How long does a DUI stay on your record in 2024? (Surprising Details)
Wondering, “How long does a DUI stay on your record?” It depends on your state. Most states drop DUIs after five to ten years, while others have a DUI stay on records for life. DUI auto insurance rates start at $185 per month, but learning how long a DUI stays on your record can help you save.
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Daniel Walker
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Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
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UPDATED: Sep 30, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Sep 30, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
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If you have a DUI or DWI conviction, one of the first things you may ask is, “How long does a DUI stay on your record?” That depends on the state you live in, but most drivers see a DUI fall off their record in five to 10 years.
Figuring out what happens after you get a DUI is stressful, and that’s before you take into account higher insurance rates. However, you’ll have to deal with higher insurance rates for years after a DUI conviction.
Read on to learn how long a DUI stays on your insurance record, then explore helpful tips for getting cheaper coverage. When you’re ready to find the cheapest auto insurance after a DUI, enter your ZIP code into our free comparison soon above.
- How long a DUI stays on your license depends on where you live
- Most states remove a DUI after five to ten years
- A DUI will increase your car insurance rates for about seven years
How Long DUIs Stay on Your Driving Record by State
Most states keep a DUI on your record for five to ten years. There is a lot of variance between states on DUI laws, though, which can make understanding what you should know after a first DUI confusing. To start, you should check with your state’s MVD for more details.
In most states, a point system monitors your driving infractions. You receive points for traffic violations like speeding, running stop signs, and even aggressive driving.
If you accumulate too many points, you can lose your license. DUIs usually have the highest point count for violations. Of course, the number of DUIs you have will also affect your points. For example, your first DUI might not be worth as many points as additional DUIs.
While getting a DUI is a complicated process, you can review the map below to get an idea of how many points you’ll accumulate on your license.
States that don’t use a point system have other penalties for DUIs, such as license suspension, fines, jail time, or community service.
As you can see, points do eventually vanish. That means you’ll ultimately be able to retrieve your license if it’s been suspended. However, your criminal record is different. A DUI arrest on that won’t disappear.
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Auto Insurance Rates After a DUI
While many factors affect your insurance rates, your driving record is one of the most important. Unfortunately, your auto insurance rates will increase after a DUI.
Since a DUI conviction remains on a driver’s record for five years (give or take), you’ll have to deal with the affects on your insurance for a long time. Check below to see the average cost of auto insurance after a DUI.
Car Insurance Rates Comparison Clean Record vs One DUI| Age | Clean Record | One DUI |
|---|---|---|
| Age: 21 Male | $150 | $260 |
| Age: 21 Female | $138 | $240 |
| Age: 30 Male | $139 | $220 |
| Age: 30 Female | $128 | $210 |
| Age: 40 Male | $119 | $209 |
| Age: 40 Female | $119 | $209 |
| Age: 50 Male | $113 | $190 |
| Age: 50 Female | $113 | $185 |
So, when does a DUI stop affecting insurance rates? While the exact answer depends on your driving habits, local state laws, and your insurance provider, your rates could start to decrease after three years. However, you may see higher car insurance five years after a DUI.
High-Risk Auto Insurance for Drivers With a DUI
Now that you know how long a DWI stays on your insurance, you’ll need to research your options to find affordable coverage. When you have a DUI on your record, some insurance companies won’t cover you. If you find yourself in this situation, you may need high-risk auto insurance.
High-risk auto insurance costs more, but it’s as easy to get as a standard policy. You can visit the website of any insurance company that provides coverage to high-risk drivers and fill out a quote request form.
If you don’t have the time to visit multiple sites, simply use a quote-generating tool instead. Online comparison tools allow you to look at multiple rates from companies with the best insurance for DUI offenders at the same time.
Consequences of Getting a DUI
Aside from the obvious consequences of getting a DUI, like higher insurance rates and legal troubles, there are many more reasons to avoid this traffic violation. The possible punishments for drunk driving include:
- Injuries to Yourself and Others
- DUI Impacts on Future Opportunities, Like Education and Employment
- Jail Time and Community Service
- DUI Driver’s License Suspension
- Social Embarrassment
There can also be unforeseen consequences to a DUI, like renting a car. Most companies will refuse a driver a car rental with a DUI on record within the last four years.
