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Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA, is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's been writing for Compare.com since 2023 and has also appeared on various business and finance sites, including LendingTree, Chime, Insurify, Forbes, and WSJ. She’s passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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Driving under the influence (DUI) can have a severe and negative effect on your driving record, often leading to a steep increase in your car insurance rates. On average, people without a DUI pay $150 per month for car insurance, but drivers with a DUI see their monthly rates jump to an average of $242, according to our data.
That said you still have some options for affordable auto insurance. For example, COUNTRY Financial offers the lowest average rates for drivers with a DUI, at $26 per month.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get cheap car insurance with a DUI. Find out how a DUI affects your rates, the cheapest insurers, and tips for lowering your rates over time.
A DUI increases car insurance rates by an average of 61% nationwide.
State Farm, Progressive, and American Family are some of the best car insurance companies for drivers with a DUI.
Taking a defensive driving course, raising your deductible, and asking about other discounts can help keep your premiums manageable.
Insurance companies view DUI offenders as high-risk drivers. To offset this risk, insurers charge these drivers significantly higher car insurance premiums. On average, a DUI raises insurance rates by 61% nationwide, according to Compare.com data.
But your exact increase will vary depending on several factors, including your insurance company, the severity of the offense, and where you live. Some insurance companies are more lenient toward DUI convictions, while others could seriously hike your rates or even decline to renew your policy.
The table below shows the overall average monthly premiums for drivers with clean records compared to people with a DUI, according to our data.
Driving Record  | Average Monthly Premium: Liability Only | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | $106 | $193 | $150 |
| With DUI | $171 | $272 | $242 |
Although you’ll pay more for car insurance after a DUI, you can still find affordable coverage. Some insurance companies specialize in working with high-risk drivers, so it’s possible to save despite the higher-than-average costs.
The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with a DUI, along with each company’s average monthly premium, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| COUNTRY Financial | $26 |
| NJM | $49 |
| Auto-Owners | $53 |
| USAA | $76 |
| Mile Auto | $90 |
| Erie | $90 |
| State Farm | $90 |
| Root | $96 |
| Allstate | $100 |
| American Family | $114 |
| Mercury | $130 |
| CSAA | $132 |
| Nationwide | $140 |
| Safeco | $141 |
| The Hartford | $150 |
| Travelers | $150 |
| Direct Auto | $156 |
| Dairyland | $158 |
| National General | $163 |
| Progressive | $163 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $164 |
| Shelter | $167 |
| The General | $172 |
| State Auto | $176 |
| Farmers | $176 |
| Bristol West | $180 |
| 21st Century | $184 |
| Chubb | $187 |
| Foremost | $193 |
| Clearcover | $195 |
| GAINSCO | $200 |
| Elephant | $221 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $242 |
| Amica | $247 |
| Infinity | $269 |
| Liberty Mutual | $275 |
COUNTRY Financial has the lowest monthly average rate of $26. But just because these companies offer the lowest average rates doesn’t mean these companies will be the cheapest for everyone. Your personal rate will depend on factors like your location, driving history, and coverage needs.
That’s why it’s crucial to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies before choosing a policy. You can start by using a car insurance comparison site to see which company offers the best deal for your situation.
Basic policies start as low as $26 per month.
Car insurance rates can vary from state to state due to differences in insurance regulations, risk levels, and insurance company competition. States with stricter DUI penalties or higher accident rates tend to have higher premiums, while states with more insurance companies competing for business may offer lower rates.
Factors like minimum-coverage requirements, SR-22 insurance requirements, and state-specific risks also affect the amount of your rate increase.
The table breaks down the statewide average premiums after a DUI. It shows the cheapest insurance company in each state, along with its average monthly rate, according to Compare.com data.
State | Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Company |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $68 | USAA |
| Arizona | $80 | Auto-Owners |
| Arkansas | $53 | State Farm |
| California | $135 | USAA |
| Colorado | $76 | State Farm |
| Connecticut | $91 | State Farm |
| Delaware | $85 | USAA |
| Florida | $106 | State Farm |
| Georgia | $118 | Auto-Owners |
| Idaho | $96 | National General |
| Illinois | $55 | Auto-Owners |
| Indiana | $49 | Auto-Owners |
| Iowa | $47 | Auto-Owners |
| Kansas | $70 | State Farm |
| Kentucky | $109 | Auto-Owners |
| Louisiana | $116 | State Farm |
| Maine | $71 | USAA |
| Maryland | $183 | USAA |
| Massachusetts | $129 | Safeco |
| Michigan | $89 | USAA |
| Minnesota | $116 | Safeco |
| Mississippi | $61 | State Farm |
| Missouri | $56 | USAA |
| Montana | $undefined | undefined |
| Nebraska | $69 | Clearcover |
| Nevada | $53 | COUNTRY Financial |
| New Hampshire | $undefined | undefined |
| New Jersey | $134 | CSAA |
| New Mexico | $56 | State Farm |
| New York | $139 | CSAA |
| North Carolina | $71 | Nationwide |
| North Dakota | $undefined | undefined |
| Ohio | $57 | Mile Auto |
| Oklahoma | $48 | State Farm |
| Oregon | $101 | Mile Auto |
| Pennsylvania | $87 | Mile Auto |
| Rhode Island | $undefined | undefined |
| South Carolina | $85 | USAA |
| South Dakota | $undefined | undefined |
| Tennessee | $38 | State Farm |
| Texas | $67 | State Farm |
| Utah | $108 | USAA |
| Vermont | $undefined | undefined |
| Virginia | $59 | Auto-Owners |
| Washington | $83 | Direct Auto |
| District of Columbia | $117 | CSAA |
| $58 | State Farm | |
| $37 | USAA | |
| $undefined | undefined |
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Finding affordable coverage after a DUI can be challenging. Plus, there’s no single best car insurance company for every driver. The company that may work best for you will depend on your unique driver profile.
