The cheapest car insurance companies after a DUI are State Farm, Travelers, and Progressive, according to WalletHub’s analysis. A DUI conviction makes it harder to get car insurance and increases premiums by a range of 7% to 296%, depending on the state and insurer, so it’s important to get the cheapest coverage possible.
Key Things to Know About DUI Insurance
- A DUI conviction is one of several factors that insurers use to determine risk, and each insurer calculates premiums differently.
- Every state has a last-resort program that provides car insurance to drivers convicted of DUI and other serious offenses who can’t get coverage elsewhere.
- Insurance rates can increase by up to 296% after a first DUI, on average, depending on the state and insurance company.
- The best thing to do after a DUI is never let it happen again. Both criminal and insurance penalties are far more significant for repeat offenders.
Cheapest Car Insurance After A DUI
The cheapest car insurance companies after a DUI are:
But it’s important to keep in mind that quotes vary widely between states and drivers, so the cheapest option for you might be different. Below, we list the cheapest insurers after one DUI for drivers in each state and the District of Columbia.
Cheapest Car Insurance Company After A DUI by State
Shopping around for coverage is always the best way to find cheap car insurance, especially if you have a DUI on your record. To that end, the WalletHub car insurance search tool can help you compare multiple insurers at once.
Average DUI Insurance Costs
The average cost of car insurance after a DUI is $1,395 per year, which is 108% more than the average cost of insurance for someone with a clean driving record. The exact cost of DUI insurance depends on the driver’s state and insurance company.
For example, drivers in Alaska only see their rates go up by an average of 36% after a DUI, while drivers in North Carolina pay an average of 296% more. Similarly, while Erie Insurance raises rates by an average of 62% after a DUI, Progressive’s rates only go up by an average of 7%.
Average DUI Insurance Cost Increase
| Insurer | Cost Before DUI | Cost After DUI | Increase for DUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $852 per year | $913 per year | 7% |
| USAA | $872 per year | $1,309 per year | 50% |
| Erie | $1,123 per year | $1,813 per year | 61% |
| State Farm | $1,591 per year | $1,765 per year | 11% |
| Allstate | $1,616 per year | $2,139 per year | 32% |
Note: Quotes reflect minimum coverage in New York for a 45-year-old driver with a clean driving record versus a single DUI conviction.
Average DUI Insurance Cost Increase by State
| State | Cost Before DUI | Cost After DUI | Increase for DUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $717 per year | $1,770 per year | 147% |
| Texas | $773 per year | $1,222 per year | 58% |
| Florida | $1,242 per year | $2,001 per year | 61% |
| New York | $1,719 per year | $2,888 per year | 68% |
| Pennsylvania | $611 per year | $1,296 per year | 112% |
Note: Quotes reflect minimum coverage for a 45-year-old driver with a clean driving record versus a single DUI conviction.
4 Tips For Rebounding From A DUI
1. Make sure to comply with SR-22 requirements
You or your insurer may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 certification with the state to confirm that you are carrying the minimum required car insurance. The requirement lasts for three years in many states.
2. Don’t overlook non-owner insurance
If you don’t need a car of your own, you can save on car insurance by getting a non-owner policy. Non-owner car insurance will satisfy your state’s liability insurance requirement so that you can get your driver’s license reinstated.
3. Don’t let it happen again
The consequences of a second or third DUI conviction are far more serious than the first. Whatever number you’re at, do whatever it takes to make sure you don’t repeat your bad behavior. Drunk driving is not only dangerous for your wallet, but it also endangers your life and the lives of other people on the road.
4. Do the math for alternate transportation
Getting back on the road after a DUI is expensive. In addition to increased insurance costs, you’ll have many fines and fees to pay to get your driver’s license reinstated. It pays to weigh those costs – and the other costs of driving – against transportation alternatives. Even relying on taxis and car hailing services like Uber might be cheaper than driving after a DUI.
What to Do If You Are Denied Car Insurance After a DUI
If you have a valid driver’s license but you keep getting turned down for insurance, your state government can help. Each state has a program to provide a last resort form of liability insurance to drivers and enable them to legally get back on the road.
Normally these “assigned risk” programs are more expensive than other options and only provide liability insurance. So make sure you shop around before resorting to your state’s program for the riskiest drivers.
To learn more about assigned risk plans, read WalletHub's full assigned risk auto insurance answer.
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