How Ignition Interlock Devices Impact Your Car Insurance After DUI Charges
Understanding the relationship between IIDs and insurance rates can prevent costly mistakes and may help you find more affordable coverage.
Key Takeaways:
- Higher premiums for car insurance after DUI charges are related to the conviction itself, not the ignition interlock device (IID).
- Mandatory IIDs typically do not raise or lower standard auto insurance rates.
- Staying IID-compliant helps prevent additional violations that may worsen your rates.
After a DUI conviction, the bills start adding up fast. There are court fees, lawyer’s fees, and the cost of car insurance after a DUI. When the judge orders an ignition interlock device, sometimes called a breathalyzer, it’s natural to wonder if this can push your rates even higher.
The answer depends on your situation. While the interlock device won't directly spike your rates, how you handle the overall situation could make a real difference in what you pay.
This informational blog shares what you need to know about IIDs and insurance rates, but it is not to be used as legal advice. Always consult a qualified DUI attorney to assist with any alcohol-related driving charge you may be facing. If you have immediate questions, call a Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions licensed agent at (833) 786-0237.
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
An ignition interlock device is a car breathalyzer that connects to your vehicle's ignition system. It requires you to blow into the device and measure your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) before you can start your car. If the device detects a BrAC over a preset limit (typically 0.02 g/dL), your engine won’t start.
While driving, the IID may prompt you for random retests. Depending on your state laws, it also may log breath test attempts with photos and download this data during regularly scheduled service appointments or through cellular connections that upload in real time. This information is then sent to your state's monitoring authorities.
How a DUI Conviction Influences Insurance Rates
Insurance carriers view drivers with a DUI as a major risk, so higher car insurance premiums at renewal are mostly inevitable. The exact spike varies depending on your state, insurance company, and previous driving record. The price for car insurance after a DUI increases by around a national average of 72% at the next renewal following the violation. This increase may stay in force for three to five years.
The connection between a DUI and insurance premiums often goes beyond a simple price increase. Rather than take on the additional risk, insurers may drop (non-renew) you altogether after a DUI conviction. If this happens, you may need to find coverage in the high-risk insurance market, where options are limited and costs are significantly higher. Our guide on how to find affordable high-risk insurance walks you through the process step-by-step.
Tip: If you're ready to shop for better rates that won’t skyrocket or non-renew at renewal, give our licensed insurance agents a call at (833) 786-0237. Breathe Easy makes comparison shopping painless by gathering quotes from up to 11 carriers in just one phone call.
The Insurance Impact of Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs)
When it comes to ignition interlock insurance rates, the reason behind your installation matters more than the device itself.
IID Installation: Mandatory vs. Voluntary
Courts often order a mandatory IID installation after a DUI conviction. In this case, it’s the DUI, rather than the device, that leads to an increase in insurance premiums.
Some people voluntarily install IIDs for teen drivers or as part of a personal recovery program. Insurers may view this as a safety feature that reduces risk, but it's unlikely that they'll offer a premium discount.
Can Installing an IID Reduce Your Insurance Premium?
The risk associated with the DUI conviction itself is what leads to the higher cost of car insurance after a DUI. Installing an IID does not erase the original misjudgment, so it won’t trigger your rates to drop. Since you’re already likely seeing a spike in your car insurance after DUI charges, it’s unlikely the device itself will increase it even further.
However, complying with court-ordered IID requirements may help you avoid additional violations that could make the situation worse. Failed tests, tampering with the device, or missing service or calibration appointments could lead to a license suspension. This further damages your driving record and could possibly lead to another rate increase.
SR‑22/FR‑44 Certificates and IID Compliance
After a DUI conviction, many states require you to file an SR-22 certificate for a set period (typically three years). This is not actually car insurance. Instead, it’s proof that you’re continually carrying the minimum auto liability insurance coverage. Two states, Florida and Virginia, use FR-44 certificates for DUIs instead. They work the same way but require higher coverage amounts.
