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Understanding the Insurance Impact of a DWI in Minnesota
In Minnesota, being charged or convicted of a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) affects more than just your criminal record or driving privileges—it directly influences your auto insurance costs and coverage. For many drivers, one of the most noticeable long-term effects of a DWI comes when it’s time to renew a policy or shop for new coverage. Premiums can increase dramatically, options may become limited, and some insurers may choose not to renew your policy at all.
This article explains how a DWI affects auto insurance in Minnesota, how insurers respond to such violations, what the financial consequences look like, and what options drivers have after a DWI. The goal is to provide clear, state-specific insight into this important—but often overlooked—consequence of impaired driving.
Whether you’ve already been charged or are trying to understand the potential aftermath, this guide will help you better navigate the auto insurance challenges that come with a Minnesota DWI.
Why Auto Insurance Companies Care About DWIs
Auto insurers assess risk when determining how much to charge a driver for coverage. A DWI conviction—or even an administrative license revocation—signals elevated risk. In the eyes of an insurer, impaired driving behavior increases the likelihood of future claims, accidents, or repeat violations. This perceived risk translates directly into higher premiums.
In Minnesota, insurance companies have access to:
- Your driving record (via the Minnesota Department of Public Safety)
- Court records, including criminal convictions
- Insurance history, such as lapses in coverage or canceled policies
When a DWI shows up, insurers typically take action, such as:
- Raising your premium (often significantly)
- Reclassifying you as a “high-risk” driver
- Requiring you to file an SR-22 or insurance certification
- Refusing to renew your policy or dropping coverage entirely
The effect on your premium is not just based on the DWI itself, but on other factors too—like age, previous record, and how long ago the incident occurred.
How Much Does a DWI Increase Insurance Rates in Minnesota?
While exact numbers vary by insurer and personal factors, a DWI can cause rate increases of 50% to 100% or more in Minnesota. On average, a DWI can raise annual insurance premiums by $800 to $1,500 or more, depending on the circumstances.
Typical scenarios include:
- First-time DWI: Often results in a 50% to 75% premium increase
- Second DWI within 10 years: Can lead to rate doubling or higher
- Felony DWI or repeat offenses: May result in denial of standard coverage entirely
Minnesota drivers already pay around $1,300 to $1,500 annually on average for car insurance. After a DWI, that figure can jump well beyond $2,000 per year, especially if combined with other risk factors like accidents or young driver status.
Even after the conviction is several years old, some insurers will continue to factor it into your premium if it appears on your driving record. Others may begin to reduce the impact after a set time period (commonly three to five years).
What Is an SR-22 and When Is It Required?
After a DWI in Minnesota, you may be required to file an SR-22—a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. It is not insurance itself, but a form submitted by your insurance company to the state.
SR-22s are typically required when:
- Your license has been revoked or suspended
- You are seeking license reinstatement after a DWI
- The court mandates proof of coverage
Not all insurers offer SR-22 filings. If your current company doesn’t, you may be forced to switch providers—often to a non-standard or high-risk insurer, which typically comes with higher premiums.
The SR-22 must remain in place for a specific period, usually one to three years. If your policy lapses or is canceled during that time, your insurer must notify the state, and you could lose your driving privileges again.
How Long Does a DWI Affect Auto Insurance in Minnesota?
The duration of a DWI’s impact on your insurance depends on several factors:
- Driving record retention – DWIs stay on your Minnesota driving record for at least 10 years
- Insurance company lookback period – Most insurers review the past 3 to 5 years
- Severity of the offense – Felony DWIs or multiple offenses may be evaluated indefinitely
- Reinstatement process – Until your license is fully restored, your insurance risk profile remains high
While rate increases often begin immediately after a DWI is reported, they typically remain elevated for at least three years. After that, if no further violations occur, some insurers may gradually reduce your premium.
However, the DWI remains part of your history, and some insurers may continue to factor it into underwriting decisions well beyond the three-year mark.
Can You Get Auto Insurance After a DWI in Minnesota?
