A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can have serious legal and financial consequences including a sharp spike in your car insurance premiums. After a conviction, many drivers find that their once-affordable policy has doubled or even tripled in price.
But here’s the good news:
You can lower your car insurance after a DUI, and with time and the right strategy, you may even return to reasonable rates.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- Why DUIs raise your rates
- How long DUI-related increases last
- Step-by-step strategies to reduce your premium
- How to shop for affordable DUI insurance
- Tips to rebuild your driving record and reputation
Let’s get started.
How a DUI Affects Car Insurance Rates
When you’re convicted of a DUI, insurers classify you as a high-risk driver. That makes you statistically more likely to file claims and your insurance rate reflects that risk.
Here’s what typically happens:
- Your current insurer may cancel or non-renew your policy
- If you remain with the same provider, your rate may increase by 40% to 100%+
- You may be required to file an SR-22 (or FR-44 in Florida and Virginia)
- You’ll face higher premiums for 3 to 10 years, depending on your state
Average Rate Increases After a DUI
| State | Avg. % Increase | Avg. Premium After DUI |
| California | 120% | $4,165/year |
| Florida | 90% | $3,840/year |
| Texas | 80% | $3,210/year |
| New York | 65% | $2,900/year |
| Illinois | 85% | $2,950/year |
Source: Alias Insurance rate analysis, 2025
10 Ways to Lower Car Insurance After a DUI
Even with a DUI on your record, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your insurance costs over time.
1. Compare Multiple DUI Insurance Providers
Not all insurers treat DUIs the same. Some will drop you after one conviction, while others specialize in high-risk drivers.
Use a quote comparison tool like Alias Insurance to:
- Get quotes from multiple DUI-friendly insurers
- Compare SR-22 requirements
- Find affordable full coverage options
Pro tip: Be honest about your DUI during the quote process. Hiding it can lead to policy cancellation later.
2. Complete a Defensive Driving or DUI Education Course
Many states offer DUI education or defensive driving classes that can:
- Shorten your license suspension period
- Lower your insurance rate (up to 10–15%)
- Help you fulfill court or DMV requirements
Ask your insurer if they offer discounts for completing a certified course.
3. Maintain a Clean Record Moving Forward
Every ticket, accident, or claim after your DUI makes you riskier in the eyes of insurers. To rebuild trust and lower your premium:
- Avoid speeding and moving violations
- Drive safely and defensively
- Never drive without insurance
After 3 years of clean driving, you may qualify for lower-risk rates again.
4. Raise Your Deductibles
If you’re paying for full coverage, increasing your collision and comprehensive deductibles can lower your premium.
| Deductible | Avg. Monthly Cost |
| $500 | $260–$300 |
| $1,000 | $230–$250 |
| $1,500 | $200–$220 |
Only do this if you can comfortably cover the deductible out of pocket.
5. Reduce Coverage on Older Cars
If your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, consider dropping:
- Collision
- Comprehensive
Just keep liability (and SR-22 if required). This can cut your rate significantly but only do this if you can afford to replace your car if it’s totaled.
6. Consider Usage-Based Insurance
Some insurers offer telematics programs that track your driving behavior in real time. If you’re driving safely after your DUI, this can prove it and lead to discounts.
Popular programs include:
- Progressive Snapshot
- State Farm Drive Safe & Save
- GEICO DriveEasy
- Allstate Drivewise
These apps reward smooth braking, low mileage, and daytime driving.
7. Drive a Low-Risk Vehicle
The type of car you drive affects your rate. High-performance or luxury vehicles = higher risk.
For cheaper post-DUI insurance, choose a car that:
- Has strong safety ratings
- Is inexpensive to repair
- Has a low theft rate
- Is NOT modified or performance-enhanced
Low-Risk Vehicle Examples:
| Vehicle | Avg. Premium (Post-DUI) |
| Toyota Corolla | $2,200/year |
| Honda Civic | $2,150/year |
| Subaru Outback | $2,300/year |
| Hyundai Elantra | $2,250/year |
| Ford Escape | $2,275/year |
8. Bundle Your Insurance Policies
If you own or rent a home, bundling with the same insurer can save 10–25% on your auto policy even after a DUI.
Ask about multi-policy discounts, and get quotes that include auto + renters or homeowners insurance.
9. Ask About Affiliation or Employer Discounts
Some insurers still honor:
- Employer affiliations
- College alumni networks
- Military discounts
- Union or professional associations
These can offset some of the rate increase after a DUI. It never hurts to ask.
10. Reevaluate Your Policy Every 6–12 Months
DUI penalties fade with time. Don’t assume you’re stuck with sky-high premiums forever.
Every 6–12 months:
- Re-shop your policy
- Check if your SR-22 requirement is ending
- Look for loyalty or accident-free discounts
Even a 1-year-old DUI looks better to insurers than a recent one so your options improve over time.
What Is an SR-22, and How Does It Work?
An SR-22 is not insurance it’s a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry the minimum required auto insurance after a major driving violation like a DUI.
Key facts:
- Required by many states after a DUI
- Must be filed by your insurer with the state
- Usually needed for 3 to 5 years
- If your policy lapses, your license may be suspended
Some insurers don’t offer SR-22s. Use Alias Insurance to find companies that do.
Can You Switch Insurance Providers With a DUI?
Yes. Even if you’re required to carry an SR-22, you can shop and switch providers.
Just make sure:
- Your new provider can file the SR-22
- You don’t cancel your old policy until the new one is active
- Your new coverage meets state minimums and court requirements
Switching can often lower your rate, especially if your current insurer doesn’t specialize in high-risk drivers.
Real-Life Case Study
Driver: Taylor, 33
Location: Houston, TX
DUI Conviction: July 2023
Previous Insurer: Cancelled after DUI
Initial Quote: $4,800/year with SR-22
What They Did:
- Used Alias Insurance to compare high-risk providers
- Switched to a telematics-based policy with Progressive
- Raised deductibles to $1,000
- Bundled with renters insurance
New Premium: $2,980/year
Annual Savings: $1,820
Taylor said:
“I was overwhelmed at first, but with the right tools and some changes, I cut my premium nearly in half.”
FAQs: Car Insurance After a DUI
It depends on your state and provider, but expect an increase of 40% to 100% or more. Luxury cars and younger drivers often see even higher spikes.
Typically 3 to 7 years, though the DUI may remain on your record longer. Rates improve sooner with a clean record and defensive driving.
Yes. It may be more expensive and require an SR-22, but many insurers offer DUI car insurance for high-risk drivers.
No. Only certain states require SR-22s. However, if you move to a new state, you must maintain the SR-22 requirement from your original state until it’s fulfilled.
Only if allowed by your court or DMV. Usually, you must complete the full requirement period before removing the SR-22 filing.
Final Thoughts
Getting a DUI is a serious offense but it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to pay inflated car insurance forever. With the right steps, you can lower your premium, regain financial stability, and rebuild your driving record.
Here’s what to remember:
- Shop around with DUI-friendly insurers
- Take action with defensive driving courses and clean driving
- Adjust your policy to match your budget
- Stay consistent, and your rates will improve over time
Use Alias Insurance to find the best post-DUI coverage options in your area,so you can move forward, affordably and responsibly.
