Five DUI Insurance Tricks to Lower Your Rates and Get Back on the Road

Simple strategies to manage insurance costs, stay compliant, and move forward after a DUI.

A DUI changes how you think about driving, how you manage auto insurance, and how you move on to the next chapter of your life. Understanding how a DUI increases your insurance costs puts you in a strong position to move forward with clarity and control. This guide highlights five DUI insurance tricks that give you a clear path toward lower insurance rates and steady progress after a DUI.

This informational blog is not to be used as legal advice. If you want support on your DUI journey, call one of our specialists at (877) 246-7808 to talk you through your next steps. Always consult a qualified attorney to assist with any DUI charge.

Why Car Insurance Is Likely to Go Up After a DUI

Understanding why auto insurance goes up after a DUI helps you make informed decisions about your next steps. You can respond with confidence, plan ahead, and use proactive strategies that keep you moving forward when you know what drives these increases.

Classification as a High-Risk Driver

After a DUI, insurance carriers will often categorize you as a high-risk driver, which usually leads to higher premiums. Carriers do this because research shows that DUI-related accidents carry a higher statistical risk than other driving violations. 

Reports from U.S. News indicate that auto insurance premiums rise significantly (sometimes doubling) after a DUI conviction. This increase often happens at your policy’s next renewal. If your carrier does not write policies for high-risk drivers, they may choose not to renew your policy, requiring you to switch carriers. 

Check out this guide from our partner, Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions: Beginner’s Guide to DUI Insurance: SR‑22, FR‑44 & More

Fees Associated with SR-22 and FR-44

In most states, you will also be required to have an SR-22 or FR-44 filing to reinstate your license. These certificates prove to the state that you carry the required liability coverage. These filings come with small administrative fees, but the greater cost usually comes from the increased liability requirements associated with SR-22 filings (mandated in many states) or FR-44 filings (available in Florida and Virginia). You must maintain this filing without interruption, so steady coverage is one of the strongest ways to support long-term savings.

To understand which filing applies to you, DUI.org specialists are available at (877) 246-7808.

Five DUI Insurance Tricks for Getting Ahead of Insurance Increases

Here are some tips to help you secure lower rates and get back on the road in an affordable way.

1. Investigate Non-owner SR-22 Insurance

If you don't own a vehicle or have regular access to one, a non-owner SR-22 policy may be a more affordable way to meet state requirements. This option helps you stay insured, maintain your SR-22 filing period, and avoid a gap in coverage that could reset your license suspension time.

Non-owner coverage typically costs less because it assumes limited driving and offers liability-only protection. You can learn more through Breathe Easy’s guide to non-owner SR-22 insurance.

2. Consider Voluntarily Installing an IID

Many states allow you to use an ignition interlock device (IID) to continue driving while meeting the legal requirements. Installing an interlock voluntarily may be required to qualify for a hardship license, allowing you to drive legally during your suspension. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that IIDs reduce repeat DUI incidents.

To explore installing an IID in your vehicle, visit Intoxalock, or call a DUI.org specialist at (877) 246-7808 for help scheduling an installation.

3. Sign up for a Defensive Driving Course

DUI education programs are often mandatory for the courts. But voluntarily taking a state-approved defensive driving course can often qualify you for insurance discounts. They give you a structured way to stay engaged with your responsibilities and reinforce habits that support long-term savings. Research published through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that DUI and driver safety education supports safer outcomes.

4. Take Steps to Avoid a Second DUI

While a first DUI can be expensive, a second DUI is even more expensive. Taking steps to ensure your first DUI is your last is one of the most important impacts you can have on your future insurance rates. Set up safe-ride routines, use designated-driver apps, and create reminders to help you make confident choices. Many states offer alcohol-safety resources through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

If you want consistent guidance, Keepr provides personal breathalyzer tools that provide fast, verifiable results to help you monitor your alcohol levels and make informed choices.

5. Work With an Insurance Broker to Find the Best Rates

Insurance brokers who specialize in SR-22 and FR-44 filings often identify opportunities that general insurers may overlook. They compare multiple DUI-forgiving carriers, explain premium differences, and highlight options that suit your situation. Many drivers find that switching carriers early creates a smoother path.

Contact a high-risk licensed insurance agent at Breathe Easy for a quote, or call (877) 246-7808 for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Insurance

Take Steps To Lower Your Car Insurance After A DUI

You can use each of these DUI insurance tricks as a stepping stone toward lower insurance premiums, steady progress, and more confident driving after a DUI. Build momentum that carries you forward with a clear plan and supportive resources.

Want help getting ahead of increases in your car insurance after a DUI? Call DUI.org at (877) 246-7808 for guidance and next steps.