A DUI conviction is one of the most expensive things that can happen to your car insurance — and the financial pain lasts for years. The good news: you can still get insured, and your rates will eventually come back down if you stay clean and shop smart.
In this guide
How much a DUI raises your rates
Expect a big jump. A first DUI conviction typically raises your full-coverage premium by roughly 70% to 100% or more — in dollars, that's often an extra $1,500 to $3,000 per year, depending on your state, age, and insurer. In some states the surcharge is even steeper, and a second DUI can push you into the highest risk tier entirely.
Part of this is the conviction itself; part is that many insurers move you off their preferred rate plan onto a "non-standard" plan with higher base rates. The same coverage with the same company can simply cost far more once you're reclassified.
How long a DUI affects your insurance
For insurance purposes, a DUI typically stays on your record for 3 to 5 years, depending on the state. Some states look back further — California insurers, for example, count a DUI for 10 years.
The surcharge usually fades gradually rather than disappearing overnight. Many insurers reduce the penalty each year you're claim- and violation-free, and after the lookback period ends, your record is effectively clean for pricing purposes. But the criminal record and DMV record follow their own timelines, which can be longer.
The SR-22 filing requirement
Most states require drivers convicted of a DUI to carry an SR-22 — a certificate your insurer files with the state proving you meet minimum liability coverage. (Florida and Virginia use the similar FR-44.) It's not insurance itself; it's proof of insurance.
Typical SR-22 facts:
- Duration: usually required for 3 years, though it varies by state and offense.
- Cost: the filing itself is cheap (often a $15–$50 one-time fee), but the underlying policy is what's expensive.
- Lapses are dangerous: if your policy cancels while an SR-22 is required, your insurer must notify the state — which can suspend your license and restart the clock.
If your state requires one, see our detailed breakdown of SR-22 insurance in Texas for how the filing, costs, and timelines work in practice.
What if your insurer drops you?
This happens more often than people expect. Standard insurers can non-renew your policy after a DUI, especially a repeat offense. If that happens, you're not out of options:
- High-risk (non-standard) insurers specialize in drivers with DUIs, SR-22s, and multiple violations. Their base rates are higher, but they're often cheaper than a standard insurer's surcharge — and they actually want your business.
- Your state's assigned-risk plan guarantees coverage to drivers who can't get insured anywhere else. It's a last resort with high rates, but it keeps you legal and mobile.
- Non-owner SR-22 policies — if you don't own a car but need to satisfy an SR-22 to keep or reinstate your license, these liability-only policies are typically much cheaper (often a few hundred dollars a year).
How to lower your rate after a DUI
- Shop 5+ insurers, including non-standard ones — the gap between the cheapest and priciest quote after a DUI is enormous.
- Raise your deductibles — moving collision/comprehensive deductibles to $1,000 can cut premiums meaningfully.
- Complete a defensive driving course — some states mandate it after a DUI, and it can earn a small discount.
- Drop to liability-only on older cars — if the car's value is low, full coverage may not be worth it (but check SR-22 minimum requirements first).
- Bundle and use telematics — bundling home and auto, or a usage-based program that proves safe driving now, can shave 10–30%.
- Stay clean — nothing lowers the surcharge faster than years of violation-free driving. One more ticket during the penalty period can reset the pain.
And one more thing: higher liability limits are worth considering after a DUI — you're statistically more likely to cause a serious crash, so extra protection like umbrella insurance can be a smart safety net.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get car insurance right after a DUI?
Yes. Every driver can get insurance after a DUI — through a standard insurer willing to keep you, a non-standard high-risk insurer, or your state's assigned-risk plan as a last resort. You may also need an SR-22 filing.
Will a DUI affect my spouse's or family's rates?
It can. If you share a policy, the surcharge usually applies to the whole household's premium. Some insurers let you exclude a high-risk driver from the policy (meaning zero coverage if they drive), but rules vary by state.
Does a DUI show up if I switch insurance companies?
Yes — insurers share claims and violation history through databases like the CLUE report and check your motor vehicle record directly. Not disclosing a DUI is insurance fraud and can void your policy.
When will my rates go back to normal after a DUI?
Typically 3 to 5 years after the conviction, once it's outside your insurer's lookback period and you've kept a clean record. Some states are longer. The surcharge usually shrinks each clean year before it disappears.