If you receive a DUI or DWI in California, your auto insurance rates are bound to rise: it's just a question of how much extra you'll pay. If you're convicted of a DUI violation, it's important to shop wisely and compare insurance rates to find the cheapest option.
How to find affordable car insurance in California after a DUI
Finding cheap car insurance in the wake of a DUI conviction is not straightforward. In fact, a DUI typically leads to a bigger premium increase than any single road transgression — more than reckless driving, racing, or an at-fault accident. California is an exceedingly bad state in which to be convicted of a DUI: its insurance rate raises are some of the nation's most severe.
The best auto insurance after a DUI in California
If you’re found guilty of a DUI or DWI offense in California, it’s important to weigh your insurance choices with care. Auto insurance rates after a DUI can vary greatly depending on the company. For instance, the most affordable auto insurance company after a DUI in California, Mercury, offers annual rates 52% below the state average insurance price with a DUI. The second-cheapest company for car insurance with a DUI in California is Infinity, while the most expensive firm is Allstate, with rates 66% above the mean.
CHEAP AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR DRIVERS AFTER A DUI
| Insurance Company | Avg. Annual Rate — After DUI |
| Mercury | $2,369 |
| Infinity | $2,756 |
| GEICO | $3,230 |
| Alliance | $4,312 |
| Farmers | $4,357 |
| AAA | $5,188 |
| State Farm | $7,286 |
| CSAA | $7,340 |
There is no auto insurer in particular that sells low-cost DUI car insurance. The easiest way to save after a DUI citation is to compare policies.
Compare auto insurance quotes online or contact an insurance expert to shop the market and find a cost-effective option.
How does a DUI impact car insurance rates in California?
In California, a DUI violation can boost your annual car insurance cost by an average of $3,069. That’s 64% more than the national average rate hike following a DUI.
CAR INSURANCE AFTER A DUI IN CALIFORNIA — AVERAGE ANNUAL PENALTY
| Location | Avg. Annual Rate — no DUI | Avg. Annual Rate — with DUI | Avg. Increase After DUI |
| California | $1,868 | $4,937 | +164% |
| United States | $1,548 | $2,556 | +65% |
Learn more about car insurance and DUI infractions.
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How to find car insurance in California after a DUI
Purchasing affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI offense isn’t easy. In fact, a DUI generally results in a greater rate increase than any other driving violation — more than an at-fault accident, reckless driving, or racing. California is a very poor place in which to be convicted of a DUI: its insurance rate raises are among the nation's harshest.
Best car insurance with a DUI in California
If you've been convicted of driving under the influence in California, it is important to weigh your insurance options judiciously. Car insurance rates after a DUI often vary substantially depending on the company. For example, the cheapest car insurance company with a DUI in California, Mercury, provides annual rates 52% better than the statewide average insurance premium with a DUI violation. The next-most affordable insurer for car insurance after a DUI in California is Infinity, while the priciest company is Allstate, with rates 66% pricer than average.
CAR INSURANCE PRICES WITH DUI IN CALIFORNIA — BY COMPANY
| Insurance Company | Avg. Annual Rate — After DUI |
| Mercury | $2,369 |
| Infinity | $2,756 |
| GEICO | $3,230 |
| Alliance | $4,312 |
| Farmers | $4,357 |
| AAA | $5,188 |
| State Farm | $7,286 |
| CSAA | $7,340 |
There’s no auto insurance company, in particular, offering affordable DUI car insurance. The best strategy to save money post-DUI conviction is to shop around.
Compare auto insurance quotes online or contact your insurance agent to shop the market and find a cost-effective DUI insurance policy.
Learn more about car insurance and DUI infractions.
Find affordable car insurance with a DUI today!
DUI penalties in California
California's lookback period is 10 years. Repeated DUI offenses within this period will lead to more severe fines and penalties.
First-time DUI offenses in California will result in:
- Fines of $390 to $1,000
- 48 hours to six months in jail
- License suspension for six months
- The possible requirement of an interlock ignition device for five months to three years
- Attendance in a DUI program (length determined based on BAC)
A second DUI offense in California leads to:
- Fines of $390 to $1,000
- 96 hours to one year in jail
- License suspension for two years
- The possible requirement of an interlock ignition device for one to three years
- 18 to 30 months in a DUI program
A third DUI conviction in California results in:
- Fines between $390 and $1800
- 120 days to one year in jail
- License suspension for three years
- Mandatory IID use for two to three years
- 30 months in a DUI program
Judges may choose to forego jail time in lieu of probation, particularly for first-time DUI offenders. Additionally, offenders may serve time via house arrest or alternative work programs instead of jail.
First-, second-, and third-offense DUI convictions are usually considered misdemeanors. If a DUI in California results in injury, however, it may be treated as a felony. Causing a fatality by driving under the influence is generally prosecuted under California's vehicular manslaughter or murder laws.
DUI penalties for underage drinkers in California
California is a zero-tolerance state when it comes to underage drinking. Those under 21 years old and found to have a BAC of 0.01% or higher are considered DUI.
First-time underage DUI offenders with a BAC of 0.01% or higher face:
- An infraction
- Up to $250 in fines
- A suspended license for a minimum of one year
First-time underage DUI offenders with a BAC of 0.05% or higher face:
- An infraction and underage DUI charge
- $100 to $300 in fines
- A one-year license suspension
- Required completion of an alcohol education program if between 18 and 21 years old
Multiple underage DUI charges may earn enough demerit points to result in a license suspension.
Committing a DUI offense with a BAC of 0.08% or higher will subject the underage driver to the fines and penalties of a standard DUI offense.
Sources and references:
https://www.dmv.org/ca-california/automotive-law/dui.php
https://dui.drivinglaws.org/california.php
https://dui.findlaw.com/dui-laws-resources/california-dui-laws.html
https://dui.drivinglaws.org/resources/dui-laws-state/penalties-dui-california.htm
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/newsrel/2017/2017_94
https://www.shouselaw.com/dui-under-21.html
https://dui.drivinglaws.org/resources/dui-and-dwi/dui-laws-state/california-underage-dui.htm
