Getting a DUI can affect almost every part of your life:
- your driver’s license
- your criminal record
- your job
- and especially your auto insurance
One of the first questions many drivers ask after a DUI is:
“Can I still get auto insurance?”
The answer is yes.
But your insurance will likely become much more expensive, and you may need an SR-22 filing to legally drive again in California.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we help drivers throughout Orange County understand DUI insurance, SR-22 requirements, and how to find affordable coverage after a suspension or DUI conviction.
What Is DUI Insurance?
“DUI insurance” is not a separate type of insurance policy.
Usually, it refers to:
- high-risk auto insurance
- SR-22 insurance
- auto insurance after a DUI conviction
After a DUI, insurance companies classify you as a higher-risk driver, which usually causes premiums to increase significantly.
What Is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is NOT insurance itself.
It is a certificate your insurance company files with the California DMV proving that you carry the required minimum liability insurance.
California currently requires minimum liability limits of:
- 30/60/15
That means:
- $30,000 bodily injury per person
- $60,000 bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 property damage
How Long Do You Need an SR-22 in California?
In most DUI cases, California requires drivers to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for:
- approximately 3 years
If your policy lapses:
- your insurance company notifies the DMV
- your license may be suspended again
- the SR-22 period may restart
How Much Does DUI Insurance Cost in California?
After a DUI, premiums often increase dramatically.
Recent reports show:
- California drivers with a DUI may pay around $389/month for full coverage compared to about $141/month for clean-record drivers.
Other studies show:
- average DUI insurance premiums in California can exceed $7,700 annually after one DUI conviction.
The SR-22 filing itself is usually inexpensive:
- around $15–$35 filing fee
But the DUI violation is what causes the major premium increase.
Cheapest DUI Insurance Companies in California
Pricing varies by:
- age
- ZIP code
- vehicle
- driving history
- prior claims
However, some companies are often more competitive for DUI drivers, including:
- Mercury
- Progressive
- GEICO
- Bristol West
- Aspire General
Many Orange County drivers shop aggressively after a DUI because rates can vary dramatically between carriers.
Can You Get Insurance If Your License Is Suspended?
Yes — in many cases you still can.
Some drivers may need:
- SR-22 insurance
- non-owner SR-22 insurance
- restricted license filings
A non-owner policy may work for drivers who:
- do not own a vehicle
- still need to satisfy DMV requirements
Non-owner SR-22 policies are often cheaper than owner policies.
What Happens If You Don’t Get SR-22 Insurance?
Without the required SR-22 filing:
- your license may remain suspended
- registration issues may occur
- reinstatement may be delayed
Continuous coverage is critical.
Tips to Lower DUI Insurance Costs
1. Compare Multiple Companies
Rates vary dramatically between insurance carriers.
2. Maintain Continuous Coverage
Lapses can make rates even worse.
3. Drive Carefully
Additional tickets after a DUI can cause premiums to skyrocket further.
4. Consider Older Vehicles
Full coverage on expensive vehicles can become extremely costly after a DUI.
5. Ask About Discounts
Possible discounts may include:
- multi-car
- homeowner
- defensive driving
- paid-in-full discounts
DUI Insurance in Orange County Cities
We help drivers throughout:
- Anaheim
- Santa Ana
- Westminster
- Garden Grove
- Fullerton
- Huntington Beach
find DUI insurance and SR-22 filing solutions.
Don’t Drive Without Insurance After a DUI
Driving uninsured after a DUI can create even bigger problems:
- additional suspensions
- higher insurance rates
- vehicle impounds
- legal penalties
Getting properly insured as quickly as possible is usually the best path toward rebuilding your driving record.
Final Thoughts
A DUI can dramatically increase auto insurance costs, but it does NOT mean you are uninsurable.
The key is:
- getting proper SR-22 filings
- maintaining continuous coverage
- comparing multiple insurance companies
- rebuilding your driving history over time
Many drivers eventually qualify for better pricing again after maintaining a clean record for several years.
If you need DUI insurance, SR-22 filings, or high-risk auto insurance in Orange County, we are happy to help.
Text me at 714-867-7799 or call the office 714-893-7271.