If you receive a DUI in District of Columbia, your auto insurance rates are bound to rise: it's just a question of how much more you'll pay. If you're convicted of a DUI violation, it's important to shop wisely and compare insurance rates to find the cheapest option.
Finding cheap car insurance in D.C. with a DUI: a guide
Finding affordable car coverage soon after a DUI conviction is not an easy task. In fact, a DUI usually results in a larger rate hike than any other road violation — more than racing, reckless driving, or an at-fault accident.
The best and cheapest car insurance after a DUI in District of Columbia
If you're convicted of a driving under the influence violation in Washington D.C., it’s critical to consider your insurance options. Car insurance rates after a DUI can vary substantially by insurance company. For instance, the cheapest auto insurance company after a DUI in the District of Columbia, State Farm, offers yearly premiums 24% below the state average insurance premium with a DUI. The second-cheapest option for car insurance after a DUI in the nation's capital is USAA, and the priciest insurer is Allstate, with premiums 69% more expensive than average.
THE CHEAPEST CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR DRIVERS WITH A DUI
| Insurance Company | Avg. Annual Rate — After DUI |
| State Farm | $1,809 |
| USAA | $1,858 |
| GEICO | $2,354 |
| Progressive | $2,448 |
There’s no car insurer in particular that offers affordable DUI auto insurance. The best course of action to save post-DUI citation is to assess your options.
Compare auto insurance policies online or reach out to an insurance agent to survey the landscape and find a suitable option.
Learn more about car insurance and DUIs.
How will a DUI affect auto insurance costs in D.C.?
In the District of Columbia, a DUI will increase your annual auto insurance rate by an average of $999. That’s 10% less than the national average premium hike following a DUI.
CAR INSURANCE AFTER A DUI IN WASHINGTON D.C. — AVERAGE ANNUAL PENALTY
| Location | Avg. Annual Rate — no DUI | Avg. Annual Rate — with DUI | Avg. Increase After DUI |
| District of Columbia | $1,383 | $2,381 | +72% |
| United States | $1,548 | $2,556 | +65% |
Save money on car insurance by shopping around.
Washington, D.C., DUI laws
Drivers in Washington, D.C. are driving while intoxicated, or DWI, when their blood alcohol concentration measures 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are DWI in Washington, D.C. if their BAC reads 0.04% or higher.
It is also possible to be considered driving under the influence, or DUI, in Washington, D.C. if a driver's BAC measures 0.07% or below, but they also exhibit impaired behavior.
Underage drivers are DWI in Washington, D.C. with any detectable or suspected intoxicant in their system.
DWI/DUI Penalties in Washington, D.C.
The DWI/DUI lookback period in Washington, D.C. is 15 years. Multiple DWI/DUI offenses within this timeframe result in harsher penalties and fines. Penalties are also enhanced for DWI with a BAC of 0.20% or higher, DWI/DUI while transporting a minor, or for possessing prohibited drugs.
First-time DWI/DUI offenses in Washington, D.C. lead to:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- $1,000 in fines
- License revocation for six months
A second DWI/DUI offense in Washington, D.C. results in:
- 10 days to one year in jail
- $2,500 to $5,000 in fines
- License revocation for one year
Third-time DWI/DUI offenders in Washington, D.C. are subject to:
- 12 days to one year in jail
- $2,500 to $10,000 in fines
- License revocation for two years
Penalties for four or more DWI/DUI offenses in Washington, D.C. are:
- 45 days to one year in jail (plus an additional 30 days for each subsequent offense)
- $2,500 to $10,000 in fines
- License revocation for at least five years
In addition to the above penalties, courts may also require the installation and use of an ignition interlock device for a period of time.
DWI/DUI Penalties for Underage Drinkers in Washington, D.C.
Drivers under the age of 21 are considered DWI in Washington, D.C. with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system. In addition to the above penalties, underage DWI offenders are subject to a license revocation period of six months to one year.
There are also additional fines and penalties for underage drivers in possession of a fake ID, lying about their identification or age, or who are found consuming alcohol.
Sources and references:
https://mpdc.dc.gov/node/212542
https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/50-2206.13.html