Best Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers & DUI Records
If you have a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or other serious mark on your driving record, you’re considered a high-risk driver by insurers. That means higher car insurance rates, and in some cases, even trouble finding coverage at all. But don’t worry — you can still find policies that balance affordability, coverage, and reliability. 🚗💡
This guide covers:
✔ What “high-risk” insurance really means
✔ Why DUIs impact your premiums so much
✔ Best insurance companies for high-risk drivers in 2025
✔ Estimated costs and comparison examples
✔ Tips to save money without sacrificing protection
Let’s dig in. 👇
What Is High-Risk Car Insurance?
When insurance companies see a driver as more likely to file a claim, they label them as high risk. This usually applies if you have:
- A DUI or DWI conviction on your driving record
- Multiple at-fault accidents
- Reckless driving citations
- A high number of speeding tickets
- A suspended license or SR-22/FR-44 requirement
These factors indicate higher chances of future claims, so insurers charge higher premiums to offset that risk — often significantly more than for clean drivers. CNBC
Why a DUI Raises Your Insurance Cost So Much
A DUI is one of the most expensive violations in terms of insurance cost because it directly ties to impaired driving, which greatly increases accident likelihood.
Research shows:
- A DUI can nearly double your car insurance rates compared to someone with a clean record. NerdWallet
- Insurers may increase rates by 50–70% or more after a DUI. Forbes
Outcome: The average high-risk driver pays significantly more than average premiums, but not all companies approach this risk the same way.
🔝 Top Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers with DUI (2025)
1. Progressive — Best Overall for DUI Drivers
✔ Often ranks as the cheapest insurer after a DUI overall
✔ Offers competitive full coverage and liability rates for high-risk drivers
✔ Some of the lowest increases compared to other major insurers
Estimated impact: Premiums may be only around 20–30% higher after a DUI — lower than many competitors. Forbes
Why it’s a great option:
Progressive combines affordability with national availability and solid claims handling. It’s often recommended for drivers with a DUI looking to minimize premium hikes.
2. State Farm — Excellent Balanced Option
✔ Consistently one of the lowest-cost options for high-risk drivers across many states
✔ Strong claims service and large agent network
Typical costs: According to multiple comparisons, State Farm often offers some of the lowest DUI auto insurance rates (e.g., ~$132/month on average). Policygenius
Why it’s a great option:
State Farm tends to absorb less of the “penalty” for a DUI compared to many insurers and can be especially competitive for drivers who maintain a clean record after the offense.
3. GEICO — Affordable Option (Variable by State)
✔ Frequently among the cheaper companies for high-risk drivers
✔ Relatively easy online quote and management tools
Notes: Actual quotes can vary significantly by ZIP code and personal profile. In some markets, GEICO is near the bottom of the price list. Compare.com
4. Auto-Owners & NJM — Regional Value Picks
✔ Affordable DUI insurance in many states
✔ Particularly strong pricing in select regions
Driven by: Smaller or regional carriers often focus on competitive pricing for specialized risk profiles. Compare.com
5. USAA — Best for Eligible Military Families
✔ Fantastic rates and member satisfaction
✔ Available only to military members, veterans & families
Even with a DUI: USAA still often remains competitively priced relative to others — but eligibility is limited. Compare.com
💰 Average Insurance Costs for High-Risk Drivers (with DUI)
Here’s a snapshot of how DUI impacts average insurance costs compared to clean drivers, with real estimated figures:
| Insurance Company | Estimated Monthly Premium After DUI |
|---|---|
| Progressive | ~$184–$212 |
| State Farm | ~$132–$205 |
| GEICO | ~$245+ |
| Auto-Owners | ~$68–$83* |
| USAA | ~$78–$176 |
| NJM / Erie / MAPFRE | ~$98–$174 |
| (*Estimate ranges vary by region and coverage type) Compare.com+1 |
💡 Key insight: State Farm and Progressive often emerge as the most affordable general options, but smaller regional insurers can sometimes beat them locally.
📍 Special Considerations for DUI Drivers
1. SR-22 or FR-44 Requirements
After a DUI, many states require an SR-22 or FR-44 — proof of financial responsibility filed with the DMV — before your license is reinstated. This is a separate filing usually required for 3–5 years, and many insurers will charge extra for SR-22 filings.
💡 Not all insurers offer SR-22 services — make sure the company you choose does before committing.
2. Insurance Availability
Some companies may refuse to insure drivers with recent DUIs. Smaller or non-standard insurers often specialize in high-risk drivers where mainstream companies won’t write a policy.
Tip: An independent insurance agent or broker can help you find non-standard carriers that specialize in high-risk profiles.
3. Your State Makes a Difference
Premiums vary widely by state due to local laws, accident rates, theft rates, state minimums, and how long a DUI stays on your record. For example, auto insurance with a DUI in California may be very different from Texas or Florida. NerdWallet
🧠 Tips to Save Money Even With a DUI
Even with a high-risk record, you can still reduce what you pay:
🔁 1. Shop Multiple Quotes
Insurance companies price risk differently — compare quotes from several providers.
📉 2. Clean Driving After DUI
After the DUI penalty period, maintaining a clean record can start lowering rates over time.
📊 3. Adjust Coverage Wisely
If your car is older, consider higher deductibles or drop collision/comprehensive if that makes sense financially.
👨👩👧 Add a Safe Driver
Adding an experienced, clean-record driver to your policy can sometimes lower the weighted risk.
📈 Bundle Policies
Bundling auto with home or renters insurance can net you discounts even as a high-risk driver.
📅 Reevaluate Every Year
Insurance markets change yearly — shop again at renewal to find cheaper options.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Having a DUI on your record doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck with unaffordable car insurance forever — but it does consistently raise premiums and narrows your insurer options. NerdWallet
Here’s a quick summary of the top picks in 2025 for high-risk drivers with DUI:
🌟 Best for overall affordability: Progressive
📉 Best balanced option: State Farm
📍 Best regional/alternative value: Auto-Owners, NJM, MAPFRE
🎖 Best (if eligible): USAA
The most reliable path to savings? Compare quotes, understand your state’s requirements, and consider specialized high-risk insurers who understand your situation.