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2 Best Car Insurance After a DUI: How to Find the Best

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Being convicted of driving while intoxicated (DUI) is a serious offense. Your auto insurance rate will rise, maybe by hundreds of dollars.

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You could also risk fines, jail time, or your driving privileges being canceled or severely restricted.

The finest vehicle insurance companies for DUI drivers have reasonable annual rates, will submit an SR-22 form on your behalf if necessary, and offer several payment options and possibilities to save money.

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The Best Car Insurance After a DUI

Car Insurance After a DUI

1. USAA

USAA is regarded as having some of the lowest average rates for a wide range of consumers with varying coverage needs and car insurance after a DUI.

This includes drivers with a DUI on their record; our data reveal that USAA’s sample yearly rate for these drivers is more than $700 lower than the national average.

And, according to a policyholder poll done as part of our assessment of the best car insurance carriers, the company provides excellent customer service.

Also Read 5 Best Car Insurance Fort Myers FL

It also outperformed every other insurer we looked at in terms of client loyalty. This is especially crucial if you’ve been convicted of a DUI and need to negotiate with your insurer to alter your coverage or have an SR-22 filed on your behalf.

There are a few potential disadvantages. First, while USAA’s sample rate for a DUI driver is low, a few insurers, notably State Farm and Geico, offer lower or comparable average rates. Second, USAA lacks a statewide network of local agent offices, which may turn off customers who prefer to do business in person.

2. Dairyland

Dairyland specializes in automobile insurance for high-risk drivers, such as those with a DUI on their record, which can lead to financial difficulty.

Dairyland may be a viable option for such drivers, as well as those looking for flexible premium payment options.

Customers can pay their entire price in advance (and receive a discount), monthly, or every six months.

According to the company website, the company also offers a minimum monthly payment option, although your premium may be higher if you choose this.

Customers who transfer insurers, especially those who have had a lapse in coverage, are also eligible for a discount from Dairyland.

Dairyland, unlike the other businesses in this post, is not featured in our list of the best auto insurance providers, and no data on average yearly rates is available.

Another possible disadvantage is that Dairyland does not sell auto insurance in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, or Washington, D.C. Sentry Insurance owns the company and underwrites the policies issued by Dairyland.

How to find the cheapest car insurance after a DUI

DUIs have a slew of severe repercussions, including points on your license, license suspension, and heavy fines. When you renew your coverage, your auto insurance prices will also rise.

Read More: 5 Most Affordable Health Insurance For Small Business

1. Allow yourself plenty of time.

Typically, your insurance premiums do not rise immediately. Most insurance companies will not change your rate in the middle of a policy.

That offers you plenty of time to investigate the finest DUI car insurance providers and make an informed decision.

Many states require you to obtain an SR-22 after a DUI in order to have your license reinstated.

You must obtain the form from your insurance carrier. Even so, the corporation cannot usually change your rates until your contract is up for renewal.

2. Shop around

Whether you have a DUI or not, shopping around for inexpensive auto insurance is the easiest method to save money.

Experts may vary on how frequently you should shop for a new policy, but one thing is certain: whether it’s every six months, a year, or a few years, you should constantly check to see if you can get lower rates with another carrier.

The insurers on our list of the cheapest car insurance for a DUI are a good place to start. USAA, Progressive, and American Family all provide coverage for under $3,000 per year.

Your insurance premiums are affected by your driving history, credit score, age, gender, location, and vehicle.

While USAA and Progressive may have the best car insurance for a DUI on average, this does not guarantee that they will have the best prices for you.

Get rates from several auto insurance companies. To properly compare quotations, ensure that each quote is for the same type and amount of coverage.

You can also work with an independent insurance agent or use an online vehicle insurance marketplace, which will generate many quotes from different companies with the click of a button.

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3. Increase your auto insurance deductible.

Car Insurance After a DUI

Reducing your auto insurance coverage to the state’s bare minimum is an easy method to save money, but most experts advise against it.

Consider raising your deductible instead of reducing your coverage amounts to the bare minimum.

According to our recent rate analysis, increasing your deductible from $250 to $2,000 can save you an average of $498 per year on vehicle insurance expenses.

Raising your deductible means you’ll have to spend more out of pocket for repairs following an accident before insurance kicks in.

Before selecting the pricier choice, make sure you can pay a deductible out of cash.

3. Bundle your policies

Bring your homeowners or renters insurance with you if you’re switching vehicle insurance carriers after a DUI.

Insurers frequently offer savings to policyholders who cover several vehicles, so if you have other drivers in your household, you should consider whether it’s worth it for them to make the switch with you.

Do you want to combine your auto and home insurance policies? These are the best auto and house insurance packages available.

4. Improve your driving skills actively.

Whether you switch plans or keep your existing carrier, the best approach to reducing your rate is to be proactive. Insurance companies may offer usage-based car insurance in specific instances.

By enrolling in a program in which your provider analyzes your driving patterns, you may be able to earn discounts for safe driving.

Proactively becoming a better driver is an excellent way to demonstrate trust to insurance carriers.

Stuart suggests taking a defensive driving course because many insurance companies will give you a discount if you complete one.

5. Pay attention to your finances.

Getting a DUI can be costly. You may have to pay bail, legal fees, and the fine itself. Despite this, it’s critical to prioritize your finances after a DUI, particularly making on-time payments and decreasing debts, as these have an impact on your credit score.

FAQs

What is the most affordable car insurance for those with a DUI?

State Farm has the most affordable DUI insurance premiums, both for minimal coverage ($737 per year) and full coverage policies ($1,231 per year). However, USAA is the cheapest for state-minimum plans ($674) for military drivers shopping for DUI insurance.

What is the best vehicle insurance provider for people who have had a DUI?

State Farm is the finest DUI insurance company, with a good mix of cost ($1,231 per year) and customer satisfaction ratings.

How much will your insurance cost if you get a DUI?

A DUI on your record can raise your insurance premiums by an average of $808 per year. Drivers with clean histories pay $1,054 on average per year for coverage, while those with a DUI spend $1,862.

How long does a DUI have an impact on your vehicle insurance?

A DUI can have a wide range of consequences for your insurance. You may face increasing insurance prices, policy cancellation or non-renewal, limited coverage, and difficulties locating a provider, for example. You may be required to obtain SR-22 or FR-44 insurance as well.

Conclusion

Regardless of how much you presently pay for vehicle insurance, if you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), your rate will jump, and you may even be dropped by your insurer.

The good news is that you can still find reasonably priced insurance, particularly from State Farm and (for military personnel) USAA.

Keep in mind that factors other than your driving record will influence the price you pay for coverage, such as where you reside, how frequently you commute, the type of car you drive, and so on.

Many insurers also provide discounts for taking driver-safety courses and other methods of lowering insurance costs.

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