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Getting convicted of a DUI in Maryland can have a serious and long-lasting impact on your driving record, but one of the most immediate and expensive consequences is how it affects your auto insurance. Many drivers are surprised to learn just how much their premiums can increase—and for how long—after a DUI conviction or even a DUI-related administrative action.
Insurance companies in Maryland, like those across the country, assess risk when calculating rates. A DUI marks you as a high-risk driver, which often results in steep premium hikes, policy changes, and limited coverage options. In some cases, your insurer may even cancel your policy altogether.
This post explains how a DUI affects auto insurance in Maryland, what to expect after a conviction, how long the impact lasts, and steps you can take to manage or reduce your insurance costs moving forward. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a DUI or planning ahead, understanding the insurance implications is a key part of the picture.
Why Insurers Raise Rates After a DUI
Auto insurance is all about assessing risk. When you’re convicted of a DUI, insurance companies interpret that as a major indicator of high-risk behavior behind the wheel. As a result, your premiums are likely to increase—sometimes significantly.
Here’s why:
- A DUI shows poor decision-making while driving
- It increases the likelihood of future claims
- It signals a higher chance of accidents, injuries, and liability
In Maryland, insurers are legally allowed to use your driving record—including DUI convictions—to set premiums. Some companies have specific thresholds for how they treat high-risk drivers, and a DUI often pushes you over that threshold immediately.
This change can result in:
- Sharp rate increases at your next renewal
- Reclassification to a high-risk insurance pool
- Loss of safe driver discounts or loyalty benefits
Each company handles this differently, but the outcome is usually the same: you’ll be paying more for the same coverage.
How Much More Will You Pay After a DUI?
While exact numbers vary based on the insurer and your overall driving history, Maryland drivers with a DUI can expect to see rate increases ranging from 40% to over 100%. For some, that could mean paying an extra $1,000 or more per year.
Factors that influence the increase include:
- Your age and gender
- Previous driving record
- Whether it’s your first DUI or a repeat offense
- The type of vehicle you drive
- Your current insurer’s policies
In addition to higher premiums, you may be ineligible for certain types of coverage or may be required to pay higher deductibles. Some companies may even require you to switch to a non-standard or specialty insurer that handles high-risk drivers exclusively.
If your current provider decides to cancel your policy due to the DUI, finding affordable coverage with a new insurer can be even more difficult.
SR-22 and Other Requirements in Maryland
Unlike some states, Maryland does not require an SR-22 (a certificate of financial responsibility) after a DUI conviction. However, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to proving your coverage.
Maryland may require you to:
- Enroll in the Ignition Interlock Program
- Maintain continuous insurance coverage
- Provide proof of insurance to the Maryland MVA upon request
If your license is suspended or revoked due to a DUI, you’ll likely have to reinstate it later—and that process involves showing proof of valid insurance coverage.
Even without an SR-22 requirement, insurance companies in Maryland are still informed of your DUI conviction through the MVA, and they adjust your rates accordingly.
How Long Will Higher Insurance Rates Last?
A DUI conviction will affect your auto insurance for at least three to five years, but in some cases, it can continue to influence your premiums for up to seven years or more. The exact timeline depends on:
- Your insurance company’s internal policies
- How long the DUI remains on your driving record (often visible for 5–10 years)
- Whether you incur any additional violations
Here’s a general guideline:
- First 1–3 years: Rates are typically at their highest.
- Years 4–5: Premiums may start to decrease if you maintain a clean driving record.
- Beyond year 5: Some insurers may reclassify you as lower risk, especially if no further violations occur.
That said, some companies continue to factor DUI convictions into pricing for as long as the offense is visible on your driving record, which can be indefinitely within internal insurer databases—even if it no longer impacts license points.
Can You Still Get Insurance After a DUI?
Yes—but your options may be limited. After a DUI in Maryland, some mainstream insurance companies may decline to renew your policy or quote you extremely high premiums. In that case, you might need to look at:
- High-risk insurance providers
- Non-standard insurance carriers
- State-assigned risk pools (as a last resort)
While high-risk providers offer coverage, it often comes at a higher cost and with fewer benefits. You may also face stricter rules about payment plans, late fees, and policy renewal.
Shopping around is essential. Different insurers treat DUI-related risk differently, and rates can vary significantly. Using an independent agent familiar with high-risk coverage can help you compare your options more effectively.
Tips to Reduce Auto Insurance Costs After a DUI
Although you can’t erase a DUI from your record, you can take steps to help reduce the impact on your auto insurance over time:
- Maintain a clean driving record: Avoid new tickets or accidents.
- Take a defensive driving course: Some insurers offer discounts for this.
- Drive a lower-risk vehicle: Insurance costs are partially based on the car.
- Raise your deductible: This lowers your premium but increases out-of-pocket costs.
- Bundle your policies: Combine auto with renter’s or homeowner’s insurance.
- Ask about discounts: Not all will apply, but some may still be available.
Time is also a key factor. The longer you go without another incident, the better your standing with most insurers.
Will Insurance Companies Ever Stop Charging You More?
Eventually, yes—but it takes time. Most Maryland insurers gradually reduce DUI-related surcharges after three to five years of clean driving, though this can vary by provider. After that period, your rates may return closer to market average—especially if your record remains free of other violations.
However, it’s important to remember:
- The DUI doesn’t disappear from your driving history automatically
- Some insurers keep internal records longer than the state MVA
- Repeat offenses reset the timeline and can lock you into high rates permanently
Being proactive about your coverage and driving habits is the best way to move past a DUI financially.
FAQ: DUI and Auto Insurance in Maryland
How much does insurance go up after a DUI in Maryland?
It varies, but many drivers see a 40%–100% increase in premiums following a DUI.
Do I need SR-22 insurance after a DUI in Maryland?
No. Maryland does not require SR-22 forms, but you still need to maintain proof of insurance.
Can I be denied auto insurance after a DUI?
Yes. Some insurers may cancel or refuse to renew your policy. Others may offer high-risk policies at increased rates.
How long does a DUI affect insurance in Maryland?
Typically 3–5 years, but the impact can last longer depending on your driving history and insurer.
Can I lower my insurance costs after a DUI?
Yes—by maintaining a clean record, taking driving courses, and comparing high-risk providers.
Conclusion
In Maryland, a DUI can have a significant and lasting impact on your auto insurance. From higher premiums and limited coverage options to increased scrutiny from insurers, the consequences go far beyond court fines or license suspensions. While there’s no way to avoid this impact entirely, understanding what to expect—and how to manage it—can help you minimize the financial burden over time.
For more insights on the long-term consequences of DUI offenses, visit the DUI Records And Long Term Impact page. To learn more about how a DUI affects auto insurance rates, check out our dedicated article: How a DUI Affects Auto Insurance Rates.