DWI Car Insurance in New York: Costs, Laws, and Cheapest Companies (2026)

Drivers in New York with a DWI pay an average of $279 per month for liability-only car insurance.

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Catherine Hiles
Written byCatherine Hiles
Catherine Hiles
Catherine HilesInsurance, Personal Finance Writer
  • 16+ years in personal finance and insurance writing

  • Certified Financial Education Instructor

Catherine Hiles is a freelance writer covering insurance, personal finance, and home improvement. A Certified Financial Education Instructor, Catherine is committed to providing readers with empowerment and insight when facing insurance decisions.

Her work has been published in TIME, The Penny Hoarder, BobVila.com, Tom's Guide, and Angi. She has a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of Chester in the United Kingdom. Catherine lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, and two energetic dogs.

MacKenzie Korris
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 21630969

MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.

John Leach
Reviewed byJohn Leach
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John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

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John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.

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Quick Facts
  • Liability car insurance costs $279 per month for New York drivers with a driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction. That’s about 71% higher than the statewide average.

  • Erie offers the cheapest DWI insurance in New York, at $116 per month for liability-only insurance.

  • A DWI stays on your driving record for 15 years in New York.[1]

Cheapest car insurance quotes after a DWI in New York

The average cost of liability car insurance after a DWI in New York is $279 per month. A full-coverage policy for a driver with a DWI costs an average of $446 per month, according to Insurify data.

The following table shows the cheapest insurers in New York for drivers with a DWI, with Erie offering the lowest monthly price of $116.

The below rates in New York are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Erie$116
USAA$121
Travelers$141
State Farm$165
Allstate$173
Nationwide$177
GEICO$181
CSAA$296
Chubb$322
Progressive$380
Bristol West$458
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time New York car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in New York may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Find Cheap Car Insurance in New York After a DUI

Liability rates after a DUI average $279 per month

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How a DWI affects car insurance rates in New York

A DWI generally increases car insurance rates, but the amount of the increase depends on several factors. On average, a liability-only policy will increase by 71% after a DWI in New York.

The exact increase for your premiums may depend on the following:

  • Blood alcohol content (BAC) level: New York state law bases your conviction on your BAC, with penalties increasing at higher levels. A BAC of 0.08% or higher can lead to a DWI charge, but a BAC of 0.18% or higher could result in harsher penalties. 

  • Prior offenses: New York DWI penalties increase for your second, third, or subsequent DWI convictions. Repeated offenses can lead to felony charges.

The following chart shows the cost of liability-only insurance with and without a DWI in New York.

The below rates in New York are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Liability-Only Rates: With DUI vs. Without DUI

Insurance Company
With DUI
Without DUI
Erie$116$71
USAA$121$74
Travelers$141$86
State Farm$165$101
Allstate$173$106
Nationwide$177$108
GEICO$181$111
CSAA$296$181
Chubb$322$197
Progressive$380$208
Bristol West$458$280

Best car insurance companies after a DWI in New York

The best insurance company in New York after a DWI will depend on your unique situation, like your age, gender, ZIP code, and the severity of your DWI conviction.

We’ve vetted the following auto insurance companies based on rates, coverage offerings, verified user reviews, and third-party industry ratings.

Erie: Best for cheap rates after a DWI in New York

User Reviews
4.4
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.4 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$71/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$115/mo
4.4
Best choice in New YorkBased on 536 verified driver reviews and ratings
Erie Insurance's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.23.2
Customer service3.63.6
Discounts3.82.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value3.72.9
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance

Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and quick claim handling but are dissatisfied with the unexpected and unexplained rate increases. Some also found the policy details hard to understand.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in New York for
High customer satisfaction
Competitive rates
Optional coverages
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 237 Erie Insurance reviews
Donald
Verified Review
No longer the cheapest
They used to be the low price leader, not so much anymore.
Devan
Verified Review
At best, it's okay.
They have a good reputation, but they make changes to your policy that you may not be aware of unless you pay attention.
Regina
Verified Review
May the best company win
Where I'm at is very good and satisfying. My daughter said I should check you out, so that's why I'm here. I do feel it's good to check out your options instead of going with the first company.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
700
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.68
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Erie offers some of the lowest DWI insurance rates in New York. Plus, Erie’s Rate Lock program makes it easier to keep the same rate each year and avoid annual premium increases. Erie’s large network of agents in New York can help you find the best coverage for your needs.

