Car insurance after a DUI or DWI: what changes and how to get covered

A DUI can make you feel like no one will insure you. That is not true.

You can get car insurance after a DUI, and many drivers do it every day. It may take more steps and cost more for a while, but it is doable.

This guide explains what changes, when you need an SR-22, how long a DUI can affect your rates, and how to get covered again. In Texas, the charge is called DWI (driving while intoxicated), but for insurance it works much the same way.

Can you get car insurance after a DUI or DWI?

Yes. Some insurance companies may not offer you a policy right after a DUI, but others will. Companies that work with high-risk drivers look at your whole situation, not just one mistake. That is why it pays to shop with an agent who works with more than one company. Our guide to auto insurance for high-risk drivers covers this in more detail.

What changes with your car insurance after a DUI?

Here is what usually changes after a DUI or DWI conviction:

• Your rate. Insurance companies see a DUI as a serious violation, so your price will likely go up at your next renewal or when you buy a new policy.
• Your options. Your current insurance company may choose not to renew your policy. If that happens, you will need to find a new one.
• Your paperwork. Many drivers need an SR-22 to get their license back. Some also need an ignition interlock device.
• Your discounts. Some good-driver discounts may go away for a while.

Be honest when you apply. Insurance companies check your driving record, and leaving out a DUI can lead to a canceled policy or a denied claim.

Do you need an SR-22 after a DUI?

In Texas, California and Arizona, you will usually need an SR-22 after a DUI or DWI conviction before you can get your full driving privilege back. An SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you carry at least the minimum liability coverage. Learn the basics in What is an SR-22?

• Texas: Texas DPS lists an SR-22 as required after a DWI conviction, kept for 2 years from the date of conviction.
• California: The DMV requires proof of insurance (SR 22) to reinstate after a DUI and says you must keep it for 3 years.
• Arizona: Arizona law says ADOT will not end a DUI suspension or revocation until you provide proof of financial responsibility. ADOT can waive that proof after 3 years from the date it was required.

Your court order or the state can require a different period. Check your notice. If you do not own a car, a non-owner policy can carry an SR-22.

How long does a DUI affect your insurance rates?

There is no single answer. Each insurance company decides how far back it looks at your driving record and how much weight a DUI gets. Many companies look at the last several years, and a DUI can stay on your state driving record even longer. In Texas, DPS notes that a DWI conviction stays on your driver record indefinitely.

What usually helps over time:

• Keep your policy and SR-22 active with no breaks in coverage.
• Avoid new tickets and accidents.
• Finish any court-ordered classes or programs on time.
• Shop your policy again as time passes. A company that was not a fit last year may be a better fit later.

How do you get car insurance after a DUI? 6 steps

1. Read your paperwork. Look at your court order and any state notice. Note whether you need an SR-22, for how long, and any ignition interlock rules.
2. Check your license status. Find out what the state needs before your license can be reinstated, like fees, classes or an SR-22.
3. Gather your information. Have your driver license number, your car's VIN, your address and the names of other drivers in your home.
4. Get quotes from more than one company. Prices for drivers with a DUI can vary a lot. An agent can compare options for you.
5. Pick coverage and a payment plan you can keep. Missing a payment can cancel your policy and your SR-22, which can bring back a suspension.
6. Ask for the SR-22 filing. Your insurance company files it with the state. Keep a copy of your policy and filing for your records.

What else can happen to your license after a DUI?

A DUI often has two parts: an action against your license by the state, and the criminal case in court. They are separate.

• In Texas, an arrest for DWI can lead to an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) suspension by DPS, separate from the court case.
• In California, the DMV takes an immediate administrative action called Administrative Per Se (APS). For drivers 21 and older with a first offense and a BAC of 0.08% or more, the DMV says it is a four-month suspension.
• In Arizona, ADOT may require an ignition interlock device after certain DUI convictions.

Never drive while your license is suspended. It can lead to more penalties and make it harder to get insured.

Rules vary by state

These rules come from official state sources. Confirm your own case with the agency or your attorney.

• Texas: Texas DPS, Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Program, SR-22 Insurance Certificate and the Driver License Enforcement Actions chart (DL-176).
• California: California DMV, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and DUI First Offender Restriction Options (PDF).
• Arizona: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), and Arizona Revised Statutes 28-3319 (action after a DUI suspension) and 28-4088 (duration of proof).

Your court order or the state can require a different period than the typical one shown here.

How A-MAX can help

At A-MAX, we do not judge. We have helped drivers get back on the road after a DUI or DWI for over 20 years. We shop multiple insurance companies, explain your options in plain language and file your SR-22, usually the same day. We shop. You choose. See our DUI car insurance page to learn more.

Walk into one of our 240+ offices in Texas, California and Arizona, call 1-800-921-AMAX, or start a quote online. Our licensed agents speak English and Spanish. A-MAX Has Your Back.