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Introduction
A DUI conviction doesn’t just affect your criminal record and driving privileges—it also has a lasting impact on your auto insurance. In Illinois, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is treated as a serious offense, and insurers take it just as seriously. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you can expect higher premiums, new insurance requirements, and possible coverage limitations.
Illinois law mandates specific penalties for DUI convictions, including license revocation and the requirement to carry SR-22 insurance, which proves financial responsibility. But even beyond legal obligations, insurance companies independently assess risk—and a DUI drastically increases your risk profile.
This post breaks down exactly how a DUI affects your car insurance in Illinois. Whether you’re dealing with a first offense or trying to understand your long-term options, this guide explains what changes to expect in rates, coverage, and insurer policies after a DUI.
Why a DUI Impacts Insurance in Illinois
Auto insurance companies are in the business of calculating risk. When someone is convicted of DUI in Illinois, insurers see this as a strong indicator of high-risk behavior—even if the incident was isolated or a first-time offense.
Key reasons why DUI leads to increased insurance impact:
- Risk classification: A DUI automatically places you in a high-risk category, similar to reckless driving or multiple traffic violations.
- Claim likelihood: Statistically, drivers with DUI convictions are more likely to be involved in future accidents or insurance claims.
- Legal reporting: Illinois law requires the Secretary of State to notify insurers of DUI-related actions, such as license revocation or reinstatement with SR-22.
- Policy rules: Many insurance companies have underwriting rules that trigger automatic premium increases—or even policy cancellations—after a DUI.
In Illinois, even if you maintain a clean driving record after the offense, the DUI remains on your driving history permanently, which can affect how insurers view your risk for years to come.
How Much Do Insurance Rates Go Up After a DUI?
After a DUI conviction in Illinois, you can expect a significant increase in your auto insurance premiums. While the exact amount varies based on your insurer, age, location, and driving history, average rate increases typically range from 40% to 100% or more.
For example:
- If you were paying $1,200 per year before the DUI, your new rate could jump to $2,000 or higher.
- Younger drivers or those with prior infractions may see even steeper hikes.
Insurance companies use a range of factors to calculate post-DUI rates, including:
- Severity of the offense
- Whether it was a first or repeat DUI
- Time since the conviction
- Other traffic violations or at-fault accidents
- Type and value of your insured vehicle
Most insurers will continue to factor the DUI into your premium calculation for three to five years, although some may consider it indefinitely due to Illinois’ policy of keeping DUI offenses on the driving record permanently.
Shopping around for quotes after a DUI can sometimes help, as different companies weigh risk factors differently—but all will take the conviction into account.
What Is SR-22 Insurance and Why Is It Required?
After a DUI in Illinois, the state requires you to obtain SR-22 insurance before your license can be reinstated. The SR-22 is not a type of insurance, but rather a certificate your insurance company files with the Illinois Secretary of State to prove that you carry the state’s minimum liability coverage.
Key points about SR-22 in Illinois:
- Mandatory after DUI: If your license was revoked due to a DUI, you must maintain SR-22 coverage for a minimum of three years.
- Filed by insurer: Your insurance provider must submit the SR-22 form directly to the state.
- Continuous coverage required: If the policy lapses or is canceled, your license may be suspended again.
- Higher premiums: SR-22 policies are generally more expensive than standard coverage due to the high-risk classification.
SR-22 requirements are tied to the offense itself—not your personal insurer. Even if you switch insurance companies, you must ensure the new provider files the SR-22 on your behalf.
Many standard insurers don’t offer SR-22 filings, so you may need to work with a high-risk insurance carrier to meet the state’s requirements.
How Long Does a DUI Affect Insurance Rates in Illinois?
In general, insurance companies look back three to five years when calculating your premiums after a DUI. However, because Illinois keeps DUI offenses on your driving record permanently, there’s no hard expiration date when insurers must stop considering it.
Here’s how it usually breaks down:
- Years 1–3: Expect the highest insurance costs. Many providers place drivers in a high-risk category immediately after the offense.