Pros
  • Some of the cheapest rates in New York for drivers with a DWI

  • Rate Lock feature prevents premium increases

  • Large network of insurance agents in New York

Cons
  • Not rated by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction in New York

  • No telematics discount

  • No option to file a claim online

Nationwide: Best for customer service after a DWI in New York

User Reviews
4.2
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$108/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$175/mo
4.2
Best choice in New YorkBased on 996 verified driver reviews and ratings
Nationwide's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.03.6
Discounts3.72.9
Policy transparency3.93.1
Value3.52.9
How drivers feel about Nationwide

Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in New York for
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Showing 8 reviews from New York driversSee all 518 Nationwide reviews
Michael
Verified Review
Excellent
Just your average auto insurance company.
Thomas
Verified Review
Angry Loyal Customer
Too expensive for a great and safe driver who drives 7,000 miles per year in a 15-year-old car!
John
Verified Review
Great Company Nationwide
Really good, prompt, courteous, and efficient.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
641
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Nationwide ranked second-highest in the New York region in the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study for customer satisfaction. And with a widespread network of agents in the Empire State, you can likely find one in your area to help with your insurance needs.

Pros
  • Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in New York

  • Large network of insurance agents in New York

  • Multiple discounts available

Cons
  • Relatively high rates for DWI insurance in New York

  • Poor Trustpilot rating

  • Lower AM Best financial strength rating than some competitors

USAA: Best for military families after a DWI in New York

User Reviews
4.9
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.1 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$74/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$120/mo
4.9
Best choice in New YorkBased on 3,891 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.93.2
Customer service4.83.6
Discounts4.92.9
Policy transparency4.93.1
Value4.92.9
How drivers feel about USAA

Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in New York for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Showing 9 reviews from New York driversSee all 1,605 USAA reviews
Paul
Verified Review
Excellent
USAA is the best overall insurance company!
John
Verified Review
Great Insurance!
Easy to use.
Jason
Verified Review
Poor
Too expensive for being a customer for over 5 years.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

New York is home to more than 688,000 veterans and almost 25,600 active-duty service members.[2] USAA is a solid choice for Empire State residents affiliated with the military. The average liability insurance premium in New York for a DWI is much lower than the state average.

Pros
  • Unique benefits for military members

  • Highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in New York

  • Usage-based insurance available

Cons
  • Coverage available only to active-duty military, veterans, and eligible family members

  • Limited number of local offices in New York

  • No 24/7 customer service

  • Our editorial team analyzed our proprietary data, more than 80,000 verified user reviews, and third-party industry ratings to choose the best insurers for drivers with a DWI in New York. We also weigh rate affordability, coverage options, available discounts, customer satisfaction rankings, and financial strength.

How to get car insurance after a DWI in New York

Follow these steps to get car insurance after a DWI in New York:

  1. Reinstate your license. You’ll need to pay a license suspension termination fee and a driver responsibility assessment fee.

  2. Compare insurance quotes. Shopping around can help you find a cheaper rate. The New York Department of Financial Services provides a checklist to make comparisons easier.

  3. Consider high-risk insurance. If you have trouble finding coverage, look into the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP) — a plan required under New York law to provide coverage to high-risk drivers.[3]

  4. Adjust your coverage. New York requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance and personal injury protection (PIP). Consider sticking to the minimums and opting out of optional coverages to lower your premiums. Just remember that you’ll pay more out of pocket if you’re involved in an accident.

  5. Get proof of coverage. Although New York doesn’t require an SR-22, you’ll still need a New York insurance ID card to prove coverage if an officer pulls you over.

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DWI laws in New York

New York has strict DWI laws with penalties including fines, jail time, and license revocation. Here’s what you should know about DWI laws in New York.

New York DWI penalties

New York has three main types of alcohol and drug-related traffic violations:

  • Driving while impaired by alcohol (DWAI)

  • Driving while intoxicated (DWI)

  • Aggravated DWI

The type of penalty depends on the type of violation, and penalties increase for your second or subsequent offense. After your fourth conviction, the state will permanently revoke your license. Below are New York’s penalties for alcohol or drug violations.

 
sort ascsort desc
BAC Level
sort ascsort desc
Fine
sort ascsort desc
Maximum Jail Term
sort ascsort desc
License Revocation
sort ascsort desc
DWAI0.05%–0.07%$500–$10,0001–7 years6–12 months
DWI0.08%$500–$10,0001–7 years6–12 months
Aggravated DWI0.18% or higher$1,000–$10,0001–7 years12–18 months

In addition to these penalties, you may be subject to surcharges, a crime victim assistance fee, and an alcohol fee. The total fee is $395 for misdemeanors and $520 for felonies.

Also, per Leandra’s Law, all drivers convicted of a DWI must install an ignition interlock device for at least six months.

