Car Insurance in California After a DUI

For most people in California, a DUI conviction will affect many aspects of life. One of the most expensive and lasting consequences is the rise in your auto insurance rates. Most people are aware that their car insurance after a dui will go up but may not be aware of the extent. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions.

Arrested for a DUI in California? Don’t let one mistake ruin your future. Contact us today at (707) 986-4482 for a free consultation and start building your defense.

What a DUI Means to Insurance Companies

If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in California, one thing is for certain: your car insurance will go up. But the question of how much these rates will increase is sometimes shrouded in mystery. Insurance companies are given wide discretion as to how much more you’ll have to pay – and many people have experienced astronomical increases. Some have been charged upwards of $1,000 more due to a DUI.

Why is there usually such a significant increase? Insurance providers typically don’t just name a price. They calculate monthly premiums by using a formula. While the formula varies from company to company, the factors considered generally remain the same. They include (but are not limited to):

• The type of car you drive
• The city or state you live in
• Your age
• The color of your car
• The type of driving infractions on your record
• The amount of driving infractions you’ve accrued over time

Using this information, an insurance provider will be able to assess the “risk” of a motorist and come up with what they believe is a reasonable premium rate.

DUIs and Risk Driver Classification

On most auto insurance plans, motorists are classified as either a high-risk driver or a low-risk driver. As the name suggests, a “high risk” driver is one who is risky to insure because of a poor driving record and/or inexperience. Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy to be deemed a “high risk” driver. One mistake, like getting into a car accident, receiving a citation, or even having a poor credit history can put you in a pickle.

With a DUI on your driving record, even for a first offense, you’ll almost always be considered high risk. In this predicament, your insurance provider will confront you with one of three options: (1) a high rate increase (2) the ultimatum of purchasing “high risk” insurance or (3) a request to withdraw from the company altogether. Individuals who have a second DUI, third DUI, or subsequent DUI on their record are more susceptible to being dropped by their insurance.

If you’re a high-risk driver, you might think it’s too expensive to get insurance. But remember, driving without car insurance is illegal in California. If you’re caught driving without insurance you may lose your license.

What is California’s Sr-22 Requirement?

If you were a policyholder prior to your DUI conviction, you are required to get your insurance company to file an SR-22 form to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. An SR-22 is essentially proof that you meet the state’s minimum requirements for auto insurance liability coverage.

In order to obtain an SR-22, you must contact your car insurance company. Once you tell your company that you need one, it will alert them that a significant event occurred. It is up to the provider to either issue you the certificate or cancel your policy. It’s important to note that all car insurance carry provide SR-22 coverage. If your company cancels you, then you will be required to seek an SR-22 elsewhere.

Does A Dismissed DUI Affect My Insurance?

It is possible for a withdrawn DUI charge to affect your insurance rates under certain circumstances. Most of the time, insurance companies increase your rates not because of your DUI charge, but rather because of other things on your driving record that show you are a higher risk driver. So does a dismissed DUI affect your insurance rate? No. 

Here are some instances of what could impact your insurance rate surrounding a dismissed DUI:

• Other traffic violations you're cited for at the time of the DUI like speeding
• If you plead guilty to a lesser offense such as reckless driving to avoid the DUI going on your record
• You inform your insurance company that you were drunk driving

California DUI Penalties Beyond Insurance Increases

A DUI in California comes with serious legal and financial consequences beyond just higher insurance rates.

Fines, License Suspension, and Jail Time

• A first-time DUI can result in fines ranging from $390 to $1,000, but after penalty assessments, the total can be several thousand dollars.
• Your license may be suspended for up to six months, making it difficult to get to work or handle daily responsibilities.
• In some cases, you could face up to six months in jail, and repeat offenses carry even stricter penalties, including felony charges.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements

• California law may require you to install an IID in your vehicle, which prevents your car from starting if alcohol is detected.
• First-time offenders may need an IID for up to six months, while repeat offenders could have one for several years.

Impact on Employment and Professional Licenses

• Many employers run background checks, and a DUI conviction could hurt your job prospects.
• If you hold a professional license (e.g., lawyer, doctor, or commercial driver), a DUI could lead to disciplinary action or suspension from your licensing board.

How to Find Affordable High-Risk Auto Insurance in California

If you’re labeled as a high-risk driver, finding affordable insurance can be challenging, but there are ways to lower costs.

