MoneyGeek discovered that State Farm is the most inexpensive car insurance provider for full and minimum coverage if you’ve been charged with a DUI in Illinois. Erie earns our vote for top auto insurance provider in the state at both levels of coverage for those with DUIs.
Getting Car Insurance After a DUI in Illinois: Everything You Need to Know
Your insurer may opt to drop you or refuse to renew your coverage if your driver's license is suspended or revoked due to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). Alternatively, the insurer may charge you a higher premium. In Illinois, the average cost of car insurance for DUI offenders is $2,158 per year, compared to $1,115 for non-DUI drivers. That's a whopping $1,043 difference in annual premiums.
Updated: November 21, 2024
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Key Takeaways
After a DUI in Illinois, State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance at $1,035 per year, followed by Progressive at $1,080 per year.
After a DUI in Illinois, the two cheapest providers for minimum coverage car insurance are Mercury at $486 per year and State Farm at $500 per year.
In Illinois, after a DUI conviction, State Farm offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance at $1,035 per year, while Erie Insurance is notably praised for its high scores in affordability, customer satisfaction, and financial stability.
Although all states require car insurance, companies have the legal right to refuse car insurance to people with DUIs. Insurers that do cover drivers after a DUI frequently do so at higher premiums since the drivers are deemed high-risk.
After a DUI conviction in Illinois, you can expect a 93% increase in your annual rate. You may also face penalties, such as license suspension and ignition interlock device requirements.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Illinois After a DUI
In a nationwide comparison, MoneyGeek found that Progressive and State Farm provide the best car insurance rates for drivers with DUIs. Both companies also offer the cheapest car insurance in Illinois for people with DUIs.
Cheapest Companies for Full Coverage in Illinois After a DUI
The car insurance cost after a DUI conviction is determined by a number of factors, including your selected level of coverage. The following are the cheapest auto insurance providers in Illinois for a full coverage policy:
- State Farm: $1,035 per year
- Progressive: $1,080 per year
Cheapest Car Insurance for Full Coverage After a DUI
1 | State Farm | $1,035 |
2 | Progressive | $1,080 |
3 | Mercury | $1,119 |
4 | Country Financial | $1,191 |
5 | Erie | $1,580 |
Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage in Illinois After a DUI
According to our data, the following insurers provide the lowest minimum-coverage plans for DUI offenders in Illinois:
- Mercury: $486 per year
- State Farm: $500 per year
Cheapest Car Insurance for Minimum Coverage After a DUI
Mercury | $486 |
State Farm | $500 |
Country Financial | $542 |
Progressive | $638 |
Erie | $750 |
GEICO | $817 |
USAA | $890 |
Allstate | $943 |
Travelers | $993 |
Farmers | $1,183 |
American Family | $1,319 |
Nationwide | $1,614 |
MetLife | $1,997 |
AAA | $3,422 |
When it comes to auto insurance, the most affordable choice isn't necessarily the best. Despite the fact that Illinois law only requires drivers to carry the state's minimum coverage, we recommend determining how much car insurance you truly need to best protect yourself and your possessions.
Top Car Insurance Companies in Illinois After a DUI
MoneyGeek evaluated the best car insurance companies for DUI offenders based on price, customer satisfaction, financial stability and more. Erie Insurance is the top-ranked insurer in the state for both full and minimum coverage, according to our study.
Best Companies for Full Coverage in Illinois After a DUI
According to MoneyGeek's unique rating system, Erie Insurance and Country Financial are the top providers of full coverage car insurance in Illinois after a DUI.
4.5/5
Affordability
4.5/5
Financial Stability
5/5
User Satisfaction
4.5/5
Claims
Illinois drivers with a DUI may get full coverage car insurance from Erie Insurance for about $1,580 per year, compared to $1,010 for drivers without a DUI. If you have a DUI conviction, your average yearly rate will increase by about 56%.
Erie provides affordable plans for young drivers and those with past traffic offenses, as well as extra coverage options, including better car replacement, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness. It does not, however, provide gap insurance or roadside assistance.
4.8/5
Affordability
4.5/5
Financial Stability
4.5/5
User Satisfaction
4/5
Claims
In Illinois, the average cost of full coverage auto insurance from Country Financial if you have a DUI is $1,191 per year, compared to $867 for the same policy without a DUI. With a DUI conviction, your average yearly premium will increase by 37%.
Country Financial provides unique coverages, such as glass deductible modification and portable devices and media coverage, but it has no accident forgiveness, gap insurance, deductible modification or superior automobile replacement coverage.
Best Companies for Minimum Coverage in Illinois After a DUI
Erie and Country Financial continue to be the best car insurance providers for someone with a DUI in Illinois who needs minimum coverage. Although basic coverage is the most affordable choice for auto insurance, bear in mind that it may not cover all of your costs in the event of an accident.
5/5
Stability
5/5
Satisfaction
5/5
Claims
5/5
Affordability
A minimum coverage car insurance from Erie costs an average of $750 per year if you've been convicted of a DUI in Illinois. The same coverage costs $459 if you don't have a DUI. If you get a DUI, your annual rate will climb by around 63% with this company.
Young drivers with a demonstrated record of safe driving and unmarried young drivers who have been on their parents' car insurance policy for a number of years are eligible for special discounts from Erie. However, the company does not offer gap insurance or roadside assistance.
