Cheap Car Insurance with a DUI in California (2024)
Mile Auto is the cheapest insurer for California drivers with a DUI, with liability coverage as low as $92 per month.
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Written byJanet Berry-Johnson
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8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance
Certified public accountant
Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.
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5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Updated November 21, 2024
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Table of contents
A conviction for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will increase your car insurance rates significantly for three to five years. Impaired driving is a leading cause of fatal accidents, so insurers raise rates to compensate for the increased risk that you’ll file a claim.[1]
In California, drivers with clean records pay an average of $283 per month for full-coverage car insurance. By comparison, drivers with DUIs see average rates of $401 for the same coverage.
But Golden State drivers cited for impaired driving can still find cheap car insurance from top insurers like Mile Auto, Sun Coast, and Mercury. Here’s how to compare car insurance quotes to find the most affordable coverage after a DUI.
Quick Facts
Nearly 28% of all fatal crashes in California in 2023 involved impaired driving.[2]
A DUI conviction in California has serious consequences, including losing your license, having your vehicle impounded, and spending up to six months in jail.
California requires drivers convicted of a DUI to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility with the state DMV.
Cheapest DUI insurance in California
A DUI conviction will increase your car insurance costs in every state. Some insurance companies won’t cover drivers with DUIs — they may even cancel your policy mid-term after a DUI conviction. But others specialize in insuring high-risk drivers.
In California, Mile Auto has the cheapest rates for drivers with a DUI. Its liability-only coverage starts at $92 per month. By comparison, State Farm, the largest U.S. auto insurer by market share, has average monthly liability rates of $288 for drivers with DUIs.
The following table shows the range of monthly rates California drivers can find with a DUI on their records.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $92 | $166 | 7.5 |
| Mercury | $146 | $267 | 8.0 |
| Anchor | $166 | $441 | 6.0 |
| USAA | $189 | $380 | 9.4 |
| National General | $202 | $504 | 6.8 |
| Direct Auto | $233 | $541 | 7.3 |
| GEICO | $250 | $506 | 9.0 |
| Allstate | $259 | $524 | 8.9 |
| Farmers | $267 | $540 | 8.3 |
| State Farm | $288 | $584 | 9.3 |
| Travelers | $304 | $613 | 9.0 |
| 21st Century | $331 | $668 | 5.9 |
| Bristol West | $351 | $630 | 5.2 |
| Nationwide | $408 | $823 | 8.7 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best DUI insurance companies in California
A DUI conviction on your record can make finding affordable car insurance in California difficult. While cheap rates are important, the insurer with the lowest prices might not be the best option for all drivers.
It’s a good idea to compare factors like available coverages, discounts, claims processing, and customer service when you look for an insurer after a DUI. Here are three of the best, most affordable options for California drivers with a DUI. Each will file an SR-22 for drivers required to have one.
Best insurer overall: Mercury
| User Reviews | 3.6 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.0 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $104/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $190/mo |
3.6
A solid optionBased on 474 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Mercury
Drivers appreciate the exceptional service, fair prices, and attentive support, but some find the premiums can increase unexpectedly.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
How drivers feel about Mercury
Drivers appreciate the exceptional service, fair prices, and attentive support, but some find the premiums can increase unexpectedly.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
Reviews (260)
Patricia
November 4, 2024
Verified Review
Too Expensive
It's way overpriced. I'm shopping now.
Carol
November 2, 2024
Verified Review
Auto Insurance Costs Rise in Sanctuary States
They are very good if needed, but even without any tickets or accidents, their prices continue to climb higher.
Patricia
November 1, 2024
Verified Review
Excellent Service
I have not had any problems with the service, but one employee, in particular, goes beyond her responsibility with me.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
827NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.48A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
AWhy we picked this company
Mercury car insurance is a regional company that operates in just 11 states, including California. Although its rates aren’t the lowest in California for drivers with a DUI, they’re competitive. And the insurer’s optional coverages, like roadside assistance and rideshare insurance, and an array of discounts could make it an appealing option for drivers looking for savings and a higher level of coverage.
Because Mercury also sells home, condo, and renters insurance, auto policyholders could realize significant savings from bundling.
Pros
Eight advertised discounts, including multi-policy and good student discounts
Competitive rates for California drivers with DUIs
Cons
Higher-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Claims processing can be slow, some policyholders report
Best insurer for low-mileage drivers: Nationwide
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.7 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $266/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $537/mo |
4.4
Best choiceBased on 782 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the excellent coverage, reliable claims process, and good initial rates but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the excellent coverage, reliable claims process, and good initial rates but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Reviews (441)
Richard
November 7, 2024
Verified Review
Excellent Company
Nationwide appears to be an excellent company. I have recommended this company to several of my friends. My daughter and her husband have also taken out policies and are very satisfied with this company. Thank you.
Irene
November 4, 2024
Verified Review
Sorry to be leaving you, Nationwide.
I used Nationwide for 32 years. I understand that insurance prices are going up, however, due to my limited income, I can no longer afford to stay with Nationwide.
