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 increases 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 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 $1,800
- 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
- https://dui.drivinglaws.org
- https://dui.findlaw.com
- https://dui.drivinglaws.org
- https://www.dmv.ca.gov
- https://www.shouselaw.com
- https://dui.drivinglaws.org