Car Insurance After a DUI: What to Expect

Updated May 28, 2026 · 5 min read

A DUI (or DWI) is one of the most expensive things that can happen to your car insurance. It affects not just your rate, but whether some insurers will cover you at all. Here’s what to expect — and how to keep the cost manageable.

Your premium will go up — a lot

After a DUI, most drivers see their premium rise sharply — often 70% to over 100%, depending on your state and insurer. The increase reflects that, statistically, a driver with a DUI is much more likely to file a future claim.

You may need an SR-22 (or FR-44)

Many states require you to file an SR-22 — a certificate your insurer submits proving you carry at least the minimum required coverage. A few states (like Florida and Virginia) require the higher FR-44, which mandates coverage above the standard minimums. The filing itself is cheap; the higher premium is the real cost.

How long it lasts

• A DUI typically affects your insurance rates for 3–5 years, though it can stay on your driving record much longer (in some states, 10 years or permanently).
• The biggest increases usually fade over time if you stay violation-free.

Your insurer might not renew you

Some standard insurers will non-renew a policy after a DUI. If that happens, you’re not out of options — several carriers specialize in high-risk drivers. They’re used to SR-22 filings and DUIs, and their rates for this situation are often more competitive than a standard insurer’s surcharged rate.

How to keep the cost down

• Compare quotes from high-risk specialists, not just your current insurer. The price difference can be large.
• Complete any required programs (DUI/alcohol education) — some insurers factor this in.
• Don’t let your policy lapse, especially with an active SR-22, or you can restart the clock and risk another suspension.
• Keep the rest of your record clean — time and safe driving bring rates back down.

The bottom line

A DUI makes car insurance more expensive and can force you to switch carriers, but coverage is still available. Because insurers price DUIs very differently — and some specialize in it — comparing multiple quotes is the single best way to find an affordable policy after a DUI.