Still, some insurance companies consistently offer competitive rates, valuable discounts, strong customer service, and flexible coverage options regardless of your driving record. We researched dozens of companies to help you find the right balance between affordability and protection.
The three companies below stand out based on a combination of average rates for DUI drivers, available coverages and discounts, and customer ratings.
Average premium: $187 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.90 out of 5
Strong financial stability
Many discounts available
Network of local agents
Not always the cheapest option
Must finance gap insurance through State Farm Bank
Many customer complaints[1]
State Farm is a great option for drivers with a DUI because the company offers lower-than-average rate increases compared to its competitors. As the largest insurance company in the U.S., State Farm has a strong reputation for financial stability, so you can count on it being able to pay out potential claims.[2]
Average premium: $242 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.73 out of 5
Competitive rates for high-risk drivers
Multiple discounts available
Strong online tools and mobile app
Rates can still be high
Mixed customer satisfaction ratings[3]
Snapshot program may increase rates
Progressive is a good choice for drivers with a DUI because it works with high-risk drivers and offers a variety of discounts to help lower premiums. Its Name Your Price tool and online quote system make comparing rates and coverage options easy.
While your rates with Progressive may be higher after a DUI, the insurer is often more forgiving than its competitors when it comes to rate increases after a DUI or other incident.
Average premium: $238 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.98 out of 5
Competitive DUI rates in some states
Many discounts available
Strong customer satisfaction ratings[4]
Not available in all states
Higher rates in some regions
Fewer online tools than some competitors
American Family is a strong option for drivers with a DUI — particularly those who qualify for its many discounts, including usage-based insurance and bundling savings. American Family often provides lower-than-average rate increases after a DUI, depending on the state.
Customers can benefit from American Family’s high customer satisfaction ratings and personalized service through its network of agents in the states the insurer operates in.
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Even with a DUI on your record, you can still take steps to lower your car insurance costs. Here are five ways to find affordable coverage with a DUI.
Look for discounts. Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling policies, maintaining good grades (if you or a dependent are a student), or installing a telematics device to track safe driving habits.
Take a defensive driving course. Completing a state-approved defensive driving course demonstrates responsibility and may remove points from your driver’s license. It can also help you qualify for a discount with some insurance companies.
Raise your deductible. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your monthly premiums. Just make sure you can afford the higher out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.
Reduce coverage on older cars. If your car is old and has a low market value, consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage to lower your premium. Liability-only coverage might be enough if the cost to repair it after an accident would be more than the car is worth. Just make sure you can afford the potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Switch to a more affordable insurance company. Some companies penalize drivers with a DUI more than others. Shopping around to compare rates from multiple insurance companies at least once a year ensures you’re getting the best deal.[5]
Get affordable coverage from top companies.
A DUI can leave you with higher insurance costs, but understanding how insurance companies handle DUI convictions can help you make informed decisions. Here are answers to common questions about finding cheap car insurance after a DUI.
COUNTRY Financial offers the most affordable coverage for DUI drivers, at an average of $26 per month, according to Compare.com data. But rates vary by many factors, including your unique driver profile, so it’s important to shop around.
While disclosing a DUI conviction isn’t a legal requirement, you should let your insurance company know about your DUI to avoid complications. Even if you don’t, your insurance company will likely find out when it checks your driving record before your policy renews.
Additionally, many states require you to get an SR-22 or FR-44 filing after a DUI, which also alerts your insurer of your DUI conviction.
The length of time a DUI stays on your record depends on the state you live. In general, a DUI usually stays on your driving record for three to 10 years, although it can stay on your record permanently in some states. But car insurance companies typically only consider you high risk and factor it into your rates for three to five years.
It’s possible. Some insurance may cancel or refuse to renew your policy after a DUI — especially if you have multiple violations. Others may continue coverage but at a much higher rate. If the insurance company cancels your coverage, you’ll need to find a new insurer quickly to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Yes. But it’ll take some time. Most insurance companies gradually lower rates after three to five years of clean driving. Taking a defensive driving course, improving your credit, and maintaining continuous coverage can help lower your premiums. Shopping around regularly also helps you find good coverage at the best possible rate as time passes.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA, is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's been writing for Compare.com since 2023 and has also appeared on various business and finance sites, including LendingTree, Chime, Insurify, Forbes, and WSJ. She’s passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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