If you happen to get a DUI in New York, your auto insurance is going to get pricier — it's just a matter of by how much.
How will a DUI impact car insurance premiums in New York?
In New York, a DUI offense will increase your yearly car insurance premium by an average of $966. That’s 14% less than the nationwide average premium jump after a DUI.
CAR INSURANCE WITH A DUI IN NEW YORK — AVERAGE YEARLY COST
| Area | Avg. Annual Rate — without DUI | Avg. Annual Rate — with DUI | Avg. Increase After DUI |
| New York | $1,704 | $2,670 | +57% |
| United States | $1,548 | $2,556 | +65% |
Purchasing auto insurance in New York with a DUI
Getting inexpensive car insurance after a DUI conviction isn’t easy. In fact, a DUI generally results in a larger cost increase than any other driving violation — more than racing, reckless driving, or an at-fault accident.
Cheap car insurance after a DUI in New York
If you have been convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in New York, it is essential to consider your insurance possibilities carefully. Car insurance prices following a DUI may fluctuate widely depending on the insurer. For instance, the most affordable auto insurance company with a DUI in New York, Progressive, offers yearly premiums 28% less than the state average insurance premium with a DUI violation. The next-cheapest company for auto insurance after a DUI in New York is State Farm, while the most expensive company is GEICO, with premiums 25% above the mean.
CAR INSURANCE RATES WITH DUI IN NEW YORK — BY INSURER
| Insurance Company | Avg. Annual Rate — After DUI |
| Progressive | $1,915 |
| State Farm | $2,067 |
| NYCM Insurance | $2,635 |
| Allstate | $2,859 |
There is no auto insurance company, in particular, offering inexpensive DUI auto insurance. The best course of action to save post-DUI citation is to look at multiple options.
Compare auto insurance quotes online or contact an insurance agent to gauge the choices and discover a cost-effective policy.
Learn more about car insurance and DUI infractions.
Need new car insurance? Compare rates today!
New York DWI laws
Driving under the influence is formally referred to as driving while intoxicated, or DWI, in New York State. You are DWI in New York if your blood alcohol concentration measures 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are DWI if their BAC reads 0.04% or higher.
New York is a zero-tolerance state for underage DWI. Drivers under 21 years old are DWI in New York if their BAC reads between 0.02% and 0.07%.
In New York, drivers are also considered driving while ability impaired, or DWAI, if their BAC reads between 0.05% and 0.07%.
DWI penalties in New York
The lookback period for most DWI offenses in New York is 10 years. However, multiple offenses within a 25-year period may also lead to enhanced penalties.
All penalties include an annual assessment fine of $250 for three years and a possible requirement to attend the New York Drinking Driver Program at the offender's expense.
First-time DWI or DWAI-Drug offenses in New York lead to:
- Up to one year in jail
- $500 to $1,000 in fines
- License revoked for at least six months for DWI
- License suspended for at least six months for DWAI-Drugs
A second DWI or DWAI-Drug offense is a class E felony in New York and results in:
- Up to four years in jail
- $1,000 to $5,000 in fines
- License revocation for at least one year
Third-time DWI or DWAI-Drug offenses in New York are class D felonies and subject offenders to:
- Up to seven years in jail
- $2,000 to $10,000 in fines
- License revocation for at least one year
Three or more DWI/DWAI convictions can lead to permanent revocation of a driver's license.
DWAI penalties in New York
A DWAI in New York is driving while impaired by alcohol alone with a BAC measuring between .05% and 0.07%.
All penalties include an annual assessment fine of $250 for three years and a possible requirement to attend the New York Drinking Driver Program at the offender's expense.
A first-time DWAI offense in New York results in:
- Up to 15 days in jail
- $300 to $500 in fines
- License suspended for at least 90 days
A second DWAI offense within five years leads to:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- $500 to $750 in fines
- License revoked for at least six months
Three or more DWAI offenses in New York within 10 years are misdemeanors and subject offenders to:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- $750 to $1,500 in fines
- License revoked for at least six months
Three or more DWI/DWAI convictions can lead to permanent revocation of a driver's license.
DWAI-combination penalties in New York
A DWAI-Combination offense occurs when a driver in New York is intoxicated by a combination of alcohol and drugs.
All penalties include an annual assessment fine of $250 for three years and a possible requirement to attend the New York Drinking Driver Program at the offender's expense.
The first DWAI-Combination offense in New York leads to:
- Up to one year in jail
- $500 to $1,000 in fines
- License revocation for at least six months
A second DWAI-Combination offense is a class E felony in New York and results in:
- Up to four years in jail
- $1,000 to $5,000 in fines
- License revocation for at least one year
Third-time DWAI-Combination offenses in New York are class D felonies and subject offenders to:
- Up to seven years in jail
- $2,000 to $10,000 in fines
- License revocation for at least one year
Three or more DWI/DWAI convictions can lead to permanent revocation of a driver's license.
Penalties for aggravated DWI in New York
Penalties are increased for any DWI in which the driver has a BAC of 0.18% or higher. This is referred to as aggravated DWI, or AGG DWI.
All penalties include an annual assessment fine of $250 for three years and a possible requirement to attend the New York Drinking Driver Program at the offender's expense.
The penalties for the first AGG DWI are:
- Up to one year in jail
- $1,000 to $2,500 in fines
- License revocation for at least one year
A second AGG DWI within 10 years is a class E felony in New York and leads to:
- Up to four years in jail
- $1,000 to $5,000 in fines
- License revocation for at least 18 months
A third AGG DWI in 10 years in a class D felony and subjects offenders to:
- Up to seven years in jail
- $2,000 to $10,000 in fines
- License revocation for at least 18 months
Three or more DWI/DWAI convictions can lead to permanent revocation of a driver's license.
DWI penalties for underage drinkers in New York
Drivers guilty of an underage DWI in New York may be required to enroll in the New York Drinking Driver Program at their expense. They may also be required to install and use an interlock ignition device.
Underage drivers charged with a DWI for the first time are subject to:
- A $125 civil penalty
- A six-month license suspension
- A $100 fee to terminate license suspension
A second underage DWI in New York results in:
- A $125 civil penalty
- A revoked license for one year or until age 21
- A $100 re-application fee
Sources and references:
https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/penalties-alcohol-or-drug-related-violations