If your insurance lapses for even one day, your carrier notifies the state. This may lead to fines, registration issues, extension of SR-22 or FR-44 requirements, and immediate license suspension. While ignition interlock and SR-22 requirements are not directly related, failing to comply with interlock usage requirements could violate your SR-22/FR-44 and lead to more financial and legal trouble.
If you need immediate guidance on SR-22/FR-44 filing requirements or help understanding how IID compliance affects your insurance obligations, our licensed agents are here to help. Call us at (833) 786-0237.
6 Tips to Manage Car Insurance Costs After a DUI
The cost of car insurance after DUI charges can hit your budget hard. While you can’t erase the conviction, a few smart moves could help you find better rates and avoid making the situation worse.
1. Comparison Shop for Quotes
The cheapest DUI insurance may come from a carrier that specializes in high-risk insurance after a DUI. Get quotes from at least three different carriers, including carriers that focus on SR-22/FR-44 coverage. Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions shops up to 11 carriers at once through our quoting tool. Shop around every six months, since rates can change and new options may become available. (833) 786-0237 to get started today.
2. Complete a Defensive Driving Class
Many states allow you to take a defensive driving course. This can potentially reduce points on your license and show insurers you’re serious about improving your driving. Some carriers offer discounts for completing these courses, even after a DUI conviction. Check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see which courses they accept. And ask potential insurers if they offer discounts for completion.
3. Maintain a Clean Driving Record
When you’re already dealing with high car insurance after a DUI, additional violations can make it significantly worse. Even minor issues like a speeding ticket could push your premiums higher or cause some insurers to non-renew you entirely.
4. Look for Discounts
Even though car insurance after a DUI is more expensive, some standard discounts may still apply. If you have more than one car, you may qualify for a multi-vehicle discount. If applicable, ask about a good student discount or bundling with homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. Some insurers also offer discounts for automatic payments, paperless billing, or vehicles with safety features.
5. Consider a Non-Owner Policy
If you don't own a vehicle, or have regular access to one vehicle, but need to maintain car insurance after a DUI for SR-22 purposes, consider a non-owner policy. These policies provide liability coverage when you drive vehicles you don't own or have regular access to, like rentals or borrowed cars. They typically cost significantly less than regular auto insurance and meet SR-22 requirements to help you regain your license.
6. Remain Compliant with Your IID
Failing to comply with all IID rules could lead to legal consequences. Any additional violations make it harder to find affordable car insurance after a DUI and extend the time you’re classified as a high-risk driver.
Ready to start comparison shopping for better rates? Breathe Easy Insurance can help you compare quotes from multiple carriers. Call (833) 786-0237 to get started.
Common Myths vs. Facts About IIDs and Insurance
There’s a lot of confusion about IIDs and insurance. Here are the facts:
| Myth | Fact |
| Installing an interlock automatically lowers your insurance rates. | If you have a DUI conviction, installing an IID is unlikely to lower premiums. |
| Having an IID makes insurers see you as an even higher risk. | Insurers typically focus on your driving record, rather than the ignition interlock installation. |
| Your insurance company doesn’t have to know about your ignition interlock device. | If you are legally required to install an interlock, the state will typically notify your insurer. |
| Your insurance will automatically improve once your ignition interlock is removed. | Your DUI conviction affects rates for years regardless of IID status. |
Regain Freedom with Responsible Driving
Getting a DUI changes your life, but it doesn’t have to define it. The path back to affordable car insurance after a DUI starts with meeting your current requirements and staying compliant. Most insurers reassess your risk level every few years, and successfully completing your IID requirements to regain an unrestricted license demonstrates responsibility.
Stay on top of your IID service appointments, maintain continuous insurance coverage, and avoid any new violations. While the process takes time, each month of responsible driving brings you closer to standard rates and broader insurance options.
Get a Quote for SR-22 Car Insurance Today
Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions specializes in helping drivers find affordable and dependable car insurance after a DUI. Our licensed agents understand the complexities of high-risk insurance and can help you compare options from multiple carriers.
Call (833) 786-0237 or request a quote online to get started now.