A DUI or impaired driving conviction can significantly impact your car insurance rates. Insurance companies view DUIs as a clear sign of risky behaviour. This makes you a high-risk driver in their eyes.
After a DUI, insurance companies will likely increase your premiums. The amount of increase can vary. Some factors include your driving record before the DUI and your BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) at the time of arrest.
Your insurance coverage may also change. Some companies may refuse to renew your policy. Others may offer limited coverage or impose stricter terms.
Here’s a quick snapshot of possible impacts:
| Factor | Potential Impact on Insurance |
| BAC level at arrest | Higher BAC = Higher premiums |
| Previous driving record | Clean record = Less increase |
| Age and gender | Younger males = Higher risk |
Impaired driving doesn’t just affect your premiums. It can also result in legal penalties, such as fines or licence suspension. These factors can further hurt your driving record and insurance situation.
Different companies have different policies. Some may offer programs to help reduce your rates over time. Others will keep you in the high-risk category for several years.
Factors Influencing Insurance Rate Increases After a DUI
- Driving Record: Your past driving record plays a crucial role. If it’s clean prior to the DUI, the increase might be somewhat lower compared to a record already filled with violations.
- Insurance Company: Each insurer has its own criteria for adjusting car insurance rates post-DUI. Some may impose steeper hikes than others.
- High-risk Drivers: Following a DUI, you’re considered a high-risk driver, leading to higher premiums. This label affects how insurers view your likelihood of future claims.
- Insurance premiums can be influenced by age. Younger or less experienced drivers might see a larger jump in rates.
- Type of Coverage: The type and amount of car insurance coverage you carry also affect rate increases. Comprehensive coverage might see a different hike compared to basic liability coverage.
- Claim History: A history filled with prior claims can exacerbate the rate increase. More claims indicate a higher risk, pushing premiums up.
- Location: Where you live may impact the rate hike. Rates can vary based on the province or even the city.
- Policy Discounts: Existing discounts on your policy may be reduced or removed after a DUI, further increasing your premiums.
Average Increase in Car Insurance Post-DUI
Following an impaired driving conviction, on average, auto insurance rates increase by 80% to 150%.
| Province | Average Increase (%) |
| Ontario | 120% |
| British Columbia | 130% |
| Alberta | 110% |
| Quebec | 85% |
Insurance costs vary widely based on your location and the insurance market. The increase also depends on the insurer and your driving history. Some insurers may decide to cancel your policy altogether.
How Long a DUI Affects Your Insurance Premiums
After a DUI conviction, higher rates usually last for several years, typically around three to five years. During this time, the DUI will remain on your driving record.
Once you have completed the period of elevated premiums, you may see a reduction in your rates. It’s important to maintain a clean driving record during this time. Any additional offences could prolong the duration of higher premiums.