Last Updated on October 29, 2026 by Syed Sarim Naqvi
A DUI conviction typically raises car insurance rates by roughly 44% to 96% depending on the source, with Fox Business reporting an average of $3,837 a year versus $1,895 for a clean record, and many states require an SR-22 filing for about three years. The catch is duration: insurers usually surcharge for three to five years, but the DUI can stay on your driving record for 3 to 10 years or longer, and some states require a costlier FR-44 instead.
Key Takeaways
- Estimates of the rate increase vary: 44% (Insurify), 86% (Policygenius), 93% (NerdWallet’s 2022 analysis), 96% (Bankrate), and 176% in California (MoneyGeek)
- Fox Business reports a full coverage average of $3,837 a year after one DUI versus $1,895 clean, and $5,780 after a second, while Insurify and Gerald cite about $269 a month
- An SR-22 is a form your insurer files with the state, typically required for about three years, and the filing fee is usually about $25 per Policygenius
- An FR-44 works like an SR-22 but requires higher liability limits, which Fox Business notes can make it expensive
- Insurers typically surcharge for three to five years, while record retention runs 5 to 10 years in most states and 10 years in California
How Much Does a DUI Raise Your Rates?
NerdWallet’s 2022 analysis of third-party data found a DUI increases rates by 93% on average, and Bankrate says drivers with a single DUI pay 96% more than those with clean records. Insurify says the average increase is around 44% and gives a national average of $269 a month after one DUI and $468 for multiple DUIs. Insure.com says a DUI can raise rates from 43% to more than 300%, and MoneyGeek finds California drivers pay $389 a month versus $141 clean. The sources use different data and years, so treat them as a range.
What Are SR-22 and FR-44?
Policygenius explains an SR-22 is a form your insurer files with your state proving you have car insurance, with a fee of about $25 each time you renew while it is required, and an FR-44 works the same way but requires more insurance. Fox Business says neither is insurance itself, only documentation. Gerald notes California requires an SR-22 for three years and Texas for two. Quick and Dirty Tips says the typical requirement is three years, depending on state and severity. See our article on non-owner policies if you do not own a car.
| Item | What It Is | Typical Detail |
|---|---|---|
| SR-22 | Proof of insurance filed with the state | About three years; fee around $25 |
| FR-44 | Proof requiring higher liability limits | More expensive than an SR-22 |
| Rate surcharge | Higher premium after conviction | Usually three to five years |
| Driving record | State record of the offense | 5 to 10 years in most states; longer in some |
How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance?
Insurify says a DUI can affect rates for three to 10 years or longer, with most states using a washout period of seven or 10 years and a few, including New Mexico and Colorado, keeping it indefinitely. Insure.com says insurers apply their highest surcharge in the first three to five years, and that a DUI stays on a California record for 10 years while many insurers surcharge for about five. Gerald adds that in Florida the DUI stays on the criminal record for 75 years though surcharges typically last three to five years.
How Can You Lower the Cost?
- Compare insurers: NerdWallet says rates vary widely and found American National cheapest on average at $77 a month in its data
- Know the company spread: Fox Business found the biggest increases at some insurers, such as 95% at GEICO
- Consider minimums: buying only the state minimum can keep rates down but is not an option for everyone
- Shop after the surcharge ends: rates generally fall after three to five years
- Maintain a clean record: it shortens the effect over time
Can You Lose Your Coverage?
Quick and Dirty Tips says you could lose your auto insurance after a DUI, especially if you have other violations, which could force you to a company that handles higher-risk drivers. NerdWallet says insurers consider you high-risk for several years, and Policygenius says you may need a company known for non-standard car insurance. Check whether your insurer will renew before shopping.
What Should You Check?
- State rules: SR-22 or FR-44 requirements and duration
- Record retention: how long the conviction stays on your state record
- Quotes: compare standard and non-standard insurers
- Non-owner option: consider it if you do not own a car
- Surcharge timeline: ask when the surcharge will end
How Does This Connect to Other Cover?
Drivers without a car are in Non-Owner Car Insurance and SR-22 Explained. Pricing factors are in Credit-Based Insurance Scores Explained and Telematics Car Insurance Explained, limits in Auto Liability Limits Explained, and teens in Teen Driver Car Insurance Explained. Claims history is in CLUE Reports Explained.
FAQ
How much does a DUI raise car insurance?
Sources range from about 44% to 96% on average, and more in some states.
What is an SR-22?
A form your insurer files with the state to prove you carry insurance.
What is an FR-44?
Similar to an SR-22 but requiring higher liability limits.
How long will rates stay high?
Usually three to five years, though records can last longer.
How long is an SR-22 required?
Typically about three years, with Texas at two in one source.
Can I be dropped?
Yes, especially with other violations.
Which insurer is cheapest?
It varies; NerdWallet found American National cheapest on average in its data, and Policygenius found State Farm.
Glossary
- SR-22: a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer.
- FR-44: a certificate requiring higher liability limits.
- Surcharge: an added premium for a violation.
- Washout period: the time after which an offense drops off a record.
- Non-standard insurer: a company that insures higher-risk drivers.
Sources
- Insurify: Car Insurance With a DUI (2026) (44%, $269 and $468, washout periods)
- NerdWallet: Cheapest DUI Car Insurance (93%, American National $77, three to five years)
- Bankrate: Car Insurance for Drivers With Tickets (96% more, surcharge ages off)
- Fox Business: How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After a DUI? ($3,837 and $5,780, FR-44)
- Insure.com: How a DUI Affects Your Car Insurance Rates (43% to 300%, California surcharge period)
- Policygenius: Best Car Insurance After a DUI (86%, $25 SR-22 fee, FR-44)
- MoneyGeek: California Car Insurance After a DUI ($389 vs $141, California SR-22)
- Gerald: DUI Insurance Explained (state record periods, Texas SR-22)
- Quick and Dirty Tips: DUI and Car Insurance (losing coverage, SR-22 duration)
Related reading: Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Explained · Umbrella Insurance Explained · Motorcycle Insurance Explained
Published October 2026. Rates, SR-22 and FR-44 rules and record retention vary by state and insurer and change often; always confirm your state’s requirements with its motor vehicle department, and refresh this article periodically. This is general information, not legal advice.
Leave a Reply