Here's How Much a DUI Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates

Driving under the influence (DUI) carries severe consequences. While laws vary by state, you can expect steep fines and a suspension of your driver's license. Auto insurance will also get much more expensive. Your carrier will either raise your rates or drop you entirely, in which case you'll need to find a new car insurance provider.

How much more will insurance cost? Here's the latest data, according to research on how driving records affect insurance rates by The Motley Fool Ascent. After that, we'll look at which car insurance companies have the lowest rates after a DUI.

A DUI raises your auto insurance rates by 58%

The average car insurance premium is $2,706 a year for drivers with a clean record. With a DUI, that goes up to $4,282. On average, a DUI raises auto insurance rates by 58.2% and costs drivers an additional $1,576 annually.

While those are the overall averages, many factors go into car insurance rates. For example, where you live is also important. In some states, rates go up a much smaller amount after a DUI. In others, they more than double or even triple. Here are a few examples:

• In Alaska, average premiums are $1,831 with a clean record and $2,194 with a DUI -- an increase of $363 (19.8%).
• In Michigan, average premiums are $4,664 with a clean record and $11,163 with a DUI -- an increase of $6,499 (139.3%).
• In North Carolina, average premiums are $1,780 with a clean record and $6,778 with a DUI -- an increase of $4,998 (280.8%).

No matter where you live, a DUI costs you. There are quite a few potential bills involved, including fines, attorney fees, towing/impound fees, driving school, and those higher insurance rates.

Because this is such a dangerous activity, insurance companies charge much more for drivers with a DUI. You may only be eligible for high-risk car insurance. You'll have more expensive rates as long as that DUI is on your record, which is three to five years in most states.

What to do for car insurance after a DUI

If you have a DUI, you'll pay more for car insurance. There are still ways to lower your premiums -- not to what they were when you had a clean record, but you could at least save some money.

Start by comparing car insurance rates. Some car carriers raise rates much more than others. On average, the best car insurance companies after a DUI are USAA and State Farm. USAA, which is available to military members and their families, charges an average of $2,649 for drivers with a DUI. State Farm charges an average of $2,837.

That doesn't mean USAA and State Farm are always the best options. The only way to know where you'll get the best deal is by shopping around. Here's what else you can do after a DUI:

• Look for discount opportunities. Most car insurance companies offer a variety of discount opportunities. Some, like a good driver discount, won't be available to you. But others, like bundling your home and auto insurance, are still an option after a DUI.
• Adjust your coverage. If you're having trouble paying your premiums, see what changes you can make to your policy. For example, if you have an old car, you could get rid of full coverage. Another option is to go with a higher deductible in exchange for lower premiums.
• Work on your credit. Your credit score can affect your car insurance rates in all but four states (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan). If you don't have a high score yet, start building your credit, as this could help you get much cheaper insurance.
• Drive safely. The last thing you want is to make a bad situation worse. Any new issues, such as speeding tickets or another DUI, will push your insurance rates even higher. If you practice defensive driving and avoid violations and accidents, your rates will eventually decrease.

A DUI is a serious offense, and insurance companies treat it as such. It's always something drivers should avoid doing, not just because of the financial consequences but because of the safety risk. For drivers with a DUI on their record, it takes time to get lower car insurance rates again. But it's possible to bounce back, if you focus on being a safe driver going forward.