A DUI is one of the most expensive things that can happen to your car insurance — but the impact is temporary, and there are concrete ways to soften it and recover.
After a DUI conviction, expect a significant premium increase, a possible policy non-renewal, and — in most states — a requirement to file an SR-22 (or an FR-44 in a few states) proving you carry at least the minimum liability coverage. How large the increase is varies enormously by state and insurer.
The good news: a DUI's rating impact fades over time, and shopping the right carriers plus rebuilding a clean record gets you back to standard pricing. This guide explains the mechanics and the moves that help.
Insurers price a DUI as a strong signal of future risk, so it triggers a surcharge and can cause your current insurer to non-renew you. Most states then require an SR-22 — a certificate your insurer files with the state confirming you carry at least minimum liability. It's not insurance itself; it's proof of insurance, and any lapse gets reported to the state, which can suspend your license.
A DUI typically affects your insurance rate for several years — commonly around three to five, and in some states longer — before the surcharge drops off. The SR-22 requirement itself usually runs about three years, depending on the state and offense. Each clean year you add reduces your risk profile and improves your pricing at renewal.
You can't erase a DUI, but you can minimize its cost. Shop carriers that are more comfortable with high-risk drivers, since surcharges vary widely; keep your record spotless going forward; and use the standard levers (higher deductible, telematics, dropping unnecessary coverage on an older car).
It rises significantly, but the exact amount depends heavily on your state, insurer, and record — there's no universal figure, and any specific dollar or percentage claim would be a guess. Expect a substantial surcharge for several years, often paired with an SR-22 requirement. Shopping high-risk-friendly carriers and comparing quotes is the only reliable way to find your best rate after a DUI.
Typically a DUI affects your insurance rate for about three to five years, though some states look back longer, and the associated SR-22 filing usually runs around three years. The surcharge shrinks as the DUI ages and eventually drops off if you maintain a clean record. Re-shopping periodically captures those reductions.
There's no single best carrier — it depends on your state and record. Progressive and non-standard/high-risk specialists are frequently more competitive for DUI drivers and will file the required SR-22. Quote several, including any regional non-standard insurers in your state, and compare the actual price and SR-22 handling.
Sarah Mitchell
Editorial Lead, Property & Casualty
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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