Sara
November 1, 2024
Verified Review
Very Good!
The customer service is very good. They explain things well and make it easy to understand.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
815NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.64A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
Nationwide’s rates aren’t the lowest available for California drivers with a DUI, but its pay-per-mile program, SmartMiles, may bring costs down considerably for low-mileage drivers. The program charges a monthly base rate that starts at $60, plus 7 cents for every mile you drive in a month.
A DUI will likely affect your base rate, but if you drive fewer miles than average each month, your variable costs could be comparatively low. Nationwide is a well-established company with nearly 100 years in business and has an AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent).
Pros
Good array of optional coverages, including gap insurance
SmartMiles program offers savings opportunities for low-mileage drivers
Cons
Rates aren’t the lowest for California drivers with DUIs
Some discounts and programs aren’t available in every state
Best insurer for very high-risk drivers: National General
| User Reviews | 3.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 6.8 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $132/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $329/mo |
3.3
A solid optionBased on 392 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about National General
Drivers appreciate the initial affordability and good starter options but dislike the frequent and significant price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
SR-22 insurance
Bundling discounts
Hard-to-insure drivers
How drivers feel about National General
Drivers appreciate the initial affordability and good starter options but dislike the frequent and significant price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
SR-22 insurance
Bundling discounts
Hard-to-insure drivers
Reviews (204)
Jahmon
November 14, 2024
Verified Review
The Greatest
Excellent.
Mike
November 6, 2024
Verified Review
Too expensive
The monthly cost should be lowered.
Javier
November 5, 2024
Verified Review
I switched carriers to get a better rate, but they didn't update my paperwork with the DMV, which resulted in the cancellation of my driver's license. I had to get the paperwork faxed on my own, and it cost $55.00 to reinstate my license. Of course, National General blamed it on my carrier, A.I.S., and A.I.S. blamed it on National General. So, I'm not inclined to praise their treatment of me.
I switched carriers to get a better rate, but they didn't update my paperwork with the DMV, which resulted in the cancellation of my driver's license. I had to get the paperwork faxed on my own, and it cost $55.00 to reinstate my license. Of course, National General blamed it on my carrier, A.I.S., and A.I.S. blamed it on National General. So, I'm not inclined to praise their treatment of me.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
829NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
4.01A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
An Allstate company, National General specializes in insuring high-risk drivers. So if you’ve been turned down for coverage elsewhere due to a DUI, it may be worth applying with National General. In addition to filing an SR-22 on your behalf, National General offers standard coverages, like liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist.
Optional coverages, like roadside assistance and auto protection plans, are also available. Drivers who download National General’s DynamicDrive app may get rewarded with lower rates if they practice safe driving habits.
Pros
Insures higher-risk drivers that may not be able to find coverage elsewhere
Numerous discounts available, including for DynamicDrive
Cons
Rates for California drivers with DUIs are merely average
High rate of customer complaints with the NAIC — six times higher than expected
Find Insurance in California After a DUI
Monthly liability rates for drivers with a DUI start at $92
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
How much does car insurance cost in California with a DUI?
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses a significant risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists on the road. When a driver receives a DUI or DWI conviction, insurance companies view them as much more likely to get into car accidents, which leads to higher claims and payouts for the insurance company. Auto insurers pass these potentially higher costs to the driver by way of higher premiums.
The table below compares average monthly costs of car insurance for California drivers with clean records to the averages for Golden State drivers with DUIs on their records.
Coverage Type ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | One DUI ▲▼ | % Increase After DUI ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability only | $130 | $171 | 32% |
| Full coverage | $264 | $348 | 32% |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How to get cheaper car insurance with a DUI in California
Finding cheap auto insurance can be difficult after getting a DUI, but you can still take steps to find more affordable car insurance:
Maintain safe driving habits. A reliable way to qualify for more affordable coverage involves practicing safe driving habits. Avoiding additional traffic violations, such as speeding or reckless driving, can help improve your chances of finding better rates.
Utilize discounts. Many auto insurance companies offer discounts to help reduce premiums for policyholders. These discounts may include savings for bundling your home and auto policies, paying your premium in full, or equipping your vehicle with safety equipment or anti-theft features.
Take a defensive driving course. In California, you may be required to complete a three-month DUI school program as part of the terms of your probation. Taking this course or another defensive driving course may offer several benefits, including reducing the number of points on your driving record and decreasing your car insurance premiums. Before enrolling in any non-required class, contact your insurance company to see if a course will allow you to qualify for a rate reduction.
Compare quotes. Shop for quotes from different insurers to get the best rates available. Some insurers may offer more competitive rates or discounts to drivers with DUIs than others, so it pays to compare rates from multiple companies.
What happens after you get a DUI in California?
Although it’s considered a misdemeanor offense, getting a DUI in California can have serious consequences. If the police pull you over, and your blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches or exceeds 0.08% (0.01% if you’re younger than 21), they can arrest and charge you with a DUI. The police officer will also immediately notify the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).[3]
Your driving privileges will be suspended for a minimum of four months following your first DUI. At the end of the suspension period, you’ll have to pay a $125 fine and show proof of insurance to reinstate your driver’s license.[4]
Number of DUI Convictions ▲▼ | Fines ▲▼ | Penalties ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| First | $390–$1,000 |
|
| Second | $390–$1,000 |
|
| Third or more | $390–$1,000 |
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How long will a DUI remain on your record in California?
