How long does a DUI stay on your record?

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Jeffrey Johnson

Insurance Lawyer

Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

Insurance Lawyer

UPDATED: Mar 27, 2024

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Key Takeaways

  • Depending on your state, a DUI charge can remain on your driving record for five years or much longer
  • A DUI will always stay on your insurance company’s record, but the company may lower your rates after a few years of accident and violation-free driving
  • There are a few things you can do to lower your insurance rates following a DUI offense

How long does a DUI stay on your record for insurance purposes? Also, how long does a DUI stay on your criminal record? Are they related?

Depending on your state, a DUI may stay on your record perpetually. Of course, any insurance company is free to view those records as part of its risk assessment.

Generally, your car insurance rates will increase after a DUI. You may only be able to get high-risk car insurance in some cases, but some companies will give you more leniency than others.

Learn more about how long a DUI stays on your record for car insurance purposes, plus what you can do to lower your car insurance rates after getting a DUI.

And if you want to see rates from some car insurance companies in your area right now, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above.

How long does a DUI stay on your driving record overall?

Discover how long a DUI can remain on your driving record after a conviction based on your state:

How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record in Each State

StateHow Long a DUI Stays on Driving Records (in Years)Minimum SR-22 Filing Period (in Years)
Alabama53-5
AlaskaForever3-20*
Arizona53
Arkansas53-5
California103
Colorado103
Connecticut101
Delaware5No SR-22 Required
District of Columbia103
Florida753 (FR-44)
Georgia103
Hawaii53
IdahoForever3
IllinoisForever3
IndianaForever3-5
Iowa122
KansasForever1-3
Kentucky5No SR-22 Required
Louisiana103
MaineForever3
Maryland5
Massachusetts10Varies
Michigan73
Minnesota10No SR-22 Required
Mississippi53
Missouri102-3
Montana53
Nebraska123
Nevada73
New Hampshire103
New Jersey10No SR-22 Required
New Mexico55No SR-22 Required
New York15No SR-22 Required
North Carolina7No SR-22 Required
North Dakota71
OhioForever3-5
Oklahoma10No SR-22 Required
OregonForever3
Pennsylvania10No SR-22 Required
Rhode Island5No SR-22 Required
South Carolina103
South Dakota103
TennesseeForever3-5
TexasForever2
Utah103
VermontForever3
Virginia113 (FR-44)
Washington153
West Virginia10No SR-22 Required
Wisconsin103
Wyoming103
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*For each DUI infraction a person commits in Alaska, they will have a longer SR-22 period. That person will have a permanent SR-22 requirement after their fourth infraction.

A DUI conviction will likely stay on your criminal record in perpetuity unless you can get it removed. However, the expungement will not affect your DMV record.

Next, we will examine how a DUI offense affects your car insurance rates.

How long does a DUI stay on your record for car insurance purposes?

The previous section also included data for SR-22 period lengths because a DUI conviction will lead to a suspended license. And if you need to retrieve your driver’s license after committing a DUI infraction, you will need to file an SR-22 for car insurance. While the SR-22 doesn’t cost much on its own, the DUI that led to the SR-22 will mean higher insurance rates.

Depending on your chosen car insurance company, a DUI conviction can affect your car insurance rates and your eligibility for some discounts. Here are some car insurance companies that may grant you leniency after a certain period:

How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record for Car Insurance Companies

Car Insurance CompanyReset Period (in Years)
AAA3-5
Allstate3
American Family3
Chubb5
Erie3
Farmers3
GEICO3-5
The Hanover3
The Hartford5
Liberty Mutual5
ProgressiveAt least 3
Safeco5
State Farm9
USAA5
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This list partially relies on information about these companies’ good driving discounts and accident forgiveness programs. In most cases, these companies will reward drivers who remain accident-free for three to five straight years.

That said, car insurance companies will keep a record of any driver’s accidents and driving violations.

Insurance companies operate on risk, and they are constantly evaluating drivers listed on their policies. If you have too many violations, insurance companies will raise your rates, bar you from receiving certain discounts, or non-renew your policy.

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How much does car insurance cost after you commit a DUI offense?

Here is a snapshot of the possible car insurance rate increases you may see after a DUI infraction:

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record? Car Insurance Rate Increases With Major Companies

CompanyAverage Annual RatesAnnual Rates After a DUIPercentage Increase
AAA$1,721.20$2,994.8974%
Allstate$1,976.24$2,885.8146%
American Family$1,461.50$1,607.6510%
Amica Mutual$1,281.60$2127.46166%
Auto-Owners Insurance$1,443$2,784.9993%
Dairyland$1,629$1,840.7713%
Erie$1,230$2,115.6072%
Esurance$1,876$2,795.24149%
Farmers$1,366.60$2,514.5484%
GEICO$1,295.40$2,875.79122%
The Hanover$2,490$3,037.8022%
The Hartford$1,247.83$4,205.19237%
Kemper$2,930$3,545.3021%
Liberty Mutual$1,436.37$3,059.47113%
Mercury Insurance$1,197$1,735.6545%
Nationwide$1,896.67$4,267.51125%
Progressive$1,765.62$2,471.8740%
Safeco$1,188$1,651.3239%
State Farm$1,285.90$1,967.4353%
Travelers$1,251$2,139.2171%
USAA$1,282.83$2,296.2779%
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American Family Insurance might have the lowest increases, but The Hartford’s rates increased on this chart by an astounding 237%. However, based on the average, you should expect your rates to increase by approximately 80%.