5/5
Stability
5/5
Satisfaction
4/5
Claims
5/5
Affordability
Country Financial charges $542 and $385 per year, respectively, for minimum coverage auto insurance with and without a DUI. A DUI conviction in Illinois raises the average yearly premium for this insurer by about 40%.
For young drivers, Country Financial provides affordable plans with innovative add-on coverages, such as glass deductible modification and portable devices and media protection. It is, however, only offered in 19 states.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Illinois After a DUI?
According to MoneyGeek, obtaining a DUI in Illinois increases annual premiums by 93.45% or around $2,158 per year for full coverage auto insurance. You can compare the price of a full coverage policy before and after getting a DUI using the table below.
How long does a DUI affect the cost of your car insurance?
The amount of time a DUI remains on a driver's record is known as the look-back period. Each successive DUI during the look-back period carries a harsher penalty aimed at discouraging repeat offenders. It's worth noting that look-back periods differ for each state. The look-back period in Illinois is indefinite.
Full Coverage
$1,115Full Coverage
$2,158This is 94% more expensive.
Because you're deemed a hazardous driver after a DUI, the cost of your Illinois car insurance will increase. For a personalized estimate of how your rates may vary after a DUI, use MoneyGeek's auto insurance calculator below.
Car Insurance Calculator
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Rates updated:
Nov 21, 2024
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A DUI's economic repercussions can be significant. In addition to an increase in your insurance premium, you will pay the following expenses as a result of a DUI:
- Fines, court and attorneys' fees: Fines and numerous court expenses, including the cost of counsel, are frequently associated with a DUI arrest.
- Towing/impound fee: If your car is towed and confiscated after an arrest, you are required to pay a fine.
- Drug education and treatment: DUI drivers in certain states are required to complete an alcohol or drug education program.
- DMV reinstatement fee: There’s a charge to get your license reinstated once it's been suspended.
- Damages: If somebody is harmed as a consequence of your mishap, you may be held liable for medical expenses.
Getting Car Insurance in Illinois After a DUI
It might be difficult to obtain car insurance after a DUI. Because many insurance firms are privately owned, the law lets them deny coverage to drivers they deem too hazardous to insure. The duration of the state’s look-back period, which is permanent in Illinois, can exacerbate this challenge.
Because you will almost certainly face increased rates after a DUI conviction, it's a good idea to shop around for firms that provide coverage to high-risk drivers. Comparing quotes from several companies will help you obtain the best possible rate for your circumstances.
Illinois requires that insurance companies file an SR-22 form on behalf of drivers who have been convicted of a DUI. This document confirms you have the minimum insurance coverage required in the state. You should be aware that SR-22 insurance documents in Illinois have their own set of costs, such as filing fees and the loss of discounts.
Illinois DUI Laws
You might lose your driving privileges, pay fines and spend time in jail if you are convicted of a DUI in Illinois. Those who commit more than one alcohol or drug-related offense within a 25-year period face harsher penalties.
- First infraction comes with a minimum of 100 hours of community service and a $500 fine.
- Second offense (within ten years) mandates two days in prison and a fine of $1,250.
- Third offense (within 20 years) means 90 days in prison and a fine of $2,500.
- Fourth or subsequent offenses are classified as Class 2 felonies, punishable by up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to $25,000 ($5,000 required), with no possibility of probation or conditional release.
Driving with a BAC at or above 0.08% is considered a DUI
The amount of alcohol in your blood is measured by your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Driving with BAC of 0.08% or above is illegal in Illinois. Furthermore, even if you're under the legal limit, you might be arrested for impaired driving performance.
Driving with a BAC of 0.16% will result in increased penalties
Persons convicted with a BAC of 0.16% or higher will face the following additional sanctions:
Period of license revocation on first offense
Your license will be canceled for at least six months if you are found driving with a BAC of at least 0.08%.
Limited driving privileges during suspension
After 30 days
Ignition interlocks
Mandatory for all convictions; highly incentivized for first convictions.
Open container laws
Yes
Repeat offender laws
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding cheap car insurance in Illinois for those with a DUI conviction can be overwhelming. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you find the best options.
Because Illinois state law does not mandate that insurers continue to cover DUI offenders, your provider may decide not to renew your coverage once your contract expires. To be sure, contact your insurance company directly.
After a DUI conviction in Illinois, the average annual premium increases by 93.45%. For example, the average annual cost of full coverage car insurance in Illinois is $1,115, but with a DUI conviction, the cost rises to $2,158.
State Farm is the cheapest car insurance provider in Illinois for DUI offenders. Meanwhile, Erie is the top car insurance company in the state for those with a DUI.
Your premiums might be affected permanently because a DUI in Illinois has a lifetime look-back term.
After a DUI conviction, it's best to search for a high-risk driver's insurance provider. To get the best cost for your circumstances, you'll need to gather and compare estimates from several suppliers.
Methodology
To determine the top companies for individuals with DUIs in Illinois, MoneyGeek analyzed each company’s financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims and affordability based on data and information obtained from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. The rates above are based on a 40-year-old male with and without a DUI driving a 2010 Toyota Camry LE with 12K annual mileage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
sources
- Governors Highway Safety Association. "Alcohol Impaired Driving." Accessed November 21, 2024.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Alcohol and Drugs." Accessed November 21, 2024.
- The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. "Illinois Look-Back Period." Accessed November 21, 2024.