How Much Is DUI Insurance per Month? What Matters and How to Save
DUI insurance means navigating tighter underwriting rules, fewer carrier options, added state filings, and increased costs until you reestablish a clean driving record.
Key Takeaways:
- DUI insurance isn’t a separate policy; it refers to the higher premiums, stricter rules, and state filings that may be required after a conviction.
- Rates can rise 50–200% and remain elevated for three to five years, with costs varying widely by state and insurer.
- High-risk brokers specialize in DUI cases, helping drivers compare carriers, meet state requirements, and secure affordable coverage despite tougher underwriting.
The rules change once a DUI is on your driving record. Rates jump. Requirements tighten. Some insurance carriers step away entirely. Others charge more than your budget can handle. DUI insurance is commonly used to describe what happens to your auto insurance after a DUI conviction. You may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 with the state, you will likely be classified as a high-risk driver, and you can expect higher premiums for several years.
DUI insurance means navigating tighter underwriting rules, fewer carrier options, added state filings, and increased costs until you reestablish a clean driving record. But you don't have to do it alone.
This informational blog is not to be used as legal advice. Always consult a qualified DUI attorney to assist with any drunk driving charge you may be facing. If you have immediate questions about SR-22 insurance, call a Breathe Easy licensed insurance agent at (833)786-0237.
How Much is DUI Insurance per Month After a DUI?
Drivers often ask how much their insurance will go up after a DUI. While price changes vary by state, it is common for premiums to rise 50 to 200% depending on the company and the severity of the incident.
Several factors may cause your rate to surge after a DUI:
- Risk reassessment by insurers: Your DUI adds a major violation that signals increased likelihood of future claims.
- State compliance needs: Many states require SR-22 filings after a DUI which adds administrative costs.
- Underwriting restrictions: Some carriers will not cover DUI drivers, which limits your options and drives prices higher.
- Duration of impact: Carriers in most states look at a DUI for three to five years when calculating your rate.
- Loss experience: If your DUI involved an accident or property damage, the price may rise even more.
What Does Being a High-Risk Driver Mean?
Being labeled a high-risk driver after a DUI conviction means insurance companies see you as more likely to cause accidents or drive claims. It reflects the legal consequences of impaired driving and the longer-term financial burden of being considered unsafe on the road.
When Do Insurance Rates Typically Go Up after a DUI?
Insurance rates typically rise immediately after a DUI conviction, often starting with your next policy renewal. Premiums usually remain elevated for three to five years, depending on state laws and insurer policies. Some companies may even cancel or refuse renewal, forcing drivers to seek specialized high-risk coverage.
Which Other Factors Affect Your Total DUI Conviction Costs?
The financial consequences of a DUI are steep and may come from multiple directions:
- Court fines: Depending on state laws, fines can reach as high as $3,000.
- Legal representation: Hiring a defense attorney may range from $2,500 to $12,000.
- License reinstatement: Restoring driving privileges after suspension can cost several hundred dollars.
- Ignition interlock device: Many states mandate IID installation, which can total $1,200–$3,000.
- Additional expenses: These may include alcohol education programs, counseling, bail, probation, and even towing fees.
Together, these costs make a DUI one of the most financially burdensome traffic violations a driver can face.
How Much Is DUI Insurance per Month by State?
The financial impact of a DUI is largely determined by the state in which the offense occurs. Penalties differ across jurisdictions, with minimum fines set according to the seriousness of the violation and whether the driver has prior DUI convictions. The overall expense ranges widely depending on location and individual circumstances.
For example, on average, premiums for California motorists rise by about $2,380 annually, pushing the total yearly bill to roughly $5,347. This makes California the most expensive state for drivers carrying a DUI conviction on their record.
Here are four other expensive DUI states:
Indiana
- Insurance increase: +$1,364 (from $1,914 to $3,278 annually)
- Minimum fines: $5,000
- Reinstatement and other fees: $250
- Total estimated cost: $6,614
- Indiana's steep $5,000 fine is among the highest in the nation.
Illinois
- Insurance increase: +$1,717 (from $2,060 to $3,777 annually)
- Minimum fines: $2,500
- Reinstatement and other fees: $250
- Total estimated cost: $4,467
- Cases involving injury or death can escalate to felony charges with fines up to $25,000.
Delaware
- Insurance increase: +$1,862 (from $2,639 to $4,501 annually)
- Minimum fines: $1,500
- Reinstatement and other fees: $200
- Total estimated cost: $3,562
South Dakota
- Insurance increase: +$1,454 (from $2,721 to $4,175 annually)
- Minimum fines: $2,000
- Reinstatement and other fees: $50
- Total estimated cost: $3,504
Breathe Easy Insurance partners with numerous DUI-forgiving insurance providers. Our licensed agents match you to the most affordable carrier that still provides the coverage you require, making sure you don’t overpay because of past mistakes.
How an Insurance Broker Can Help You Save on DUI Insurance
The monthly cost of DUI insurance varies widely because each insurance company uses its own criteria to determine rates. Factors that often influence pricing include:
- severity of the DUI offense
- driver’s age
- state where DUI occurred
- vehicle type
- any prior convictions
Because these criteria aren’t standardized, premiums can feel unpredictable and often much higher than expected. Carriers place significant weight on driving history and past claims; drivers with multiple violations or accidents are likely to face higher premiums, even with carriers that specialize in high-risk coverage.
Breathe Easy Insurance agents help you navigate this complexity by comparing multiple carriers, identifying those more flexible with high-risk drivers, and tailoring coverage to your budget. Our agents often secure lower monthly rates than drivers could find on their own.
Let Breathe Easy Help Reduce Your DUI Insurance Costs
A high-risk DUI insurance brokerage like Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions focuses on drivers with DUIs, major violations, or lapses in coverage. We understand risk pools, state requirements, and underwriting guidelines that impact your premiums, and we position your application so companies evaluate you fairly.
Contact our licensed agents to discuss your DUI conviction and start saving on your SR-22 or FR-44 certificates. Our agents are ready to walk you through the process. Call (833)786-0237 for a FREE quote.
DUI Insurance FAQs
What steps help reduce DUI insurance costs over time?
Completing state-required programs, maintaining a clean driving record, and comparing multiple carriers can gradually lower DUI insurance premiums.
Can shopping around lower the cost of DUI insurance?
Comparing multiple carriers or working with a broker can help you find more affordable coverage because insurers set rates using different criteria.
What factors determine the monthly cost of DUI insurance?
DUI insurance premiums are influenced by your driving record, prior claims, age, location, and the severity of the DUI offense. Each insurer weighs these factors differently, which is why monthly costs vary so widely.