Tips For Lowering Your Car Insurance Rates After A DUI Infraction

If rates from your current insurance company are too high, consider finding another car insurance company. However, if your insurance company decides to keep you as a policyholder, you can avoid a lapse in coverage and have a second chance.

Here is what you can do to lower your rates in any case:

  • Maintain a good driving record after the DUI offense. Given what we discussed about record resets, your insurance company may lower your rates after a few years of driving without accidents and violations.
  • Take a defensive driving course. The Insurance Information Institute mentions that you could receive this discount if another person listed on your policy takes the course. However, in this case, you can benefit in two ways by enrolling in such a course.
  • Drive a different car. You may get a discount by driving a car with safety features and passive restraint systems. Also, look at car insurance rates for your vehicle because the type of vehicle you drive can impact your rates.

You may also lower your monthly rates by raising your deductible, driving less, or enrolling in a telematics program. The latter may also allow your insurance company to see that your driving is gradually improving.

We hope that we have helped you understand more about how long a DUI offense can remain on your record for car insurance. Now, if you would like to see car insurance rates from some companies in your area, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below.

Case Studies: Impact of DUI on Car Insurance Rates

Case Study 1: John’s DUI and Skyrocketing Premiums

John, a resident of Illinois, was recently convicted of a DUI. His car insurance premiums skyrocketed by 80% following the conviction. John now faces the challenge of finding affordable coverage as a high-risk driver.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s DUI and Limited Insurance Options

Sarah, a resident of Florida, received a DUI citation. Her insurance company decided not to renew her policy, leaving her with limited options. Sarah struggled to find coverage and eventually secured a policy with a different provider at a significantly higher cost.

Case Study 3: Mark’s DUI and Insurance Company Loyalty

Mark, a resident of Texas, faced a DUI conviction. Despite his offense, his insurance company showed loyalty by offering him a second chance. They provided him with a policy renewal at slightly higher rates but still considerably lower than what other insurers were quoting him.

Case Study 4: Emily’s DUI and Policy Non-Renewal

Emily, a resident of California, was charged with a DUI offense. Her insurance company decided not to renew her policy due to the increased risk associated with the conviction. Emily had to search for a new insurance provider that would offer coverage despite her DUI, resulting in higher premiums and limited options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a DUI stay on your driving record?

The length of time a DUI stays on your driving record can vary depending on the state or jurisdiction where the offense occurred. In general, a DUI can remain on your driving record for several years. Typically, it ranges from 5 to 10 years, but some states may have longer periods or even indefinite durations for DUI convictions.

How long does a DUI stay on your criminal record?

The duration a DUI stays on your criminal record can also vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific laws. In many cases, a DUI offense will remain on your criminal record permanently. However, certain jurisdictions may have processes or programs that allow for the expungement or sealing of criminal records after a certain period of time or under specific circumstances.

How long do insurance companies consider a DUI when determining rates?

Insurance companies typically consider a DUI offense for a significant period of time when determining insurance rates. The exact duration can vary between insurance providers, but it is common for a DUI conviction to impact your insurance rates for 3 to 7 years. During this time, you may be classified as a high-risk driver, resulting in higher premiums.

Can a DUI affect your ability to get car insurance?

Yes, a DUI conviction can impact your ability to obtain car insurance. Some insurance companies may refuse to provide coverage to individuals with a recent DUI conviction on their record. Others may be willing to provide coverage but at significantly higher rates due to the increased risk associated with DUI offenses. It’s important to shop around and explore options from different insurance providers if you have a DUI on your record.

Can you remove a DUI from your record?

The process for removing a DUI from your record varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specific laws in place. In some cases, it may be possible to have a DUI expunged or sealed from your criminal record after a certain period of time or through legal procedures. However, the availability and requirements for record expungement or sealing differ between jurisdictions, and not all states allow for such actions. It is advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your jurisdiction for guidance on this matter.

Will a DUI from another state appear on your driving record?

Generally, DUI offenses from one state will appear on your driving record in another state. States have agreements and mechanisms in place, such as the Driver License Compact (DLC) or the Interstate Driver License Compact (IDLC), to share information about traffic offenses, including DUIs, between jurisdictions. This means that if you are convicted of a DUI in one state, it is likely to be reported to your home state and appear on your driving record.

Can attending DUI education programs or completing rehabilitation affect the duration a DUI stays on your record?

In some jurisdictions, completing DUI education programs or rehabilitation programs may have an impact on the duration a DUI stays on your record. These programs may be part of a plea agreement or sentencing requirement. Successfully completing such programs can demonstrate a commitment to addressing the issue and may be considered a favorable factor by certain jurisdictions when determining the length of time a DUI conviction remains on your record. However, the specific impact can vary, so it’s important to consult with legal professionals familiar with the laws in your jurisdiction for accurate information.

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