Drivers with a single DUI were included in the study from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. We investigated who paid the most (and least) expensive rates and why.

Expect to pay significantly higher rates after a DUI

When compared to drivers with no traffic violations, the average annual insurance rate after a DUI rises by 96 percent, or $1,522. Because a DUI typically affects your rates for three to five years at the very least, a single DUI could cost you more than $7,600 in additional insurance costs over the next five years.

Location helps determine rates

However, these are average rates; the actual cost varies depending on where drivers live. Car insurance rates in Alaska, Florida, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, for example, rise by less than 50% on average. While rates after a DUI increase by 165 percent or more on average in California, Hawaii, and Michigan.

This means that drivers with a DUI may have to pay an additional $508 to $4,165 per year on average.

Why shopping around matters

Don't have a few thousand dollars to spare for car insurance? Although your insurance bill is almost certainly going to go up after a DUI, shopping around can help you find the best deal.

While you may be tempted to stay with your current insurer, keep in mind that in most states, the cheapest insurer prior to a DUI is not the same afterward.

When comparing quotes, don't overlook smaller, regional insurers; they frequently have lower rates. According to InsuredCircle research, the cheapest rates after a DUI aren't from one of the country's largest insurers in 34 states and Washington, D.C.

What you can do after a DUI

After a DUI conviction, it can be difficult to find low-cost car insurance — in fact, you may have difficulty obtaining coverage at all. Here are a few pointers to remember.

• Shop around right away. Look for alternative insurance as soon as you get a DUI. Because your insurer may cancel your coverage, you should have a backup plan in place. When shopping for insurance, make sure to inform insurers about the DUI to get the most accurate quotes.
• Avoid any other traffic infractions. After additional driving offences such as speeding tickets, accidents, or another DUI, your insurer will most likely raise your rate even more.
• Maintain good credit. Your credit history can have a significant impact on how much you pay for car insurance. In some cases, having bad credit can raise your rates more than a DUI. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington are the only states that do not allow insurers to use credit when determining car insurance rates.
• Consider reducing your coverage. If you have an older car that isn't worth much, you should consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage. Compare the value of your vehicle to the cost of insurance plus your deductible, which is the amount deducted from a claim payout. If there isn't much of a difference, you're probably overpaying.
• Compare quotes every three to five years. Insurance rates frequently change between three and five years after a DUI. Shop around after these dates to ensure you're still getting the best deal.
• Get quotes from nonstandard insurance companies. After a DUI, you may need to use a high-risk driver's insurer. If you are still unable to locate coverage, contact your state's high-risk insurance pool via the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office.