How Much Will Car Insurance Go Up With a DUI?

The increased cost from a DUI conviction varies between car insurance policies. The major causes for the range in prices are: Penalties (points) applied to policies impacts rates in different degrees. Coverage requirements for DUI drivers are determined by state law. Companies which non-renew policies after a DUI jeopardize renewal discounts. Additional factors encountered depend on the insurance company and state the DUI car insurance policy is issued in.

The number of points assigned to a DUI conviction and their incremental rate increase depends on the underwriting rules and guidelines of each company. Consistently though this type of conviction is severe and triggers the highest risk category. Companies who have no "appetite" for high risk drivers charge astronomical rates in this grouping.

Increased coverage requirements depend on which state you reside in. In Florida a convicted driver must purchase 100/300/50 liability and in Virginia 25/50/25. DWI insurance Texas requires 30/60/25 and in other states it's only 10/20/10. Some drivers may already have high liability limits before a conviction. The 100/300/50 coverage represents a huge increase to a driver carrying the minimum limits in Florida. The financial responsibility requirement for DWI drivers in Texas of 30/60/25 is the same for all drivers.

Generally, a DUI conviction will not cause a non-renewal, however, the accumulated effect from existing points often does. Some companies will only extend a prior insurance discount when a renewal offer has been extended. Other varying underwriting guidelines and rating tiers impact the cost of a policy to one degree or another.

In addition to coverage amounts there are different requirements from each state for the DUI insurance policy. In Florida the new FR44 form for DUI drivers separates the requirements from the more commonly used SR22 form for all types of infractions. The FR44 form, also used in Virginia, has more rules and restrictions that ultimately increase the price of a DUI car insurance policy. Another expensive example of differing state requirements is the $1,000.00 annual fine (for 3 years) Texas DWI drivers are subjected to.

How much car insurance will go up with a DUI comes down to how well a policyholder in this circumstance shops around. Knowing the reasons for the differences can help build a strategy to lessen the impact of a rate increase. Fortunately many companies do not discourage DUI / DWI applicants and compete for these polices.

For additional information and shopping strategies visit Florida DUI insurance and DWI insurance Texas. Also, please feel free to contact our agency by telephone for a no obligation DWI or DUI car insurance quote.