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A DUI conviction in Nebraska affects more than just your criminal and driving records—it can also have a major impact on your auto insurance. For many drivers, the financial consequences of a DUI stretch far beyond fines and court fees. One of the most long-lasting effects is how your insurance provider responds after the conviction appears on your driving record.
In Nebraska, insurance companies have access to your DMV record, which means they will know about a DUI for as long as it remains on file—15 years. This visibility often leads to increased premiums, limited policy options, and the requirement to carry SR-22 insurance, especially during the years following a suspension or license reinstatement.
This blog post explains how a DUI affects auto insurance rates in Nebraska, what SR-22 insurance is, how long rate increases typically last, and what steps you can take to get back to standard coverage. If you’re navigating the aftermath of a DUI and trying to understand how it will impact your insurance costs, this guide provides the clear, Nebraska-specific information you need.
DUI Convictions Are Reported to Insurance Providers in Nebraska
Once you’re convicted of a DUI in Nebraska, the offense is added to your driving record, where it stays for 15 years. Insurance companies routinely review driving records when setting premiums or renewing policies, and a DUI is one of the most serious red flags they can find.
Because of this, you can expect your insurer to take action shortly after the conviction is reported:
- Your premiums may increase significantly
- Your current policy could be canceled or non-renewed
- You may be required to file an SR-22 form
- You could be moved to a high-risk insurance category
Each insurer handles DUI convictions differently, but the general outcome is the same: higher rates and fewer options. Some carriers may refuse to cover drivers with recent DUIs altogether, forcing you to seek specialized high-risk providers.
How Much Will Auto Insurance Increase After a DUI?
There’s no exact number, but most Nebraska drivers see substantial premium increases after a DUI. In many cases, rates double or triple, depending on the driver’s age, location, driving history, and the insurance company’s policies.
For example:
- A driver paying $1,200 per year before a DUI may pay $2,500–$4,000 afterward
- Younger drivers may face even steeper increases
- Premiums may remain elevated for 3 to 5 years, or longer in some cases
The presence of a DUI on your record signals increased risk to insurers, which directly affects how they price your policy. Even if you have no other violations, a single DUI can place you in a non-preferred category for many years.
Nebraska Requires SR-22 Insurance After a DUI
After a DUI-related license suspension or revocation in Nebraska, you will likely need to carry SR-22 insurance to have your driving privileges reinstated. An SR-22 is not a separate policy, but rather a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the Nebraska DMV.
Key points about SR-22 in Nebraska:
- Required for most DUI-related license reinstatements
- Must be maintained for at least three years
- Your insurer must notify the DMV if the policy lapses or is canceled
- Only certain insurance companies offer SR-22 filings
This requirement adds complexity and cost to your insurance situation. Not all companies are willing to file SR-22s, so you may need to switch providers. Additionally, filing fees and administrative charges may apply.
If you fail to maintain SR-22 coverage for the required period, your license may be suspended again, creating additional complications.
How Long Will the DUI Affect My Insurance in Nebraska?
The exact duration depends on your insurance provider’s internal policies, but generally, a DUI will affect your premiums for at least three to five years. In some cases, the impact may last longer—especially if the insurer checks your full driving record, which continues to display the DUI for 15 years under Nebraska law.
Most companies place you in a high-risk category for a set number of years after the conviction. During this time:
- Premiums remain higher than average
- Discounts for safe driving or bundling may not apply
- You may not be eligible for certain policy types
After the 3–5 year high-risk period, some drivers may begin to see rates decrease—if no additional violations occur. However, every company is different, and some may continue factoring the DUI into their pricing model for the full 15 years it’s on record.
Can I Shop for New Insurance After a DUI?
Yes. In fact, shopping around is often necessary after a DUI because not all companies offer policies to high-risk drivers. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is one of the best ways to find a provider that offers competitive rates and SR-22 filing services.
Here are a few tips when shopping post-DUI:
- Use insurance brokers that specialize in high-risk coverage
- Be upfront about your DUI when requesting quotes
- Ask about SR-22 services to ensure the provider can meet state requirements
- Request coverage reviews annually to check for rate reductions
Some national insurers have specialized subsidiaries for high-risk drivers, while regional companies in Nebraska may offer more personalized options. Either way, reviewing your policy regularly is important to make sure you’re getting the best deal available.
Will the DUI Affect Other Types of Insurance?
While the most direct impact is on auto insurance, a DUI can also influence umbrella insurance policies, which provide extra liability coverage beyond standard auto or home policies. If you have—or are applying for—this type of policy, the DUI may be seen as a liability risk, leading to:
- Denial of coverage
- Policy cancellation
- Premium increases
The effect on other insurance types, such as life or renters insurance, is less direct but may still exist depending on the company’s risk evaluation criteria.
If your DUI is part of a larger pattern of violations, it may raise concerns across multiple coverage types. For most drivers, though, the primary concern will be auto insurance affordability and eligibility.
FAQ: Auto Insurance After a DUI in Nebraska
Will my insurance company find out about my DUI in Nebraska?
Yes. Insurance companies check DMV records, and your DUI will be visible for 15 years.
How much does insurance go up after a DUI in Nebraska?
Premiums typically double or triple, depending on your insurer, location, and driving history.
Do I need SR-22 insurance after a DUI?
Yes, most DUI-related suspensions in Nebraska require an SR-22 filing for license reinstatement.
How long will I need SR-22 insurance in Nebraska?
Typically, three years from the date of reinstatement, though this can vary based on the offense and court requirements.
Can I switch insurance providers after a DUI?
Yes. You may need to switch to a company that offers SR-22 filing or high-risk coverage.
How long does a DUI affect my rates?
Most insurers increase rates for 3–5 years, but some may factor it in for the full 15-year driving record duration.
Will the DUI affect my eligibility for discounts?
Yes. Many safe driving and loyalty discounts may no longer apply after a DUI conviction.
Conclusion
In Nebraska, a DUI conviction can dramatically affect your auto insurance rates, eligibility, and policy options. Insurers will see the DUI on your driving record for 15 years, and many require SR-22 insurance for license reinstatement. While premium increases typically last 3–5 years, some companies may continue using the DUI to assess risk for much longer. Understanding how Nebraska insurance providers respond to DUI convictions can help you make informed decisions as you navigate post-conviction coverage.
To learn more about the long-term effects of DUI convictions, visit the DUI Records And Long Term Impact page.
For deeper insight into how a DUI affects auto insurance rates, see the full How a DUI Affects Auto Insurance Rates guide.