Car insurance after a DUI in Michigan – fiod quesquers

Car insurance after a DUI in Michigan

Getting a DUI in Michigan can have serious consequences. Convicted drivers can face legal penalties and fines, as well as expensive car insurance premiums. In fact, Bankrate's analysis of data from Quadrant Information Services found that the cost of auto insurance increases an average of 156 percent for drivers who are convicted of DUI in Michigan. And in some cases, insurance coverage may be denied altogether.

DUI in Michigan

Michigan drunk driving laws and penalties can vary depending on the situation and the age of the driver. Bankrate's insurance editorial team explains how the state defines driving under the influence (DUI) and the penalties you could face if you're caught doing it.

Michigan DUI Laws

In Michigan, it is a crime to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher if you are of legal drinking age. For drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit is lower – just 0.02. Penalties become more severe if the driver's BAC is 0.17 or higher.

Note that drivers can be arrested regardless of BAC if a police officer finds signs of impaired driving. Michigan also treats driving under the influence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance as a DUI — unless the driver has a valid marijuana medical card and is found with only marijuana in their system.

Michigan DUI Penalties

There are different penalties for drunk driving in Michigan. Penalties for a first-offense driver with a BAC below 0.17 include:

  • Imprisonment for up to 93 days
  • Community service up to 360 hours
  • Fines up to $500
  • 180 day license suspension
  • Six points have been added to your driving record

For a first offense with a BAC of 0.17 or higher, with no prior DUI convictions within the past seven years, penalties may include:

  • Imprisonment up to 180 days
  • Community service up to 360 hours
  • Fines up to $700
  • Possible license suspension for one year
  • Six points have been added to your driving record
  • Compulsory alcoholism treatment program
  • Installation of ignition interlock

In contrast, if a driver causes a crash in which alcohol is a factor and someone is killed, they face a possible 15 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000 and a mandatory vehicle suspension.

Additionally, Michigan DUI laws require you to have SR-22 insurance if your license is suspended or revoked after a DUI conviction. The SR-22 shows that you meet your state's minimum auto insurance requirements. Not all insurers offer the SR-22, and if yours doesn't, you'll need to switch to a company that does. Drivers needing an SR-22 must maintain these documents for three years in Michigan.

DUI penalties for underage drinkers in Michigan

Drivers under the age of 21 who are found to have a BAC of 0.02 or higher can be charged with DUI. If this is your first offence, you may face the following penalties:

  • 30-day restricted driver's license
  • Fines up to $250
  • Community service
  • 4 points added to your license
  • $125 license reinstatement fee
  • $500 Driver Responsibility Payment for two years

If this is your second offense as an underage drinker, the penalties become more severe:

  • 90-day restricted driver's license
  • Fines up to $500
  • Community service
  • $125 license reinstatement fee
  • $500 Driver Responsibility Payment for two years
  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Significant increase in insurance premium or cancellation

How does a DUI affect auto insurance in Michigan?

Average auto insurance rates in Michigan are already higher than the national average at $3,010 for an annual full-coverage policy compared to $2,329 for drivers with a clean record. If you add a DUI conviction to the mix, the rates usually increase significantly. Michigan drivers with a DUI pay an average of $7,714 per year for full coverage and $2,374 per year for minimum coverage. It is also possible that the insurer will refuse to renew your policy and you may have difficulty in purchasing a new policy.

Nationally, full coverage auto insurance increases an average of 95 percent after a DUI, but in Michigan the average increase is much higher at 156 percent. Michigan limits the factors insurers can use to determine auto insurance rates, so your driving record can play an even bigger role. Additionally, a DUI offense can cause your insurer to place you in the high-risk driver category. Insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for high-risk drivers, and some companies choose not to insure high-risk drivers at all.

How long a DUI affects your insurance in Michigan depends in part on your provider. A DUI conviction stays on your criminal record for life in Michigan. Still, insurers typically only consider convictions in the past three to 10 years when setting your premium, depending on the company.

Cheap auto insurance after a DUI in Michigan

Finding good car insurance within your budget after a DUI can be difficult, but there are carriers that could offer relatively affordable average rates for high-risk drivers. Keep in mind that Michigan is one of the most expensive states for car insurance even for those with impeccable driving records.

As you can see below, your post-DUI premium quote can vary greatly depending on the carrier you choose. In addition, your rates will vary based on other factors, such as your vehicle type. That's why most insurance professionals recommend comparing quotes from several companies to find the cheapest and best carrier for your needs. If you are looking for auto insurance in Michigan after a DUI, you may want to consider getting a quote from the following companies.

Dryness 1493 dollars 6071 dollars 307%
USAA 1768 dollars 3305 dollars 87%
Car owners 2227 dollars 4900 dollars 120%
Grange Insurance 2728 dollars 4119 dollars 51%
A pioneer state 2,805 dollars 5258 dollars 87%

How to find affordable auto insurance in Michigan after a DUI

Your DUI conviction will likely cause your car insurance premium to increase significantly, which is why many drivers are looking for a more affordable carrier. Here are some strategies that can help you save on auto insurance:

  • Shop around: Rates vary by provider, so you may be able to get the same level of coverage for less with a different insurance company. Request multiple quotes for the same types of coverage and amounts to find the cheapest company for you.
  • Check out the discounts: Although you probably won't get a safe driver discount, you may be eligible for other popular discounts such as a multi-car discount, package discount or telematics discount.
  • Maintain a good driving record: Practice safe driving habits so you don't add violations to your driving record that would further increase your insurance premium. Also, ask your insurance provider if you can earn a discount for completing an approved defensive driving course.

Frequently asked questions

  • Most insurance companies will cover a claim after a DUI; however, you may want to read your policy to see if there are any exclusions. Since Michigan is a no-fault state, each driver will file a claim with their own insurance company, and since each driver must have bodily injury coverage, the insurance will most likely cover a DUI.

  • Yes, a DUI will go on your criminal record as well as your driving record, but in 2022 Michigan DUI laws have changed. Michigan passed a law that excuses a single DUI in a person's lifetime. To have a DUI expunged from your criminal record, the driver must not have killed anyone in the accident and must wait 5 years. Even then, the DUI will remain on the person's driving record, but not on their criminal record.
  • The best car insurance company in Michigan is different for every driver. Insurance is highly personalized and drivers value different things from their insurance providers. So what is best for you may not be best for your neighbor. For example, if you have a DUI, the best company for you may be one that specializes in high risk auto insurance. Or if you have multiple policies, the best provider may be one that offers a significant bundle discount. Before shopping for insurance, it can help to determine what you're looking for in an insurance company.
  • If your license was suspended due to a DUI conviction in Michigan, your insurance company will need to file an SR-22 form with the DMV on your behalf. This is a statement of financial responsibility that shows you have at least the legal minimum required insurance coverage in Michigan. If your license is suspended, it may be subject to reinstatement, along with fees and other conditions. This does not automatically give you permission to drive again.

Methodology

Bankrate used Quadrant Information Services to analyze August 2024 rates for all zip codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, DC. Prices are weighted based on population density in each geographic region. Rates quoted are based on a single 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

  • $100,000 personal injury liability per person
  • $300,000 personal injury liability per accident
  • $50,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $100,000 uninsured motorist personal injury per person
  • $300,000 uninsured personal injury to driver in an accident
  • $500 collision deductible
  • $500 full deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate uses minimum coverage that meets each state's requirements. Our Basic Profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles a year.

These are sample percentages and should be used for comparative purposes only.

Incidents: Odds were calculated by estimating our baseline profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (primary) and one DUI conviction.

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