How long does a DWI stay on your record in New York?

A DWI conviction will stay on your driving record for 15 years in New York, while a DWAI will stay on your record for 10 years.

A misdemeanor or felony DWI conviction will stay on your criminal record indefinitely unless you seal your record via the Clean Slate Act. Misdemeanors are eligible for sealing after three years, and felonies are eligible after eight years.[4] Sealing your conviction prevents it from being public.

New York SR-22 requirements

New York doesn’t require drivers with a DWI to show proof of insurance through an SR-22 or FR-44 form. All drivers — regardless of record — must carry a New York State Insurance ID Card (FS-20) as proof of insurance.

Minimum car insurance requirements in NY after a DWI

All drivers in New York, regardless of their driving record, must carry the state minimum amount of liability insurance. The minimum amounts are:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death for one person in a crash

  • $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death for two or more people in a crash

  • $10,000 for property damage in a single crash

  • $50,000 of PIP coverage

After a DWI, the minimum insurance requirements remain the same. But you may struggle to find affordable coverage. Remember, a DWI in New York stays on your record for 15 years.

How to lower DWI insurance costs in New York

A premium increase after a DWI is inevitable, but you can take steps to help soften the blow. Here are some ways to lower your insurance costs:

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/fa11c1fe75/comparison-website.svg

    Compare quotes

    Request quotes from at least three insurance companies. Make sure the coverage options are the same across all quotes so you’re comparing apples to apples.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/75872bbafd/money-96x96-green_033-magnifying-glass.svg

    Consider dropping full coverage

    If you’re one of the 69% of New York drivers who own their vehicle, consider sticking to liability-only coverage to lower your costs. This is a good option if you can afford to pay to repair or replace your vehicle and you no longer lease or finance your car.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/ba9869f2f9/defensive-driving.svg

    Take a defensive driving course

    New York law requires insurance companies to apply a discount to your liability and PIP coverages for three years after you take a DMV-approved accident prevention course.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/95fa30ac35/insurify-icons-auto-orange-96x96_005-insurance.svg

    Enroll in a Combat Auto Theft (CAT) program

    Eligible New York drivers can enroll in the state’s CAT program through participating law enforcement agencies. If you meet eligibility requirements, your insurer may offer a car insurance discount.

DWI car insurance in New York FAQs

Getting a DWI can affect car insurance rates in New York. The answers to the following questions can help you understand the full effect.

  • What is the cheapest car insurance company in New York after a DWI?

    Erie is the cheapest car insurance company in New York after a DWI, with an average monthly premium of $116 for liability-only insurance.

  • How long will a DWI affect your car insurance premium in New York?

    A DWI stays on your New York driving record for 15 years. Since insurers calculate premiums based on driving history (among other factors), a DWI could potentially affect your premiums for 15 years.

  • How much is DWI insurance in New York?

    The average cost of DWI insurance in New York is $279 per month for liability coverage and $446 for full coverage, according to Insurify data.

  • How can you lower car insurance rates in New York after a DWI?

    You can lower your car insurance rates in New York after a DWI by comparing quotes, adjusting your coverage, taking an accident-prevention course, or asking your insurer about discounts.

  • Can you still get car insurance in New York after a DWI conviction?

    Yes. You can still get car insurance in New York after a DWI conviction. Get quotes from different insurers to find the best deal. You may also have to buy a policy through the New York Automobile Insurance Plan — a program that ensures insurance coverage for high-risk drivers.

Sources

  1. Ny.gov. "Get My Own Driving Record (Abstract)."
  2. Military OneSource. "New York Military and Veterans Benefits."
  3. AIPSO. "New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP)."
  4. New York State Unified Court System. "New York State’s Clean Slate Act."

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

  • Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
  • Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
  • No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
  • Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

Catherine Hiles
Written byCatherine HilesInsurance, Personal Finance Writer
Catherine Hiles
Catherine HilesInsurance, Personal Finance Writer
  • 16+ years in personal finance and insurance writing

  • Certified Financial Education Instructor

Catherine Hiles is a freelance writer covering insurance, personal finance, and home improvement. A Certified Financial Education Instructor, Catherine is committed to providing readers with empowerment and insight when facing insurance decisions.

Her work has been published in TIME, The Penny Hoarder, BobVila.com, Tom's Guide, and Angi. She has a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of Chester in the United Kingdom. Catherine lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, and two energetic dogs.

MacKenzie Korris
Edited byMacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
MacKenzie Korris
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 21630969

MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.

John Leach
Reviewed byJohn LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 20461358

John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.

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