Yes, but your options may be more limited. After a DWI, you may not qualify for standard auto insurance from mainstream providers. Instead, you may need to seek coverage from:
- High-risk insurers (also called non-standard carriers)
- Specialty programs that cater to drivers with violations
- The Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan (MNAIP), a last-resort program for those denied coverage in the voluntary market
You may also be required to:
- Carry higher premiums
- Install and maintain an ignition interlock device
- Agree to policy monitoring or periodic verification
- File and maintain an SR-22 certificate
To reduce costs, you may consider:
- Lowering your coverage limits (where legally allowed)
- Removing non-essential vehicles or drivers from the policy
- Comparing quotes from multiple providers who specialize in DWI-related coverage
Working with an independent insurance agent who understands Minnesota’s DWI-related requirements may also help identify affordable coverage options.
How Insurance Companies Find Out About a DWI
Most insurers discover DWI offenses through:
- Regular driving record reviews (at renewal or during underwriting)
- Self-reporting during applications
- Notification from the state when SR-22 is filed
- Claims history or policy activity triggered by the offense
In some cases, you may not see a rate change immediately after a DWI—especially if your insurer doesn’t pull your driving record frequently. However, once the offense is discovered, retroactive rate adjustments or cancellation may occur.
It’s important to be honest during the application process. Failing to disclose a DWI can lead to policy cancellation or denial of claims later on.
How a DWI Affects Policy Renewals and Claims
Even if your insurer doesn’t drop you immediately after a DWI, they may:
- Decline to renew your policy at the end of the term
- Add driver exclusions, removing certain people from coverage
- Increase your deductible or limit coverage options
- Place you in a high-risk underwriting category
Claims may also be scrutinized more closely. While insurance cannot deny a valid claim simply because of a DWI history, having a DWI on record may trigger more detailed investigations or slower claim resolution timelines.
If you were involved in a crash during the DWI event, some policies may not cover damage if the driver was not listed on the policy or if coverage exclusions applied.
Can Expunging a DWI Help Lower Insurance Rates?
Expungement in Minnesota can seal a criminal DWI conviction from public view, but it does not remove the administrative driving record that insurers use. Since insurance companies primarily rely on driving records maintained by the Department of Public Safety, expungement has little to no effect on premium pricing.
That means:
- Your insurance rates will not automatically go down after expungement
- The DWI remains on your driving record, which is still used for underwriting
- Insurance applications may still ask about license suspensions or prior offenses
While expungement may help in areas like employment or housing, it is unlikely to directly influence your insurance profile.
FAQ About DWIs and Auto Insurance in Minnesota
How much will my insurance go up after a DWI?
On average, expect an increase of 50%–100%. Some drivers may pay $1,000+ more per year after a DWI.
How long does a DWI affect my insurance?
Most insurers factor it into rates for at least 3 to 5 years, but the DWI stays on your driving record for 10 years in Minnesota.
Can I still get insurance after a DWI?
Yes, but you may need to switch to a high-risk insurer or the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan (MNAIP).
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry the minimum required coverage after a DWI.
Does expunging my DWI lower my insurance?
No. Insurance companies use your driving record, not your criminal record, to set rates.
Can my insurer cancel my policy after a DWI?
Yes. Many companies reserve the right to cancel or non-renew policies after serious driving violations.
Is there any way to reduce insurance costs after a DWI?
Yes. Shop around, consider high-risk insurers, bundle policies, take defensive driving courses, and maintain a clean record going forward.
Conclusion
A DWI in Minnesota creates long-lasting financial consequences, especially when it comes to auto insurance. Premiums can rise steeply, coverage options may become limited, and policy requirements—like SR-22 filings or ignition interlock devices—can add complexity. While the effects may lessen over time, a DWI remains part of your driving record for a full decade, influencing insurance eligibility and cost throughout that period.
To understand more about how a DWI impacts insurance premiums, visit How a DUI Affects Auto Insurance Rates. For broader insight into long-term consequences of impaired driving in Minnesota, check out DUI Records And Long Term Impact.