The average monthly cost of full-coverage car insurance after a DUI in Virginia is $262. This is a 25% increase from the rates for full coverage for drivers with a clean driving history.
The cheapest car insurance company after a DUI in Virginia is Auto-Owners, with an average monthly liability rate of $72.
A DUI conviction requires FR-44 insurance for three years in Virginia. The offense remains on your driving record and can affect rates for 11 years.
Cheapest car insurance quotes after a DUI in Virginia
On average, car insurance after a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in Virginia costs $148 per month for liability-only coverage and $262 per month for full coverage.
The table below shows the cheapest insurers for drivers with a DUI in Virginia, including Auto-Owners, which has an average monthly liability-only rate of $72.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $72 |
| State Farm | $77 |
| USAA | $104 |
| Chubb | $115 |
| Erie | $117 |
| Elephant | $119 |
| Mercury | $125 |
| CSAA | $128 |
| Progressive | $133 |
| GEICO | $141 |
| National General | $142 |
| Allstate | $143 |
| Bristol West | $146 |
| Direct Auto | $155 |
| GAINSCO | $156 |
| Trexis | $172 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $173 |
| Safeco | $177 |
| Insurify Car | $181 |
| Liberty Mutual | $186 |
| The General | $193 |
| Dairyland | $197 |
| Root | $200 |
| Trexis One | $200 |
| Clearcover | $204 |
| Travelers | $217 |
| Hugo | $230 |
Find Car Insurance After a DUI in Virginia
Liability policies average $148/mo.
How a DUI affects car insurance rates in Virginia
A DUI generally increases car insurance rates. In Virginia, average rates increase by 26% for liability-only coverage and by 25% for full coverage, according to Insurify data.
How much your car insurance increases after a drunk driving conviction depends on a few factors, including:
BAC level: In Virginia, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% results in a DUI charge. But higher BACs (0.15% and above) result in jail time.[1]
Prior offenses: If you’re convicted of a subsequent DUI in Virginia, the punishments become more severe. You can expect higher insurance premiums, too.
Age: A DUI at any age will result in a premium hike. The offense may have larger ramifications if you’re younger than 21.
Coverage levels: As a high-risk driver, you’ll pay more for full coverage following a DUI.
Average Liability-Only Rates: With DUI vs. Without DUI
Insurance Company | With DUI | Without DUI |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $72 | $56 |
| State Farm | $77 | $57 |
| USAA | $104 | $77 |
| Chubb | $115 | $85 |
| Erie | $117 | $87 |
| Elephant | $119 | $88 |
| Mercury | $125 | $87 |
| CSAA | $128 | $95 |
| Progressive | $133 | $105 |
| GEICO | $141 | $104 |
| National General | $142 | $105 |
| Allstate | $143 | $113 |
| Bristol West | $146 | $108 |
| Direct Auto | $155 | $115 |
| GAINSCO | $156 | $116 |
| Trexis | $172 | $136 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $173 | $128 |
| Safeco | $177 | $119 |
| Insurify Car | $181 | $143 |
| Liberty Mutual | $186 | $138 |
| The General | $193 | $147 |
| Dairyland | $197 | $146 |
| Root | $200 | $148 |
| Trexis One | $200 | $158 |
| Clearcover | $204 | $157 |
| Travelers | $217 | $161 |
| Hugo | $230 | $182 |
Best car insurance companies after a DUI in Virginia
The best car insurance companies in Virginia after a DUI are Auto-Owners, State Farm, and Elephant.
Auto-Owners: Best for cheap rates after a DUI in Virginia
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.2 /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. | $56/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. | $100/mo |
Auto-Owners's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.5 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Auto-Owners has some of the cheapest car insurance after a DUI in Virginia, whether you get a liability-only policy or full coverage.
Affordable car insurance after a DUI in Virginia, according to Insurify data
Wide range of discounts
Accident forgiveness available
Poor customer reviews
Above-average amount of complaints
Quotes available only through independent agents
State Farm: Best for customer service after a DUI in Virginia
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.3 /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. | $57/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. | $102/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
State Farm is the best car insurance in Virginia overall, based on its combination of affordable pricing, positive customer satisfaction, and a wide range of discounts, according to Insurify data. State Farm is also one of the most affordable insurers for Virginians with a DUI.
Affordable coverage after a DUI in Virginia
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Mid-Atlantic region
Drive Safe & Save discount of up to 30%
No gap insurance
No accident forgiveness
Low Trustpilot rating
Elephant: Best for local coverage after a DUI in Virginia
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.6 /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. | $88/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. | $138/mo |
Elephant's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.5 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.8 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the quick responses and easy-to-use website but are unhappy with the significant and frequent rate increases. Some also found the claim process to be lengthy.
Elephant is a relatively new insurance company, compared to more well-known brands like Allstate and Travelers. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and offers some of the most affordable car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Virginia.
Affordable coverage after a DUI in Virginia
A Virginia-native company
Positive online reviews citing price and user experience
No customer satisfaction rating from J.D. Power
No financial rating from AM Best
No in-person agents
How we chose the best companies
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 DUI in Virginia. We also weight rate affordability, coverage options, available discounts, customer satisfaction rankings, and financial strength.
How to get car insurance after a DUI in Virginia
After your first DUI in Virginia, your driver’s license will be revoked for one year. When you can legally drive again, you’ll need to reinstate coverage by following the steps below:
Compare insurance policies. You’ll need car insurance in Virginia before you can reinstate your license. Use an online insurance marketplace or an independent agent to find a policy offering coverage to high-risk drivers.
