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A conviction for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Louisiana doesn’t just affect your criminal record or license — it also has a direct and lasting impact on your auto insurance rates. Insurance providers in Louisiana treat DWIs as high-risk behavior, and that classification can lead to significant changes in your coverage options, premiums, and driving record requirements.
This blog post provides a clear, factual explanation of how a DWI affects car insurance in Louisiana. From premium increases to SR-22 filings, we’ll walk through the specific ways a DWI changes your insurance profile and how long those effects typically last.
This information is presented in a neutral, informational tone to help drivers understand the administrative side of a DWI. The goal is not to give advice or make legal claims, but to offer clarity for anyone navigating insurance-related consequences after a DWI conviction in Louisiana.
Let’s look at how Louisiana insurers respond to DWI convictions and what drivers should expect moving forward.
Does a DWI Automatically Raise Insurance Rates in Louisiana?
Yes. In nearly all cases, a DWI conviction in Louisiana leads to a significant increase in auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies use risk assessment models to determine the likelihood that a driver will file a claim. A DWI is considered a high-risk indicator, which means insurers will often raise rates or adjust the terms of your policy.
These changes can take effect as soon as your current policy is up for renewal, or even sooner if your insurer becomes aware of the conviction mid-policy. In some cases, the insurer may:
- Reclassify your driver risk level
- Remove discounts previously applied to your policy
- Cancel your existing policy and require you to reapply
- Refer you to a high-risk insurance pool
Even a first-time DWI can result in insurance premiums increasing by 50% to 100% or more, depending on your previous record, age, location, and the specific insurance provider’s policies.
How Long Does a DWI Affect Insurance Rates in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, a DWI generally stays on your driving record for 10 years, and this timeline directly impacts your insurance status. During this period, insurance providers may continue to treat you as a high-risk driver and charge elevated premiums.
The exact duration of increased rates varies by company, but many insurers maintain higher pricing tiers for 3 to 5 years following a DWI. After that point, if no additional violations occur, rates may begin to decrease gradually — but only once the insurer deems the risk level has lowered.
Here’s a basic timeline to consider:
- Year 1–3: Highest impact, premiums spike significantly
- Year 4–5: Some insurers may begin lowering rates if no new incidents occur
- Year 6–10: Premiums may continue to decrease, but the DWI may still influence pricing
- After 10 years: The offense may no longer appear on your OMV driving record, which could result in full risk recalibration
Keep in mind that insurance companies often access driving records before each renewal cycle, so the DWI may remain a factor for the entire 10-year visibility window unless company policy dictates otherwise.
What Is SR-22 Insurance and Is It Required After a DWI?
In Louisiana, a DWI conviction usually requires the driver to file an SR-22, which is a special insurance certificate that proves financial responsibility. It is not an insurance policy, but a form your insurer submits to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to verify that you have the required minimum coverage.
The SR-22 requirement typically lasts three years following a DWI. During this time, you must maintain continuous insurance coverage without lapses. If your policy is canceled or expires, your insurer is required to notify the OMV immediately, which could lead to additional license suspensions or fines.
Important facts about SR-22s in Louisiana:
- Not all insurance providers offer SR-22 filings
- Filing an SR-22 often results in higher premiums
- Drivers may need to switch to a high-risk insurer
- You’ll usually be required to pay the SR-22 filing fee
Until the SR-22 requirement is fulfilled, your license and registration may remain suspended or restricted, even if other parts of your sentence have been completed.
Can a DWI Limit Which Insurance Companies Will Cover You?
Yes. After a DWI conviction in Louisiana, you may find that some insurance companies will no longer offer coverage or may deny your application altogether. Others may offer coverage only through special high-risk policies with elevated premiums and limited flexibility.
Each insurer has its own underwriting standards, and a DWI is often considered a red flag in terms of claims risk. As a result, your options may become limited to:
- High-risk or “non-standard” insurance providers
- State-assigned risk pools (if private insurers decline coverage)
- Policies with higher deductibles and lower customization options
Even if you’re able to maintain your current policy, you may lose accident forgiveness, loyalty discounts, or bundled pricing advantages you previously had.
It’s also important to note that if your DWI involved an accident or injuries, insurers may factor in claims costs when determining whether to renew or raise rates.
Do Insurance Increases Vary by Location in Louisiana?
Yes. While a DWI conviction has state-wide implications, insurance rate increases can vary depending on where you live in Louisiana. Insurance companies consider ZIP code-level risk factors when calculating premiums, including:
- Local accident rates
- Crime statistics
- Population density
- Legal environment
- Historical claims data
For example, a driver with a DWI conviction in New Orleans may face different rate increases than someone in a smaller town like Monroe or Houma. In more populated or high-traffic areas, rates may be higher across the board, and a DWI can amplify that effect.
Your insurer may also consider how the DWI interacts with any existing driving infractions, points, or license suspensions when calculating your new premium.
Will Insurance Rates Return to Normal After a DWI?
Eventually, yes — but it depends on how much time has passed and whether any new violations have occurred since the DWI. In Louisiana, as the DWI ages and if your driving behavior remains clean, insurers may slowly reduce your rates.
Most drivers see the biggest improvements after 3 to 5 years, assuming no additional traffic offenses or lapses in coverage. However, the DWI will remain visible to insurance providers for up to 10 years via your OMV record.
Here’s what you can do to help your rates return to normal over time:
- Maintain continuous insurance coverage
- Avoid any new tickets or violations
- Shop around for insurers willing to re-evaluate your risk
- Ask about potential discounts after several clean years
Once the DWI is no longer listed on your driving abstract, many insurers will treat your record as fully reset, but it’s still wise to check directly with each provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWIs and Insurance in Louisiana
Will my insurance automatically increase after a DWI?
Most likely, yes. Insurance companies in Louisiana typically raise rates significantly after a DWI conviction.
How long will I need SR-22 insurance?
In Louisiana, the SR-22 requirement usually lasts for three years following a DWI conviction.
Can I be denied coverage after a DWI?
Yes. Some insurers may decline to renew or issue a policy to drivers with a recent DWI on record.
Do all insurers check driving records every year?
Most do. Insurance companies review your driving record before policy renewal or when you request a quote.
When will my rates go back down?
Usually within 3 to 5 years if you maintain a clean record, though the DWI stays on file for up to 10 years.
Conclusion
In Louisiana, a DWI has a long-lasting impact on your auto insurance. From immediate premium hikes to mandatory SR-22 filings and limited coverage options, the effects are both financial and administrative. For most drivers, insurance rates will remain elevated for several years and may only return to standard levels after a clean, violation-free stretch.
Understanding how DWI convictions affect insurance helps drivers make informed choices about coverage, compliance, and long-term planning. While the consequences are serious, proactive steps can help minimize the impact over time.
For a broader view of the long-term effects of DWI convictions, visit the DUI Records and Long Term Impact page. You can also explore the focused breakdown on How a DUI Affects Auto Insurance Rates for more insurance-specific insights.