Best Car Insurance Companies for Drivers With a DUI (2026)

A DUI conviction can nearly double your car insurance rate — from an average of $2,670 to $5,185 a year for full coverage, based on Bankrate analysis. Progressive, NJM, Erie, and USAA post the cheapest average rates after a DUI among major carriers. For the full carrier lineup, see our best car insurance companies pillar guide.

Cheapest companies after a DUI, ranked

What a DUI actually does to your rate

Full coverage after a DUI costs an average of $257 a month, compared to $173 a month for a clean-record driver — a jump of about 49%. Looking at annual figures, a DUI can push full-coverage costs from roughly $2,670 to $5,185 a year, and minimum-coverage costs from about $773 to $1,531 a year, according to Bankrate's analysis. The exact multiplier depends on your state, prior record, and insurer — this is one area where shopping multiple quotes matters more than usual, since carriers price DUI risk very differently from each other.

What is an SR-22, and what does it cost?

An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the state confirming you carry the state's minimum required coverage — it's not a separate insurance policy. It typically costs around $25 to file, though the exact fee varies by insurer and state, and most states require you to maintain it for three years after a DUI. Letting your policy lapse during that window can restart the clock or trigger a license suspension, so continuous coverage matters more than usual during an SR-22 period.

How to lower your rate after a DUI

Shop multiple carriers rather than assuming your current insurer offers the best post-DUI rate — pricing swings between companies are unusually large for this risk category. If you're military-eligible, check USAA's military discounts before comparing standard-market carriers. And once your state's mandatory SR-22 window ends and your record clears (typically 3-10 years depending on the state), rates generally normalize — re-shop at that point rather than staying on high-risk-tier pricing longer than necessary.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest car insurance after a DUI?+

Among major carriers, Progressive has been reported as the cheapest for full coverage after a DUI at around $268 a month. For SR-22-specific filings, American Family and GEICO have been reported as the most affordable at roughly $198 and $227 a month respectively.

How much does a DUI raise your car insurance?+

Full coverage costs jump from an average of $173 a month for a clean-record driver to about $257 a month after a DUI, roughly a 49% increase. Annual figures show a similar pattern: from about $2,670 to $5,185 a year for full coverage, according to Bankrate analysis.

How long does an SR-22 stay on your record?+

Most states require an SR-22 to be maintained for three years after a DUI, though this varies by state. Letting coverage lapse during that period can reset the requirement or lead to a license suspension.

How much does it cost to file an SR-22?+

The filing fee itself is typically around $25, though it varies by insurer and state. The larger cost impact comes from the higher premium insurers charge for the underlying high-risk coverage, not the filing fee itself.