Adjust coverages. If the quotes you receive are too expensive, consider removing optional coverages, lowering your coverage limits (where possible), and increasing your deductible.
Get an FR-44 form. Before you can reinstate your license after a DUI, you must ask your insurer to submit an FR-44 certificate to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. This certificate, also called a financial responsibility certificate, indicates that you’ve purchased the required insurance coverages.
Reinstate your license. Finally, you must retake applicable knowledge and skills tests and pay a fee to reinstate your license.[2]
DUI laws in Virginia
In Virginia, a DUI applies to both alcohol and intoxicating drugs.[3] You can be convicted if your BAC is 0.08% or higher — or if you’re clearly impaired, regardless of whether you’re under the 0.08% limit.
You can also be charged with drinking while operating a motor vehicle if your vehicle has an open container in the passenger area.
Virginia has some of the most stringent DUI laws in the country.
Virginia’s DUI penalties
A first DUI offense in Virginia carries two major penalties:
Revocation of driver’s license for one year
Minimum $250 fine
Virginia has a long list of additional DUI penalties for repeat offenders, including second, third, and fourth offenses. You can also face stricter penalties if your BAC is 0.15% or higher. These penalties include longer license revocations, larger fines, and jail time.
Refusing a breath test also results in penalties. You can read the full list of penalties here.
How a DUI affects your driving record in Virginia
Charges related to DUIs remain on your driving record in Virginia for 11 years. This includes:[4]
Driving while intoxicated
Driving under the influence (alcohol or drugs)
Driving while intoxicated — maiming
Involuntary manslaughter/alcohol
Refusing a blood or breath test
Driving on a suspended license due to DUI
Virginia drivers younger than 21 can be charged with driving after illegally consuming alcohol. This stays on their record for three years.
FR-44 requirements in Virginia
In Virginia, you’re required to obtain an FR-44 certificate from your insurer if you’re convicted of a DUI. The insurer must submit an FR-44 to the DMV before your license can be reinstated.
An FR-44 certificate requires that you carry double the standard minimum coverage limits in Virginia.[5]
Minimum car insurance requirements in VA after a DUI
An FR-44 effectively doubles how much liability insurance you must carry in Virginia.
Virginia’s car insurance requirements include:[6]
$50,000 in bodily injury liability for one person
$100,000 in bodily injury liability for two or more people
$25,000 in property damage liability
An FR-44 doubles those minimum coverage limits after a DUI to $100,000, $200,000, and $50,000, respectively.
Virginia law requires that you keep FR-44 insurance for three years from the suspension/revocation end date or judgment satisfaction date.
But remember, a DUI affects your driving record for 11 years, even though the FR-44 requirement is lifted after three. That means you’ll likely pay higher insurance premiums during that time, though you can lower your coverage limits after three years.
Compare Virginia Car Insurance Quotes
Find coverage after a DUI
How to lower DUI insurance costs in Virginia
Your car insurance premium will likely increase after a DUI in Virginia, but you can still find ways to lower your car insurance costs, including:
Compare high-risk insurers. Use an online insurance marketplace, work with an independent agent, or do your own research to get quotes from multiple insurers. The cheapest auto insurance companies in Virginia after a DUI are Auto-Owners, State Farm, and ${AUTO_CHEAPEST_LIABILITY_STATE_VA_CARRIER_3HAS-DUI}.
Take a defensive driving course. Virginia law requires insurers to provide an “appropriate reduction” in your rate if you’re 55 or older and complete a qualifying defensive driving course.[7] This doesn’t apply if the course was court-ordered as a part of your DUI conviction, though. It must be voluntary.
Raise your deductible. Choosing a higher deductible is an easy way to lower your car insurance rates in Virginia. But if you file a claim, you’ll pay a higher amount before coverage kicks in.
Drop full coverage. If you don’t need comprehensive or collision coverage, you can drop them from your policy. You might not be able to do this if you finance or lease your vehicle. Nearly 35% of Virginians finance or lease a vehicle, according to Insurify data.
Look for discounts. Many companies offer car insurance discounts. You might get a discount for bundling your auto and homeowners insurance policies, opting in to a driver monitoring program, and driving a vehicle with specific safety features.
Drive safely. Good driving can earn you discounts, too. Avoiding speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and additional DUIs can keep costs from increasing again.
DUI car insurance in Virginia FAQs
Learn more about DUI car insurance in Virginia.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Virginia after a DUI?
The cheapest car insurance company in Virginia after a DUI is Auto-Owners, with an average monthly liability rate of $72.
How long will a DUI affect your car insurance premium in Virginia?
You must carry an FR-44 certificate after a DUI in Virginia for three years. This requires higher coverage limits and results in higher premiums. A DUI remains on your driving record for 11 years. Insurers may continue to charge higher premiums as long as this remains on your record, as it indicates you’re a high-risk driver.
How much is DUI insurance in Virginia?
DUI insurance in Virginia costs an average of $148 per month for liability-only coverage and $262 for full coverage, according to Insurify data.
Will your car insurance increase after a DUI in Virginia?
Yes, your car insurance will increase after a DUI in Virginia. A DUI makes you a high-risk driver, so insurers charge more to reflect that risk. Following a DUI in Virginia, you also must get FR-44 insurance, which doubles the liability coverage limits required for a standard state-minimum policy.
Sources
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Virginia is Tough on Drunk and Drugged Drivers."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Reinstate Driver's License."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Drinking and Driving."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Six Point Violations."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Financial Responsibility Certifications."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements."
- Virginia Law. "Code of Virginia."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 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
- 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.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)