How Does a DUI Affect My Auto Insurance?

Getting a single DUI conviction can negatively affect your life in many ways. Having too many drinks may seem harmless at the time, but the second you get behind the wheel intoxicated, you put yourself and others at risk. If you're lucky enough to not hurt anyone, you will still face fines, potential jail times, and skyrocketing auto insurance premiums.

DUI vs. DWI

Depending on where you live, you may get convicted of DUI or a DWI; however, there's little difference between the two. DUI stands for "driving under the influence," while DWI is "driving while intoxicated." Both describe someone driving a vehicle while legally impaired (i.e. over the legal limit) from alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or inhalants.

DUI convictions and car insurance

State penalties vary for getting a DUI. Fines range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of your case. It's also possible that you could be sentenced to jail time, depending on the circumstances. And your driver's license may get suspended or revoked.

Having a DUI is a major red flag for your auto insurer, and they will view you as a much riskier policyholder. At the very least, your car insurance premiums will increase significantly. In the most extreme DUI cases, your insurance rate could increase by 300%. Traffic violations cause premiums to go up because insurers know you're more likely to get another violation or get involved in a car crash.  

In the most extreme DUI cases, your insurance rate could increase by 300%.

After getting a DUI, you could lose your auto insurance, especially if you have other violations on your driving record. Your provider could drop you immediately or choose not to renew your policy. That would force you to get coverage somewhere else, which could be challenging with a DUI on your record. 

Fulfilling SR22 insurance requirements

Following a DUI conviction, some states require you to carry SR22 insurance. SR22 insurance is required when you're deemed "high-risk" by an auto insurer. That could happen if you get...

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