Companies That Specialize in High-Risk Drivers

• Some insurers focus on high-risk drivers and may offer better rates than standard providers.
• Consider companies like The General, Bristol West, and Dairyland, which specialize in covering drivers with DUIs.

Tips for Comparing Quotes

• Shop around—rates vary widely, so getting multiple quotes can help you find the best deal.
• Raise your deductible to lower your monthly premium.
• Look for discounts, such as completing a defensive driving course or using a telematics device to track safe driving habits.

SR-22 Insurance Providers

• If your license was suspended, you’ll likely need SR-22 insurance to reinstate it.
• Not all insurers provide SR-22 filings, but GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm are among those that do.

DUI Expungement and Its Effect on Car Insurance

Expunging a DUI can help clean up your criminal record, but it won’t necessarily lower your insurance rates right away.

What Expungement Means for Your Record

• A DUI expungement removes the conviction from public records, meaning most employers won’t see it in a background check.
• However, it does not erase the DUI from your driving record, which is what insurance companies use to calculate your rates.

Do Insurance Companies Still See an Expunged DUI?

• Yes. A DUI stays on your driving record for 10 years in California, even if it’s expunged from your criminal record.
• This means your insurance rates will still reflect the DUI during that time.

Steps to Get a DUI Expunged in California

• Complete your probation period, which usually lasts 3 to 5 years.
• File a petition for expungement with the court.
• If approved, the court withdraws your guilty plea and dismisses the case, making it easier to pass background checks for jobs and housing.

While expungement won’t instantly lower your insurance costs, it can help you move forward in other areas of life.

How Long Will a DUI Affect My Insurance Rates?

The duration of time a DUI may affect your insurance rates vary. But the majority of the time, rates drop at around three years. Even for first-time offenses, drivers over the age of 21 should expect to see a 20 to 30 percent increase in their insurance rates. 

Charged With a DUI in Santa Rosa? Contact an Attorney Today

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI in Santa Rosa, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you can get a legal professional on your case, the more time you give them to build a solid defense. Regardless of your circumstances, a DUI is a criminal offense that requires skilled, experienced, and aggressive criminal defense representation. As you can see, there are serious financial consequences imposed after a conviction that can make it difficult to continue living your life as normal. Hence, why you should do everything in your power now to fight this charge.

Wilber Law Offices, P.C. has successfully represented numerous clients who’ve been charged with misdemeanor or felony DUI offenses. Our team has helped people in this predicament get their charges reduced or dismissed, and they can do the same for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI and Car Insurance in California

Can I switch car insurance providers after a DUI?

• Yes, you can switch insurance providers after a DUI, and in many cases, it’s a good idea. Some companies penalize DUI offenders more harshly than others, so shopping around could help you find a better rate. Just be sure that the new provider offers SR-22 insurance if you need it.

Will my insurance company find out about my DUI if I don’t tell them?

• Most likely, yes. Insurance companies regularly check driving records, especially when it’s time to renew your policy. Once the DUI appears on your record, they will likely adjust your rates accordingly.

Can I remove a DUI from my driving record before 10 years?

• No, in California, a DUI remains on your driving record for 10 years, even if you get it expunged from your criminal record. There’s no legal way to remove it earlier.

Does a DUI affect my ability to rent a car?

• Yes, many rental car companies check driving records and may deny service if you have a DUI within the past few years. Some companies have policies that prohibit rentals to drivers with DUIs within the last 3 to 7 years.

Can I still get full coverage insurance after a DUI?

• Yes, but it will be more expensive. Some insurers may deny full coverage to high-risk drivers, so you may need to look for companies specializing in DUI insurance.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost in California?

• The SR-22 filing itself is usually inexpensive, around $25 to $50. However, the real cost comes from the increase in your insurance premium. Most DUI offenders see their rates double or even triple after a conviction.

Can I drive for Uber or Lyft after a DUI?

• No, Uber and Lyft do not allow drivers with a DUI on their record within the last 7 years in California. Even if your insurance covers rideshare driving, the companies will likely reject your application.

Need help with SR-22 insurance after a DUI? We can guide you through the process and help you find the right coverage. Contact us at (707) 986-4482 to discuss your options.

Suggested Reading:

• Prom Night and Underage DUIs
• What You Should Know About DUI Checkpoints in California
• New DUI Law Is Now in Effect Statewide
• Stopped on Suspicion of a DUI? What You Need to Know About Field Sobriety Tests