- Years 4–5: If no additional violations occur, some insurers may begin to lower premiums slightly, though rates may still be elevated.
- Beyond 5 years: Some companies may stop factoring the DUI into rate calculations after five years—but not all do. The DUI remains visible, and any future infractions may cause insurers to re-evaluate your risk.
It’s important to note that while your rates may decrease gradually over time, your driving history still includes the DUI, and it can resurface as a factor if you get another ticket, accident, or conviction.
Will My Insurance Be Canceled After a DUI?
In Illinois, insurance companies can legally cancel or non-renew your auto insurance policy after a DUI conviction, depending on their internal policies. Common outcomes after a DUI include:
- Immediate cancellation: Some insurers may terminate your policy at the next renewal date.
- Non-renewal notice: The company may allow the current term to finish but refuse to renew the policy.
- Policy switch required: You may be required to switch to a high-risk or SR-22 policy through the same or a different carrier.
Each insurance company has its own guidelines. Larger, national insurers may offer SR-22 policies through a high-risk division, while smaller or regional carriers may simply decline to insure you after a DUI.
If your insurer drops you, you’ll need to quickly find a company that offers non-standard coverage and SR-22 filings. It’s critical to avoid a gap in coverage, as that can lead to further license issues and higher premiums.
Can You Lower Your Rates After a DUI?
While a DUI in Illinois will raise your insurance premiums, there are steps you can take over time to help lower your rates, especially if you maintain a clean driving record afterward.
Here are some tips:
- Shop around: Different insurers assess DUI risk differently. You may find a lower rate by comparing quotes from multiple providers.
- Complete a defensive driving course: Some insurers offer discounts for completing approved driving safety programs.
- Bundle policies: Combining auto insurance with homeowner’s or renter’s insurance can sometimes lead to overall savings.
- Drive a low-risk vehicle: Insuring a modest or low-performance vehicle can reduce your premium.
- Ask about usage-based insurance: Some companies offer tracking devices or mobile apps that reward safe driving habits over time.
- Avoid further violations: The best way to rebuild your insurance profile is to keep your record clean after the DUI.
While your rates won’t return to pre-DUI levels overnight, responsible behavior and active management of your insurance profile can lead to savings over time.
FAQ Section
How much does insurance go up after a DUI in Illinois?
Insurance premiums can increase by 40% to 100% or more after a DUI conviction, depending on your insurer and driving history.
What is SR-22 insurance, and why do I need it?
SR-22 is a form filed by your insurer to prove you meet Illinois’ minimum coverage requirements after a DUI. It’s mandatory for license reinstatement.
How long do I need SR-22 after a DUI in Illinois?
Most drivers are required to maintain SR-22 insurance for three years following a DUI-related license revocation.
Will my current insurance be canceled after a DUI?
Possibly. Some insurers cancel or choose not to renew policies after a DUI conviction, especially if they don’t offer high-risk coverage.
Can I get cheaper insurance after a DUI?
Yes, but it may take time. Maintaining a clean record, comparing quotes, and completing safe driving programs can help reduce your rates.
Does a DUI stay on my insurance record forever?
Insurers typically review your record for 3–5 years, but the DUI remains on your driving history permanently in Illinois.
What happens if I miss an SR-22 payment or cancel my policy?
Your insurer will notify the state, and your license may be suspended again for non-compliance. Continuous coverage is required.
Conclusion
In Illinois, a DUI conviction can have a major, long-lasting impact on your auto insurance rates, policy options, and driving requirements. Beyond higher premiums, you’ll likely need to carry SR-22 insurance and may face limited choices among insurers. These consequences often last for years, even as you work to rebuild your driving profile.
While the effects are serious, they’re not permanent. Over time, with consistent, violation-free driving and smart policy management, you can reduce your costs and regain access to better insurance options.
To learn more about the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction, visit our full resource: DUI Records And Long Term Impact.
For specific insights into how insurance companies respond to DUI convictions, see our guide: How a DUI Affects Auto Insurance Rates.