A DUI conviction can affect far more than your criminal record. One of the most immediate and long-lasting consequences involves your car insurance. Many Illinois drivers are surprised to learn how significantly a DUI impacts car insurance rates and how long increases can last. If you’re asking questions like, “How much does auto insurance increase after a DUI?” this blog will help you understand what to expect.
How a DUI Affects Your Car Insurance
DUI, or driving under the influence, in Illinois, is a serious offense. After a DUI conviction, insurance companies generally consider you a high-risk driver. Insurers evaluate risk based on your driving history, and a DUI is one of the most serious violations on a record. As a result, insurance after a DUI is almost always more expensive.
In many cases, your current insurance company will raise your premium significantly. In some situations, the insurer may choose not to renew your policy, forcing you to find coverage through another company that caters to high-risk drivers.
How Much Does Auto Insurance Increase After a DUI?
One common question drivers ask is, “How much does my insurance go up after a DUI?” While the exact amount varies based on your age, driving history, and insurance provider, you will likely see a significant increase.
Illinois drivers can see premium increases of 51% on average following a DUI conviction. For some, annual insurance costs can rise by hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to what they paid before the DUI. A second DUI offense in Illinois or additional traffic violations can push rates even higher.
Insurance After a DUI and the SR-22 Requirement
In Illinois, many drivers convicted of DUI must file an SR-22 to reinstate their driving privileges. An SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy. It is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Key points about SR-22 insurance after a DUI include:
- You must carry the required coverage continuously, usually for 3 years
- Any lapse or cancellation in coverage can result in another license suspension
- SR-22 policies are generally more expensive than standard auto policies because they signal a higher risk to insurers
Meeting SR-22 requirements is often a critical part of the license reinstatement process. Failing to comply can delay or completely derail your ability to legally drive again.
How Long After a DUI Does Your Insurance Go Down?
How long after a DUI will your insurance rates decrease? While every insurance company has its own guidelines, there are some general trends.
Most drivers can expect higher insurance rates for at least 3-5 years following a DUI conviction. Some insurers may continue charging higher premiums for up to 7 years, especially if there are additional violations on the record. Over time, maintaining a clean driving history can help reduce rates, but a DUI can still influence pricing until it ages off the insurer’s lookback period.
Can You Lower Insurance Costs After a DUI?
Although a DUI will increase your insurance costs, there are some steps you can take to manage those expenses:
- Shopping around can make a difference, as some insurers offer more competitive rates for DUI car insurance than others.
- Maintaining a clean driving record is one of the most effective ways to bring rates down over time. Avoiding additional violations shows insurers that the DUI was an isolated incident rather than a pattern of risky behavior.
- In some cases, completing approved driving courses may help reduce premiums, depending on your insurance provider.
- Opting for an economical car with safety features can cut premiums compared to high-performance models.
How Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., Can Help
The cost of a DUI is high in Illinois. If your DUI charge resulted in a suspended or revoked license, insurance issues often go hand in hand with the reinstatement process. At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., we focus exclusively on driver’s license reinstatement. We regularly help drivers navigate the insurance and reinstatement requirements that follow a DUI, including SR-22 obligations.
Our skilled lawyers concentrate on getting you back on the road. We assist clients with understanding reinstatement processes and navigating Secretary of State hearings in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
Contact us at Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., for a free consultation to discuss your reinstatement options. We can help you move forward after a DUI conviction and loss of driving privileges.