Getting a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction can turn your life upside down. Not only does it come with hefty legal penalties and fines, but it also dramatically impacts your ability to secure affordable car insurance.
After a DUI, drivers are typically seen as high-risk clients by insurers, meaning higher premiums, potential coverage cancellations, and extra requirements like SR-22 filings.
Recovering from a DUI is challenging, but it’s possible — especially if you understand how the process varies state by state.
This guide will walk you through what to expect, how to regain affordable car insurance, and specific rules depending on where you live.
How a DUI Affects Car Insurance
A DUI impacts your car insurance in several important ways:
- Higher premiums: Expect your rates to increase significantly — often by 50% to 300% or more.
- Policy cancellation: Some insurance companies may cancel your policy altogether after a DUI conviction.
- SR-22 or FR-44 filing: Many states require you to file an SR-22 (or FR-44 in some states) — a form that proves you carry the state’s minimum insurance requirements.
- Long-term consequences: A DUI can stay on your driving record for 3 to 10 years, depending on your state.
Insurance after a DUI often becomes a balancing act: finding a company that will cover you and keeping premiums as low as possible.
What Is an SR-22 or FR-44?
An SR-22 is not a type of insurance — it’s a document your insurer files with your state DMV to verify that you carry active, sufficient car insurance after a serious violation like a DUI.
In Virginia and Florida, drivers convicted of certain offenses may need an FR-44, which requires higher liability coverage amounts than an SR-22.
These forms usually must be maintained for three years, though the requirement length can vary.
State-by-State Recovery After DUI
Each state handles DUI insurance requirements differently. Here’s a general look at what you can expect:
Alabama
- SR-22 required for 3 years after license reinstatement.
- High-risk insurers may be necessary.
Alaska
- SR-22 required for 5 years for a first offense.
- DUI remains on record for life.
Arizona
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on your driving record for 7 years.
Arkansas
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- License reinstatement fees apply.
California
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI stays on record for 10 years.
- California offers a special program called CAARP (California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan) for high-risk drivers.
Colorado
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- Persistent DUI offenders may face longer requirements.
Connecticut
- No SR-22 required, but DUI remains on your record for 10 years.
- Major premium increases expected.
Delaware
- SR-22 typically not required.
- DUI remains on record permanently.
Florida
- FR-44 required (higher coverage minimums) for 3 years.
- Steep premium increases.
- DUI remains on record for 75 years.
Georgia
- SR-22A required for habitual violators.
- DUI remains on record for life.
Hawaii
- No SR-22 requirement.
- DUI remains on record for 5 years.
Idaho
- SR-22 required for 1 to 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for life.
Illinois
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record permanently.
Indiana
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Iowa
- SR-22 required for 2 years.
- DUI remains on record for 12 years.
Kansas
- SR-22 required for 1 year.
- DUI remains on record for life.
Kentucky
- No SR-22 required.
- DUI remains on record for 5 years (10 years for multiple offenses).
Louisiana
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Maine
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Maryland
- No SR-22 requirement.
- DUI remains on record for 5 years.
Massachusetts
- No SR-22 required.
- DUI (OUI) remains on record for life.
Michigan
- SR-22 not traditionally used.
- High-risk insurance pools available for repeat offenders.
Minnesota
- No SR-22 requirement.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Mississippi
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 5 years.
Missouri
- SR-22 required for 2 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Montana
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record permanently.
Nebraska
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 12 years.
Nevada
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 7 years.
New Hampshire
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
New Jersey
- No SR-22 required.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
New Mexico
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 55 years.
New York
- No SR-22 required.
- DUI remains on record for at least 15 years.
North Carolina
- No SR-22 requirement, but very strict penalties.
- DUI remains on record permanently.
North Dakota
- SR-22 required for 1 year.
- DUI remains on record for 7 years.
Ohio
- SR-22 required for 3 to 5 years.
- DUI remains on record for life.
Oklahoma
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Oregon
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record permanently.
Pennsylvania
- No SR-22 required.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Rhode Island
- No SR-22 required.
- DUI remains on record for life.
South Carolina
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
South Dakota
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Tennessee
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for life.
Texas
- SR-22 required for 2 years.
- DUI remains on record permanently.
Utah
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Vermont
- No SR-22 required.
- DUI remains on record for life.
Virginia
- FR-44 required for 3 years (higher liability limits).
- DUI remains on record for 11 years.
Washington
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 7 years (for insurance purposes).
West Virginia
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Wisconsin
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Wyoming
- SR-22 required for 3 years.
- DUI remains on record for 10 years.
Tips for Finding Car Insurance After a DUI
1. Shop Around
Different insurers have different policies for high-risk drivers. Compare multiple quotes to find the best rates.
2. Consider Specialized Insurers
Companies like The General, Dairyland, and National General specialize in insuring high-risk drivers.
3. Improve Your Record
- Complete DUI programs or defensive driving courses.
- Maintain a clean driving record moving forward.
- Avoid additional traffic violations.
4. Increase Your Deductibles
Higher deductibles can lower your premium, but make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket costs in case of a claim.
5. Maintain Continuous Coverage
Avoid letting your policy lapse — a gap can make premiums even higher.
Conclusion
A DUI makes car insurance more complicated and expensive, but it’s not the end of the road.
Each state has different rules about SR-22 or FR-44 requirements and how long a DUI stays on your record, so understanding your state’s laws is critical for recovery.
By shopping carefully, maintaining a clean record, and following state-specific guidelines, you can rebuild your driving reputation — and eventually, your insurance premiums will reflect it.
Recovery takes time, but with persistence and smart choices, you’ll get back on track.