Car Insurance After a DUI in California
If you’ve recently been charged with a DUI in California, you’re likely worried about more than just the legal consequences. One of the first questions many people ask is, “How will this affect my car insurance?” The unfortunate truth is that your insurance costs will almost certainly increase. But by how much, and for how long?
How Much Does My Insurance Go Up After a DUI?
On average, after a DUI, your insurance premium in California could increase by 30-50% or more. In some cases, it can even double, depending on the insurance provider, your prior driving record, and other factors. A DUI can increase your annual car insurance costs by an average of over $3,000. This increase usually stays in place for several years, although the exact duration can vary based on the insurer’s policies. Some insurance companies will cancel your insurance altogether. It can be difficult to find an insurance carrier after your original insurance has been canceled. We can assist by directing you to the top insurance companies that cover drivers with a DUI related incident on their record.
But what if you have multiple DUIs? Unfortunately, with each additional DUI on your record, the financial impact becomes even more severe. You could be looking at an even greater increase in your rates, and your options for insurance providers may become more limited. Some insurers may refuse to cover you altogether after multiple offenses.
DUIs and Risk Driver Classification in California
A DUI isn’t just a legal headache—it’s also a signal to insurance companies that you’re now a “high-risk” driver. In California, insurance companies closely track your driving record, and a DUI sends a clear message: you’re more likely to be involved in an accident, at least according to their risk calculations.
Insurance companies generally classify drivers as either low-risk or high-risk. Drivers with clean records are in the low-risk group, enjoying lower premiums and more insurance options. But if you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you move into the high-risk category.
Once classified as high-risk, your insurance premium will likely increase, and in some cases, your insurance provider might drop you altogether. Others may require you to file an SR-22, which is essentially proof that you’re maintaining the state-mandated insurance coverage after a DUI arrest. An SR 22 is required for three years from the date of license reinstatement.
Factors That Determine Your Risk Driver Classification
In California, insurance companies look at a number of factors to assess how risky you are as a driver. Some of these include:
- – Your age and gender
- – Where you live (typically by zip code)
- – Your driving history (including accidents, tickets, and DUIs)
- – The type of vehicle you drive
When a DUI appears on your record, it tells insurers you’re more likely to be involved in risky behavior on the road, making them more likely to increase your premiums or cancel coverage altogether.
Does A Dismissed DUI Affect My Car Insurance?
The short answer is no, it shouldn’t—if the charges are dismissed, it’s as though the DUI never occurred from an insurance standpoint. That said, it’s important to make sure that the dismissal is properly documented and reported. If the dismissal isn’t recorded on your driving record, you could still face higher premiums, even though the case didn’t result in a conviction.
However, there may be other items on your driving record that show you are a higher risk driver, and therefore, an insurance company may charge you more.
It is important to note that if the court case gets dismissed, but the DMV still suspended your license from the APS hearing, you may still have your insurance rates increased since the insurance companies will see your driver history (known as MVR).
How Long Does a DUI Affect My Car Insurance Rate in California?
In California, a DUI will generally affect your insurance rates for at least three to five years. However, some insurers may consider a DUI when calculating your rates for up to 10 years, as that’s how long a DUI remains on your driving record in the state.
The good news is that as more time passes without any further incidents, you may see your premiums start to decrease. But it’s a long process, and patience will be key.
Will Getting My Record Expunged Lower My Premiums?
In California, expunging your DUI record is possible under certain circumstances, but unfortunately, it won’t directly lower your insurance premiums. Expungement can help you with other areas of your life—such as applying for jobs—but it doesn’t erase the DUI from your driving record, which is what insurance companies care about.
If you’re considering expungement for other reasons, it’s definitely worth pursuing, but don’t expect an immediate drop in your insurance rates just because of it.
An expungement removes the conviction from your criminal record but it does not impact your driving record, which means that an expungement will not help you lower your insurance rates.
A DUI conviction comes with serious consequences, both legally and financially. If you’re concerned about how it will impact your car insurance or need help navigating the complexities of your case, the Law Offices of Hart J. Levin can help.
Our team of experienced DUI attorneys understands California law from both sides and knows how to fight for the best possible outcome in your case. We’ll guide you through the process and work to minimize the impact on your future.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Hart Levin and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your financial future.