How a DWI Impacts Your Car Insurance

You may have heard of a DUI before, but a DWI might be new. With DWI vs. DUI, a DUI refers to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, while a DWI and car insurance refers to driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Many states in the U.S. use DUI and DWI interchangeably, though some states have separate DUI and DWI laws. So if you get a DWI conviction, you may need to do several things before you’re allowed to drive again.

Most people who receive a DWI must apply for SR-22 coverage, and many drivers have their licenses suspended or potentially revoked depending on their past driving history.

Additionally, a DWI conviction can significantly impact how much you pay for car insurance. When it comes to DWI car insurance rates, you can expect your costs to double or even triple. Fortunately, the cost of auto insurance after a DWI should decrease over time as long as you don’t add infractions to your driving history.

If you’re shopping for car insurance with a DWI, remember to find and compare quotes from several companies to find the best option. Comparing quotes can help you find cheap car insurance for veterans in your area. 

Can you get car insurance with a DWI?

You can find car insurance with a DWI conviction, but you should expect to pay much higher rates than you did in the past. Of all the factors that can affect your driving record, a DWI infraction can have the most detrimental and long-term impact on auto insurance rates, especially for veterans.

Use this table to see how DWI affects car insurance rates:

Average Monthly Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates for Drivers with a DUI

Our guide to the best auto insurance for drivers with a DUI will help you find cheap DWI insurance quotes.

How long does a DWI affect car insurance?

You may have to pay a higher insurance rate for five or even 10 years if convicted of a DWI offense.

Once you have a DWI charge on your driving record, your insurance rates may inevitably increase, sometimes as much as double or triple the previous amount. The additional amount that you have to pay depends on multiple factors, such as:

• Your insurance company’s assessment of risks for drivers with a DWI record
• Your age
• The number of DWI offenses on your record
• The period that has passed after the DWI was added to your record
• Your driving history, including the number of accidents or tickets

Your insurance coverage may change once your company discovers you’ve been convicted of a DWI.

Will my license be revoked after a DWI?

Depending on where you live and your driving history, your state may suspend or revoke your driver’s license. This is especially true if you have more than one DUI or DWI on your driving record.

If your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, your insurer will likely analyze your driving record before renewing your policy. Sometimes, the company might not renew your policy or simply cancel your coverage altogether if you’re too high risk. (For more information, read our “Can you get car insurance without a license?“).

Some insurance companies have strict rules about canceling coverage for drivers with a DWI charge. Therefore, the companies interested in providing you with the best rates might be unable to help you after receiving a DWI infraction.

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What do I do after receiving a DWI?

If you’ve been convicted, shop for DWI insurance quotes from multiple companies. Affordable DWI car insurance can be difficult to find, but some companies in your area will likely offer at least the state’s minimum coverage to high-risk drivers.

In most states, you must carry the minimum amount of liability coverage, which includes bodily injury and property damage liability, to drive legally. The amount you need will depend on where you live, and some states may require that you carry additional coverage after a DWI conviction.

Do I need high-risk car insurance after a DWI? 

Most companies consider drivers high-risk following a DWI conviction. Coverage requirements for high-risk drivers are similar to those for standard drivers, but fewer companies may offer coverage because of your driving history. 

Additionally, as stated before, DWI convictions bring with them steep rates for car insurance coverage. So, if you’re a high-risk driver, your car insurance rates will increase. 

Do I need SR-22 insurance after a DWI?

Drivers typically require the SR-22 certificate to reinstate their suspended license. The certificate proves that your car insurance policy meets the minimum liability coverage required by law.

If you need SR-22 coverage, your insurance company should be able to provide it, though you’ll likely pay a small fee. Once your insurance company files the SR-22 certificate, it reports to the state insurance department.

Different states have varied guidelines for maintaining SR-22 coverage, but you’ll likely be required to renew SR-22 insurance annually for at least three years.

How can I lower my car insurance rates after a DWI?

When approaching your current insurer about your rates or shopping with new companies, explain your driving record and DWI conviction. Inquire about military discounts on auto insurance. If you don’t have any other violations on your record, some insurance companies might be able to offer you better discounts and rates than others.

For example, you may qualify for a disabled veteran auto insurance discount which could help lower your rates following a DWI conviction.

You can revert to paying regular rates when the DWI offense is no longer on your driving record. In most states, charges fall off after the DWI charge remains on your driving record for three to five years. However, in stricter states like California, a DWI infraction remains on your record for up to 10 years.

If you want lower auto insurance rates after a DWI, the best thing you can do is shop online and compare quotes from several companies. Comparing car insurance quotes helps determine which companies offer the coverage you need at a price you can afford. 

How can I prevent future DWI charges?

The only way to prevent DUI and DWI charges is to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The dangers associated with driving under the influence are clear, and you can take other responsible actions to get home safely when you’re under the influence.

The best way to avoid driving in that condition and getting a DWI — or worse, causing an accident that injures or kills someone else — is to contact a rideshare service or taxi. If you’re in a group, consider assigning someone to be the designated driver for the evening. Doing so will allow you to travel safely without putting yourself or anyone else at risk. 

If you believe you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, there are people and organizations you can reach out to for help. Start with the SAMHSA National Hotline to receive care. They will also provide you with the contact information of local people who can further assist you.

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The Bottom Line on DWI and Car Insurance

If you receive a DWI, your insurance rates will increase. In some cases, you may have a hard time finding coverage after your DWI conviction. 

One of the biggest consequences of a DWI offense is the loss or temporary suspension of your license. In some states, drivers convicted of DWI may even serve jail time.

Most states recognize a first-time offense as a misdemeanor, and the offender will not spend more than six to twelve months in jail. However, you could spend up to two years in prison if you are convicted of DWI for a second time.

Determining how a DWI can impact your car insurance requires expertise and detailed legal information. You should speak with a lawyer if you’re facing DWI charges to receive personalized advice on managing car insurance after a DWI charge.

In most cases, you’ll be able to buy high-risk car insurance with a DWI on your record, but your rates be higher. DWI car insurance rates remain high until the charges fall off your driving record, which can take anywhere from three to 10 years, depending on where you live. 

If you have a DWI and are seeking affordable auto insurance for military veterans, compare quotes from several companies to determine which offers the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

 

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