The staggering cost California drivers pay for getting a DUI

Facing a DUI charge in California not only brings legal troubles but also results in one of the steepest increases in car insurance premiums nationwide.

According to a new study by LendingTree, drivers in California experience the second-largest increase in car insurance rates in the U.S. following a DUI conviction, with rates soaring by 136% annually.

North Carolina is the only state with a higher increase, where premiums rise by an astounding 284.1%.

The report indicates that in California, the average annual insurance cost jumps from approximately $2,600 to $6,135 after a DUI conviction.

Nationally, the average increase in car insurance rates after a DUI is 74.5%, with premiums rising from about $2,130 to nearly $4,000 annually, as per the study.

California drivers are particularly affected.

The state ranks second for the steepest percentage increase in premiums but leads in terms of the largest dollar increase, with annual insurance costs rising by an average of $3,535—approximately $100 more than in North Carolina, according to the report.

The report also notes that these costs do not account for post-conviction expenses, with average monthly premium increases across the country amounting to $135, totaling nearly $5,000 over three years.

Increases in auto insurance are just the beginning, as there are additional costs such as court fees, attorney costs, and lost wages.

Rob Bhatt, a LendingTree auto insurance expert and agent, explained that individuals with a DUI are statistically more likely to be involved in future car accidents, leading to higher costs for insurance companies due to claims payments. These potential expenses are reflected in the rates charged after a DUI.

Premium increases also vary by the driver’s age, with young and elderly drivers facing the highest financial burdens in terms of dollar amounts.

The study highlights that typical 20-year-olds pay an additional $2,532 annually after a DUI, while 80-year-olds see an increase of $2,211.

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For drivers over 60, the report reveals a 101.1% average increase in premiums when charged with impaired driving.

“This shows that a DUI can have a sharp impact on a driver’s insurance rate at any age,” Bhatt commented.

Bhatt suggested several strategies for those facing a DUI, including enrolling in diversion programs, exploring different car insurance options, and considering public transportation to mitigate long-term financial effects.

All states, including California, enforce laws prohibiting driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, as noted by AAA.