Georgia Trial Attorneys at Kirchen & Grant. “Criminal offenses do not fall off your criminal history. The issue is how far back an insurance company will search your record. Most insurance companies only search for a seven to ten-year driving history. So, if your DUI occurred more than 10 years ago, chances are it will no longer affect your insurance rates.”

Friedlander says a first DUI conviction typically results in a minimum of seven consecutive years of annual surcharges added to your premium bill.

Car insurance with a DUI: Here’s what drivers with a DUI need to know.

How can you find cheap car insurance after a DUI?

Whether your existing carrier keeps your policy intact without cancellation or you have to get a new one, prepare to get several quotes to get the best shot at finding an affordable policy.

“Ideally, get a minimum of three quotes from national and regional insurers to compare costs and coverages,” Friedlander says. “You can obtain quotes online or work with a local insurance agent.”

McKenzie recommends working with an independent insurance broker, as these professionals can obtain quotes from multiple insurers, saving you time and money.

“Consider looking for smaller insurance companies. While the large ones are more likely to offer coverage, smaller ones that only operate in a limited number of states can often come through with better deals,” says attorney Ben Michael with Michael & Associates, a law firm in Austin, Texas.

You may also reduce insurance costs by pursuing discounts, such as bundling your homeowners and auto insurance and opting for paperless billing.

Sophie’s Tip

Your current insurer may not offer affordable rates after a DUI, so it pays to shop around. Comparing quotes from several insurance companies is free and could save you hundreds of dollars each year.

Final thoughts on shopping for car insurance after a DUI

Driving under the influence is considered one of the riskiest driving behaviors and should be avoided at all costs. It’s no surprise that getting car insurance can be increasingly challenging for those with a DUI on their motor vehicle record.

“It’s not impossible to obtain insurance coverage after a DUI conviction. Just be aware that, if you can get coverage, it will likely take 10 years before your rates return to normal,” Grant says.

Frequently Asked Questions: Car insurance with a DUI

How much will my car insurance go up after a DUI?

On average, car insurance rates increase between 35% to more than 300% after a DUI, depending on your state, insurer and driving history, based on CarInsurance.com’s data analysis. 

How long will a DUI affect my insurance rates?

Most insurers apply a DUI surcharge for at least seven years. In some states, the DUI itself stays on your driving record even longer, which can affect your premiums during that time.

Do I need an SR-22 or FR-44 after a DUI?

Many states require an SR-22 (or FR-44 in Florida and Virginia) to prove you carry the required coverage. This form includes filing fees and must remain in effect for several years.

Can I get cheap car insurance after a DUI?

Rates will be higher, but you can save by comparing quotes, increasing your deductible, completing safe driving or DUI education programs and asking about discounts.

Will my current insurer drop me after a DUI?

It’s possible. Some insurers refuse to renew policies after a DUI, while others continue coverage but at a much higher premium. If you’re dropped, you’ll need to shop for a high-risk insurer.

Does a DUI affect only my car insurance?

No. A DUI can also affect employment opportunities, professional licenses and even your ability to rent a car. Insurance is just one part of the financial impact.

Which states have the highest insurance increases after a DUI?

The biggest premium hikes after a DUI are in North Carolina, Hawaii and Connecticut. In North Carolina, rates more than triple. Other states with steep increases include California, Michigan and Minnesota. In contrast, some states see smaller jumps, but every DUI conviction leads to higher costs nationwide.

Resources & Methodology

Methodology

CarInsurance.com analyzed millions of auto insurance quotes, using data from its 2026 State of Auto Insurance Report to calculate average rates.

Estimated premiums are based on a sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score, carrying a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage, unless otherwise stated.

The rates are for comparison purposes only. Your actual premium will vary based on your location, driving history, vehicle type, deductible selection and coverage needs. Read the detailed methodology for more information.

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Meet our editorial team
author-img Shivani GiteContributing Writer
Shivani Gite is an insurance and personal finance writer with a degree in journalism. She specializes in simplifying complex insurance topics, providing readers with clear and accessible guidance to make informed coverage and financial decisions.
author-img Laura LongeroEditor-in-Chief
Laura Longero is the editor-in-chief of CarInsurance.com and a Nevada-based insurance expert. With more than 15 years of experience simplifying complex financial and insurance topics, she provides clear, trustworthy guidance to help drivers make confident coverage decisions. She serves as a media spokesperson for CarInsurance.com and has been featured in Consumer Affairs, MotorTrend and Business Insider, and completed the pre-licensing course in Personal Lines Property & Casualty Insurance.