In California, a DUI conviction will remain on your record for 10 years from the violation date.[5] While that may seem like a long time if you struggle to find affordable car insurance, many other states also keep DUIs on drivers’ records for seven to 10 years or longer. In some states — including Massachusetts, Indiana, New Mexico, Vermont, and Maine — DUIs stay on driving records permanently.
Despite remaining on your record for a decade, your DUI won’t necessarily result in higher insurance rates for that whole period. For example, someone with a DUI conviction from seven years ago who has since had a clean record will likely pay lower rates than someone who received a DUI within the last year.
Compare Car Insurance Rates
California drivers with a DUI pay an average of $198 per month
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
What penalties do underage drivers with a DUI face?
California has a “zero tolerance” policy for drivers younger than 21 who drive while impaired, meaning that any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in a DUI charge.
If a driver younger than 21 years of age is detained or arrested for a DUI and has a BAC of 0.01% or higher (or refuses to take a test), they’ll face license suspension or revocation.[6] As a result, their driver’s license will be:
Suspended for one year for a first offense
Revoked for two years for a second offense in 10 years
Revoked for three years for three or more offenses in 10 years
In addition to legal consequences, underage drivers with a DUI conviction may also face challenges when it comes to obtaining affordable car insurance. Insurance companies see underage drivers with a DUI as high-risk and may cancel their current policy or significantly raise their rates, making it difficult for them to find affordable coverage in the future.
When you need an SR-22 insurance form
Not technically an insurance policy, an SR-22 certificate of insurance proves to the state that a driver has liability insurance coverage. Drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to a DUI conviction, reckless driving, or an at-fault accident without insurance typically need to file one.
Your insurance company will need to file the SR-22 form and send it to the DMV. The insurance company essentially confirms you have insurance and agrees to notify the DMV if you change vehicles, cancel your policy, let it lapse, or stop paying your premiums.
In California, drivers required to file an SR-22 must maintain it for at least three years. If you cancel your insurance or let your coverage lapse during this time, the state can immediately suspend your driver’s license.
In California, some insurance companies specialize in providing coverage for drivers who need an SR-22. You should shop around and compare car insurance quotes to find the best option for your needs and budget.
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The Complete Guide to SR-22 Insurance
California DUI car insurance FAQs
In addition to anxieties about increased premiums and potential difficulty finding coverage, you’ll likely have many questions when dealing with auto insurance after a DUI. This additional information may help.
Will insurance cover your vehicle if you got a DUI in California?
Not usually. Most auto insurance policies have exclusions for illegal activity and intentional acts, including a DUI conviction. If you cause injury or damage while driving under the influence, your insurance company likely won’t cover these costs. In fact, if you were driving while intoxicated, you may be personally responsible for any damage or injuries you caused yourself and others.
What is the best car insurance company for a DUI in California?
Regional insurer Mercury offers some of the cheapest rates for California drivers with a DUI and has a strong IQ Score of 8.0. The insurer will file an SR-22 for drivers who need one and offers a respectable variety of coverage options and discounts, including for bundling with another Mercury insurance policy, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
Mercury’s average monthly cost for full coverage is $267 for California drivers with a DUI and $146 for liability-only policies.
Do you need to let your auto insurer know if you get a DUI?
Though not strictly required, you should call your insurer to tell them about your DUI and discuss whether they might choose to not renew your policy in case you need to find an affordable alternative.
Most states don’t have laws requiring drivers to notify their insurance companies after a DUI, but that doesn’t mean your insurance company won’t find out about the DUI. Insurance companies typically have access to your driving record, which they may check periodically or prior to policy renewal. You may also need to contact your insurance company to get an SR-22, so it’ll find out about your DUI when you call to request one.
How much do car insurance rates increase after you get a DUI in California?
A DUI in California pushes average monthly rates from $140 for minimum coverage and $283 for full coverage (what drivers with a clean record pay) to $198 and $401, respectively. Your increase may be higher or lower than those averages, depending on other factors, including the insurer.
Can your insurer cancel your coverage after a DUI?
Yes, an insurer can choose not to continue covering you after a DUI. But in California, as long as you continue paying your premium, insurers can’t cancel your policy mid-term for a DUI (although other states allow this). But they can opt not to renew your policy at the end of the term. If this happens, you’ll need to find a new insurer before your current policy expires so that you can avoid a lapse in coverage.
Related articles
More cities in California
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Alcohol and drugs."
- University of California Berkeley. "Transportation Injury Mapping System."
- State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. "California Driver's Handbook."
- State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Driving Under the Influence (DUI)."
- State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Retention of Driver Record Information."
- State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Immediate Driver License Suspension: Drivers Under Age 21 0.01% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Zero Tolerance."
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Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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