Washington Car Insurance with a DUI

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

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If you happen to are convicted of DUI in Washington, your auto insurance will get more expensive — it's a question of by how much.


How does a DUI change auto insurance in Washington?


In Washington, a DUI will lift your annual car insurance premium by an average of $610. That’s 80% less than the U.S. average premium hike after a DUI.


AUTO INSURANCE AFTER A DUI IN WASHINGTON — AVERAGE ANNUAL PENALTY
Area Avg. Annual Rate — no DUI Avg. Annual Rate — with DUI Avg. Increase After DUI
Washington $1,368 $1,978 +45%
United States $1,548 $2,556 +65%

Getting car insurance in Washington with a DUI


Finding inexpensive auto insurance after a DUI conviction isn’t easy. In fact, a DUI often triggers a bigger rate increase than any other driving violation — more than reckless driving, racing, or an at-fault accident.


Best car insurance after a DUI in Washington

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI offense in Washington, it’s essential to consider your insurance possibilities carefully. Auto insurance prices after a DUI may deviate greatly depending on the company. For example, the least expensive auto insurance company with a DUI in Washington, State Farm, advertises annual rates 36% more affordable than the state average insurance premium after a DUI conviction. The second-cheapest insurer for car insurance after a DUI in Washington is PEMCO Insurance, and the most expensive insurer is Farmers, with rates 50% pricer than average.


CAR INSURANCE RATES WITH DUI IN WASHINGTON — BY PROVIDER
Insurance Company Avg. Annual Rate — with DUI
State Farm $1,276
PEMCO Insurance $1,310
Progressive $1,553
USAA $1,888
Allstate $2,253
Liberty Mutual $2,818

There’s no car insurance company in particular offering inexpensive DUI car insurance; however. The most effective strategy to limit your losses post-DUI citation is to shop around to find a less costly option.

Compare auto insurance policies online or contact your insurance expert to weigh the choices and find the best policy.

Learn more about car insurance and DUIs.

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Washington DUI laws

Drivers are DUI in Washington when their blood alcohol concentration measures 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard and are considered DUI when their BAC reads 0.04% or higher.

Drivers under 21 years old are DUI in Washington if their BAC is 0.02% or higher.


DUI penalties in Washington state

The DUI lookback period in Washington State is seven years. Repeated DUI offenses within this timeframe subject offenders to harsher penalties and fines.

In addition, a BAC of 0.15% or higher, a DUI with a passenger under 16 years old, or reckless or negligent driving results in enhanced penalties.

First-time DUI offenses in Washington lead to:

  • 24 consecutive hours to 364 days in jail
  • $940.50 to $5,000 in fines
  • License suspension for 90 days
  • Possible requirement to use an interlock ignition device for at least one year

A second DUI offense in Washington results in:

  • 30 to 364 days in jail
  • $1,195.50 to $5,000 in fines
  • License revocation for two years
  • Possible requirement to use an IID for at least five years

Penalties for three or more DUI offenses in Washington are:

  • 90 to 364 days in jail
  • $2,045.50 to $5,000 in fines
  • License revocation for three years
  • Possible requirement to use an IID for at least 10 years

In addition to the above penalties, a judge may order DUI offenders an alcohol or drug education program, 24/7 Sobriety Program, victim impact program, or treatment.


DUI penalties for underage drinkers in Washington

A driver under age 21 with a BAC less than 0.08% is still DUI in Washington. Penalties include up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. An underage DUI offender's license may be suspended until they turn 21.

Sources and references:

https://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/content/duigrid/duiGrid_20150926.pdf

https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/dui.html

https://www.edgarsnyder.com/drunk-driving/driving-alcohol-laws/washington.html