How a DUI affects your insurance
Insurers treat a DUI or DWI conviction as a major violation because it's strongly linked to serious crashes. NHTSA reports that drunk-driving crashes kill thousands of people in the U.S. every year. Expect some or all of the following:
- A large surcharge at your next renewal, typically much bigger than for a speeding ticket.
- Loss of discounts such as safe driver or claims-free discounts.
- Possible non-renewal. Some insurers don't renew policies after a DUI. States require advance written notice before non-renewal.
- A move to a higher-risk tier or to an insurer that specializes in drivers with violations.
We don't publish a standard percentage increase, because it varies widely by state, insurer and your full driving history.
What typically happens to your current policy
A conviction usually affects your premium at renewal rather than mid-term. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, many policies and state laws allow the insurer to cancel mid-term or exclude you as a driver. If you live with others on a shared policy, the insurer may ask to exclude you while your license is suspended, which removes coverage for you entirely when you drive.
Tell your insurer about license changes when the policy requires it. Hiding a suspension can lead to a denied claim or a canceled policy.
SR-22 and FR-44 filings
An SR-22 is not a separate type of insurance. It's a certificate your insurer files with the state showing that you carry at least the required liability coverage. If the policy lapses, the insurer notifies the state, which can suspend your license again.
| Filing | Where it's used | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| SR-22 | Most states that use a proof-of-insurance filing | Proof of at least the state's minimum liability limits for a set period |
| FR-44 (Florida) | Certain alcohol-related offenses, including DUI | Liability of at least $100,000 per person, $300,000 per crash for injuries and $50,000 for property damage, according to Florida HSMV |
| FR-44 (Virginia) | Certain alcohol-related offenses, including DUI | Liability limits of twice the standard required minimum |
For a full explanation, see our guide to SR-22 insurance.
How long a DUI affects your insurance
Two clocks run at once:
- The state filing period. The state sets how long you must keep an SR-22 or FR-44. The California DMV, for example, requires SR-22 proof for three years after certain DUI suspensions. If your coverage lapses during the period, the state may suspend your license again and the clock can restart.
- The insurer's look-back period. Each insurer decides how long a DUI affects your rate. Many look back several years for major violations, and some longer. A DUI may also stay on your state driving record longer than the insurer uses it.
Ask your state DMV for your exact filing end date, and ask insurers how long they surcharge a DUI.
If you don't own a car
You may still need an SR-22 or FR-44 to get your license back. A non-owner policy can satisfy the filing requirement. It covers your liability when you drive cars you don't own, but not damage to those cars. If you later buy a car, you'll need an owner's policy with the filing moved to it.
If you live with someone whose car you might drive, ask the insurer how that affects your options. Many non-owner policies don't cover cars owned by people in your household, and the household policy may need to list or exclude you.
If you move while a filing is required
A filing requirement usually follows you. The state that ordered the SR-22 or FR-44 typically expects it to stay in place for the full period even if you move, and your new state may not issue you a license until the old requirement is satisfied. Before moving, ask both states' DMVs what they need, and ask your insurer whether it can keep the filing active for the original state while insuring you in the new one.
Questions to ask insurers after a DUI
- Will you file an SR-22 or FR-44 in my state, and is there a filing fee?
- How long will the DUI affect my premium with your company?
- Will my other drivers or cars on the policy be affected?
- Do you require me to be excluded while my license is suspended?
- What happens if a payment is late during the filing period?
Finding coverage after a DUI
- Get quotes from several insurers. Prices for drivers with a DUI vary a lot, and some insurers specialize in higher-risk drivers.
- Confirm the insurer can file in your state. Not every company offers SR-22 or FR-44 filings.
- Compare full coverage and liability-only options if your car is paid off, while meeting any filing limit requirements.
- Use your state's residual market if needed. Every state has a plan, often called an assigned risk plan, for drivers who can't get coverage elsewhere.
- Set up automatic payments. A lapse during the filing period can restart the requirement and suspend your license.
The premium estimator includes a DUI scenario so you can see a rough estimate before you shop.
Ways to manage costs over time
- Keep continuous coverage with no missed payments.
- Complete any required alcohol education or treatment programs and keep proof.
- Avoid any new violations, since a second offense makes coverage much harder to find.
- Consider higher deductibles or dropping collision on an older car to offset the surcharge.
- Re-shop when the filing period ends and again as the DUI ages out of insurers' look-back periods.
This guide is general information. For questions about your case, license status or court requirements, contact your state DMV or a licensed attorney. For how violations fit into pricing overall, see how rates are calculated.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?
It varies widely by insurer, state and driving history, so there's no single figure. A DUI is treated as a major violation and usually brings one of the largest surcharges an insurer applies.
Can my insurance company drop me after a DUI?
Some insurers choose not to renew after a DUI, and many can cancel mid-term if your license is suspended. States require advance written notice before cancellation or non-renewal.
What is an FR-44?
It's a financial responsibility certificate used in Florida and Virginia for certain alcohol-related offenses. It requires higher liability limits than a standard SR-22, such as 100/300/50 in Florida.
How long do I need an SR-22 after a DUI?
The state sets the period. The California DMV, for example, requires three years of SR-22 proof after certain DUI suspensions. A lapse can restart the requirement.
Do I need an SR-22 if I don't own a car?
If your state requires one to reinstate your license, yes. A non-owner policy with an SR-22 filing can meet the requirement.
Related guides
How we estimate this
This guide explains general rules and practices. Insurance terms vary by state, insurer and policy — check your policy documents and your state insurance department for the rules that apply to you. For cost estimates, try our calculators. Read the full methodology.