{"id":286670,"date":"2025-11-17T07:59:32","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T12:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/cases\/dui-and-insurance.html"},"modified":"2026-04-14T17:33:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T22:33:32","slug":"dui-and-insurance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/cases\/dui-and-insurance.html","title":{"rendered":"Auto Insurance Rates and SR-22 Forms After a DUI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Auto Insurance Rates and SR-22 Forms After a DUI<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A DUI conviction<\/span> on your record can lead to premium increases<\/span> on your car insurance<\/span>. In some cases, your current insurer<\/span> may cancel the policy. When you\u2019re ready to restore your driving privileges<\/span>, you may need to show the state that you have liability coverage<\/span> with an SR-22 insurance<\/span> form.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

One of the costs of a driving under the influence<\/span> (DUI) conviction is the effect on your car <\/span>insurance<\/span> rates<\/span>. This is just one of many\u00a0possible consequences of driving under the influence<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article discusses the impact of a DUI on your insurance rates<\/span>. It also describes the SR-22 requirements<\/span> many states impose before lifting a driver\u2019s license suspension.<\/p>\n

Since DUI charges carry many types of penalties, seek legal advice after an arrest<\/a>. Even a first-time DUI can affect your car <\/span>insurance<\/span> policy<\/span>. A DUI defense lawyer<\/a> can guide you through fighting the charges and getting your driver\u2019s license back.<\/p>\n

Will My Insurance Costs<\/span> Rise After a DUI?<\/h2>\n

If you have a drunk driving<\/span> conviction, you can expect to pay significantly higher\u00a0auto <\/span>insurance<\/span><\/a>\u00a0premiums<\/span> as a \u201chigh-risk driver<\/span>\u201d once your insurer discovers your offense.<\/p>\n

Your insurance company<\/span> can drop your coverage altogether. You might have to shop around for a new policy with a DUI and insurance cancellation on your record. This process can be difficult as high-risk <\/span>insurance<\/span> policies<\/span> are typically more expensive.<\/p>\n

Whether you keep your current policy or buy a new one, you\u2019ll probably pay more for your coverage. The average <\/span>rates<\/span> and deductibles<\/span><\/a> can be much higher as a high-risk driver<\/span>. The insurance provider<\/span> believes it\u2019s more likely to pay a future claim for an at-fault accident<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Likewise, the offense may even affect your life insurance <\/span><\/a>premiums<\/span>. The insurance company<\/span> may calculate that your risk of death is higher due to a lack of safe driving<\/span>, meaning it will be more likely to pay a claim sooner. To offset this risk, the insurer may chare you more for your policy.<\/p>\n

How Much Do Insurance Rates<\/span> Rise After a DUI?<\/h3>\n

Not all DUI offenses<\/span> are treated the same. Most insurers look at DUI offenses<\/span> on a case-by-case basis. For example, you might only get a marginal rate increase<\/span> on your insurance quote<\/span> if you have an otherwise excellent driving record<\/span> and the DUI conviction<\/span> is your first offense<\/a>. But since it\u2019s an insurance company<\/span>\u2019s decision, the actual cost increase varies.<\/p>\n

Multiple <\/span>DUI<\/span> offenses<\/span> usually result in much higher rate increases<\/span>. Many insurance companies<\/span> refuse to cover repeat offenders<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Loss of Insurance<\/h3>\n

Each state requires minimum coverage<\/span><\/a> to be on the road. If you lose your car insurance<\/span> after a DUI or another driving violation<\/span>, you won\u2019t be able to drive until you get insurance again.<\/p>\n

But you may have already lost your driver\u2019s license<\/a> due to the DUI. In that case, you wouldn\u2019t be able to legally drive until you both recover your license and regain insurance.<\/p>\n

Alcohol-related offenses can be costly. But the\u00a0adverse effects of a DUI or DWI<\/span> conviction<\/a>\u00a0go well beyond a fine, court costs, and license suspension.<\/p>\n

What Is the SR-22 Insurance<\/span> Form?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re\u00a0convicted of a DUI<\/a>, most states require you to get an SR-22 form<\/span> from your insurer. This form proves to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that you carry liability insurance<\/span><\/a>. The DMV or the court will tell you whether you need an SR-22 form<\/span>.<\/p>\n

In those states, you must have proof of liability insurance<\/span> for the DMV to lift your license suspension<\/a> and restore your driving privileges<\/span>. The SR-22 form<\/span> acts as a red flag about your conviction. It also requires your insurer to contact the DMV if your insurer cancels your insurance policy<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Only some insurance companies<\/span> offer SR-22 auto <\/span>insurance<\/span> policies<\/span>. Some insurers either cancel or don\u2019t renew your policy after a DUI conviction<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Insurance Requirements<\/span> Vary by State<\/h3>\n

Depending on your state, you may have to show proof of auto <\/span>insurance<\/span> coverage<\/span> to your state\u2019s DMV for up to five years to maintain a valid license. Some states now accept electronic SR-22 filings<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Two states, Florida<\/span> and Virginia, require a different form. The FR-44, or financial responsibility certificate, is an alternative to the SR-22 form<\/span>. The FR-44 mainly differs in that it requires the driver to carry a higher minimum liability coverage<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Eight states don\u2019t need SR-22 insurance<\/span>, including:<\/p>\n