Best Car Insurance for Drivers With a Bad Record or DUI (2026)
Progressive typically offers the lowest rates after a DUI. State Farm is cheapest after an at-fault accident. For SR-22 filing, Dairyland specializes in high-risk drivers. Here is what you will pay and for how long.
How Much Each Violation Increases Your Rate
Source: The Zebra and Insurify 2026 rate analysis. Percentages represent average increase above a clean-record driver's baseline rate.
| Violation | Avg Rate Increase | Avg Dollar Increase/yr | Years on Record (Most States) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor speeding ticket (1-15 mph over) | +22% | +$595/yr | 3 years |
| Major speeding ticket (16+ mph over) | +30% | +$811/yr | 3-5 years |
| At-fault accident | +45% | +$1,215/yr | 3-5 years |
| Reckless driving | +70% | +$1,890/yr | 5-7 years |
| Driving without insurance | +45% | +$1,215/yr | 3 years |
| DUI / DWI | +74% | +$2,000/yr | 5-10 years |
Best Car Insurance by Violation Type
GEICO applies smaller surcharges for minor speeding violations than most competitors.
State Farm offers accident forgiveness programs and applies lower surcharges for a single at-fault accident.
Progressive specifically prices DUI risk individually and typically offers the lowest post-DUI rates of major insurers.
Dairyland specialises in high-risk drivers needing SR-22 filing. Progressive also handles SR-22 efficiently with competitive rates.
SR-22: What It Is and How It Works
An SR-22 is not a type of insurance policy. It is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurer files electronically with your state's DMV to prove you carry at least the state-minimum liability coverage. Not all insurers file SR-22s, which limits your options and can increase costs.
DUI/DWI conviction, reckless driving, driving without insurance, license suspension, too many points, at-fault accident without coverage.
Typically 3 years from the date of the qualifying event. Some states require it for longer. Florida requires 3 years for DUI.
The SR-22 certificate itself costs $15-50 to file. The real cost is the elevated insurance premium while it is required.
Progressive, State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, Travelers, and Dairyland all file SR-22. Some smaller insurers do not. Always ask before buying.
Accident Forgiveness Programs Compared
| Company | Program Name | How to Earn It | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | Accident Forgiveness | Earn after 5 years claim-free OR purchase as add-on | First at-fault accident, no rate increase |
| Progressive | Accident Forgiveness | Earn after 5 years with Progressive, no accidents | First at-fault accident with Progressive |
| State Farm | Drive Safe & Save | Part of loyalty program, varies by state | First at-fault accident for qualifying customers |
| GEICO | Accident Forgiveness | Purchase as add-on | First at-fault accident |
Your Timeline to a Clean Driving Record
Insurers price violations differently. Progressive may be 30% cheaper than your current insurer for a DUI. Shopping immediately after a violation can save hundreds.
Many insurers offer 5-15% off for completing an approved course. It also demonstrates to your insurer that you are actively addressing the risk.
A telematics program proves your current driving behavior is safe, which can partially offset the violation surcharge with your insurer.
Once your SR-22 requirement ends, the filing cost disappears. Your rate will still be elevated but may drop somewhat.
Minor violations typically drop off after 3 years. Major violations like DUI take 5-7 years. At each renewal after a violation ages off, you should see a rate reduction.
Once your driving record is clear, comparison shop immediately. You may qualify for rates similar to clean-record drivers and should not be paying violation surcharges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best car insurance after a DUI?
Progressive typically offers the most competitive rates for drivers with a DUI conviction, as the company specifically prices risk by violation type rather than applying blanket surcharges. State Farm and GEICO also remain competitive after a DUI in many states. USAA members with a DUI still get better rates than non-members at other insurers. Expect your rate to increase 65-83% after a DUI and remain elevated for 3-10 years depending on your state.
What is SR-22 insurance and who needs it?
SR-22 is not a type of insurance but a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurer files with your state DMV. It proves you carry the state's minimum liability coverage. You typically need an SR-22 after a DUI or DWI conviction, reckless driving, driving without insurance, too many points on your license, or being involved in an at-fault accident without insurance. The filing itself typically costs $15-50. The bigger cost is the higher insurance premium while SR-22 is required, usually 3 years.
How long does a DUI affect car insurance rates?
A DUI typically affects your car insurance rates for 3-10 years depending on your state. In most states, a DUI stays on your driving record for 5-7 years and affects your insurance rate for the full time it appears on your record. California keeps DUIs on record for 10 years. In some states like Florida, a DUI stays on record permanently but stops affecting insurance after 7 years. The SR-22 requirement usually ends after 3 years, but the rate impact persists longer.
Does accident forgiveness prevent rate increases?
Accident forgiveness prevents your rate from increasing after your first at-fault accident, but the specifics vary by insurer. Allstate's automatic accident forgiveness is the most generous, earned after 5+ years claim-free. Progressive's accident forgiveness is earned after 5 years with Progressive. State Farm uses a 'Drive Safe and Save' model where accident forgiveness is built in for long-term customers. Some programs require purchasing accident forgiveness as an add-on. It is worth the cost if you have a history of accidents.