It’s never a good idea to get behind the wheel of your car if you’ve been drinking. The best course of action is to call a cab or get an Uber. Even if you’ve only had a few drinks, you can’t get a DUI if you aren’t driving.
How Long a DUI Stays on Your Insurance Record
Typically, insurance companies consider the last three to five years when they set your rates. Some companies will look as far back as ten years, though.
A DUI will increase your insurance rates on average by 80%, but the cost could double or even triple.
Jimmy McMillan Licensed Insurance Agent
You need insurance to drive, though, so you’ll be stuck paying high prices for policies with less coverage. Even if your insurance company doesn’t release you, you should shop around for quotes. You should also avoid driving without car insurance if you can’t find affordable prices right away. Getting caught while driving with no auto insurance can lead to serious consequences.
Getting a DUI is a severe infraction that will have significant consequences on your insurance, but comparing quotes might save you money.
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How to Get a DUI off Your Record
When you find yourself wondering how long a DUI remains on your driving record, you might simply have to wait it out.
If you receive a DUI charge, you’ll need to seek legal assistance. The laws surrounding DUI cases are complex, and you won’t have much chance of escaping punishment without an attorney. With how much a DUI attorney costs, however, you should carefully consider if your conviction is worth fighting.
Michelle Robbins Licensed Insurance Agent
You should still contact a lawyer if you have a DUI charge. A DUI has far-reaching effects on your life, but legal help can make the damage slightly less impactful.
Get Cheap Auto Insurance After a DUI Today
Getting a DUI can be humiliating and stressful. You’ll have legal concerns, potential issues at work, and much worse concerns if someone is hurt. While the advantages of hiring a drunk driving attorney are worth it, it can be expensive. The last thing you want to worry about is your insurance on top of everything else.
If you’re trying to determine how long a DUI stays on your record, you should compare insurance prices. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool if you want to know what quotes might look like for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a DUI stay on your driving record?
A DUI stays on your record for an average of five to ten years, but it depends on drunk driving laws where you live. Some states have a DUI permanently on your record, while others add points to your license that gradually fall off. How long DUI points stay on your license depends on your state.
For example, a DUI is worth five points on the Alabama point system, while Minnesota doesn’t use a point system at all.
How far back do insurance companies check for DUIs?
It depends on the company, but most providers look at the last three to five years when determining how much to charge for insurance.
Does a DUI make your insurance rates increase?
Unfortunately, yes. A DUI can double or even triple your auto insurance rates. A DUI/DWI affects your record in multiple ways, and one of those ways is higher insurance premiums.
How much does insurance cost after a DUI?
The average cost of insurance after a DUI conviction is $XX per month.
When does a DUI fall off insurance rates?
When you first see your rates after a conviction, you may find yourself asking, “A DUI stays on your record for how long?” DUIs affect car insurance rates for at least three years, so you’ll have to deal with higher rates for a while. It’s imperative that you keep your driving record clean during this time to avoid further price hikes.
How long does a DUI stay on your record in the state of Alabama?
A DUI conviction will remain on your driving record for five years in Alabama, and you’ll get six points added to your license for two years. Your insurance rates will increase as well, but you can shop at the best companies after a DUI in Alabama to find the lowest prices.
How long does a DUI stay on your record in Iowa?
Iowa has one of the longest waiting periods before a DUI falls off your record — 12 years. Your insurance won’t stay high for that long, however. You’ll only need to wait between three and five years on average before your rates lower.
How long does a DUI stay on your record in Michigan?
Michigan DUI laws keep a DUI on your record for seven years. You’ll also get six points on your license, which won’t fall off for a full two years.
Which companies have the best insurance after a DUI?
It depends on your unique circumstances, but the best auto insurance after a DUI usually comes from companies like Erie Insurance, State Farm, and Auto-Owners. If you need high-risk auto insurance, The General is usually an affordable choice. However, you should always compare rates, especially when you have a DUI. Enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to start comparing rates.
Can you get a DUI removed from your record?
For the most part, clearing a DUI conviction from your driving record is very difficult. Your best bet is to wait it out and avoid adding more infractions to your record.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
