As in most states, it’s illegal to drive under the influence in New York, and the state imposes severe penalties if you get a DUI. Not only will you have to pay associated fees and face license suspension, but you’ll also most likely see a dramatic increase in your car insurance premium. You might even risk losing coverage. Bankrate explains how a DUI impacts your insurance and offers strategies to save on coverage.
DUIs in New York
New York takes driving under the influence very seriously. The state determines citations and penalties based on the circumstances and age of the driver. We’ll explain the categories of DUI infractions, but keep in mind that your specific driving record plays a large role in determining the penalties you may face.
DUI laws in New York
In New York, there are several categories of impaired driving, and convictions can be issued for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Here’s what you should know if you’re caught driving with a specific blood alcohol content (BAC):
- 0.08 or higher can be convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- 0.05 but under 0.07 can be convicted of driving while ability impaired by alcohol (DWAI)
- 0.18 or higher can be convicted of an aggravated DWI
- 0.02 or over can receive a DWI if the driver is under age 21
Be aware that all New York drivers, even those convicted of a DUI, are required to carry insurance coverage. In the Empire State, this means purchasing a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $50,000 per accident, plus $100,000 in bodily injury coverage for multiple deaths. New York drivers must also carry $10,000 in property damage liability per accident.
DUI penalties in New York
Penalties vary in New York based on the severity and frequency of your DWI or DWAI conviction. Possible outcomes include license revocation or suspension, fines and even jail time. First DWAI convictions are the least severe, with fines of up to $500, jail time of up to 15 days and a license suspension of 90 days. Multiple DWIs can result in fines of up to $10,000 and up to seven years in prison. Penalties for multiple aggravated DWIs or bodily harm to others while driving under the influence may be even more severe. If you have an aggravated DWI violation conviction within the last 10 years, any other alcohol-related driving conviction means an automatic 18-month license revocation.
DUI penalties for underage drinkers in New York
If a driver is under 21 and gets a DUI, they violate the state’s zero tolerance law. Although there’s no jail time associated with breaking it, the underage driver faces the following:
- $125 civil penalty fee
- 6-month license suspension
- $100 fee to reinstate the license
Note that if the underage driver had previously violated the zero tolerance law and gets another DUI, their license is revoked for one year or until they turn 21. They’ll also have to pay the associated fees.
How does a DUI affect car insurance in New York?
A DUI conviction in New York is a criminal offense, and DWIs may stay on your record in the state for up to 15 years (more if vehicular homicide is involved). This is why drivers with DWI convictions are typically considered high-risk drivers by insurance companies. Companies that extend insurance policies to drivers with DUIs typically charge significantly higher premiums to compensate for this added risk.
On average, the cost of car insurance in New York for drivers with a clean record is $3,697 per year for full coverage and $1,544 for minimum coverage. In comparison, the national average costs are $2,329 and $633, respectively. Drivers pay 59 percent more for car insurance after a DWI in NY. Although this is less than the national average increase of 95 percent, New York’s already high insurance costs mean that the average annual insurance premium is $5,890 for full coverage and $2,536 for minimum coverage after a DWI.
In some states, drivers convicted of a DUI offense are required to file an SR-22 certificate stating that they have the legally mandated minimum insurance. New York is one of the few states that does not require this certificate.
Cheap auto insurance after a DUI in New York
Finding competitive rates for New York insurance after a DUI may take some work, but comparing quotes from multiple companies may help you find the coverage you need within your budget. Companies look at a variety of factors when determining rates, and some carriers, such as those specializing in high-risk insurance, may not weigh your driving record as heavily as others.
Below we’ve collected average rates from some of the largest national and regional carriers following a single DUI. These rates are an average for drivers with a single NY DUI. Your personal rates will likely vary.
| NYCM | $2,873 | $4,076 | 42% |
| Erie | $3,253 | $5,532 | 70% |
| Geico | $3,387 | $7,806 | 130% |
| USAA | $3,867 | $5,917 | 53% |
| Encompass | $4,539 | $6,731 | 48% |
How to find affordable car insurance in New York after a DUI
It may feel as though you’re powerless to stop your insurance rates from climbing following a DUI, but there are strategies you can use to potentially save money. If you’re hoping to reduce your insurance premium after a DUI, consider the following:
- Shop around: Since every insurer weighs personal factors differently to come up with insurance rates, request quotes from several providers to see which ones offer you the cheapest rates. Specify the same coverage types and policy limits when requesting a quote so it’s easier to make an even comparison.
- Look for discounts: You probably won’t qualify for a claims-free discount, but you might get a bundling discount, multi-car policy discount, low-mileage discount or something else. Plus, most providers allow you to combine discounts for maximum savings.
- Take a defensive driving course: While a New York defensive driving course won’t remove a DUI infraction from your license, completing a course might earn you a significant insurance discount.
- Avoid future infractions: Even though the DUI will remain on your license, you can try to maintain your driving record. Make a point of driving safely so you don’t add violations, which can drive up your insurance rates (or cause you to lose your license).
Frequently asked questions
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Insurers are required to pay out emergency medical coverage, but many reserve the right to deny damages if you were charged with a DUI. Read through your policy to learn about possible exclusions.
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Yes, a DUI goes on your criminal record as a misdemeanor criminal charge, which will stay on your record permanently.
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The best car insurance company in New York is different for every driver. Since car insurance is so personalized, you might have different priorities when it comes to choosing an insurance provider. For instance, if you’re on a tight budget, the best car insurance company for you might be the one offering you the cheapest rates. If you’re looking for the best customer service, you may want a company with local agents.
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The state of New York does not require drivers with infractions to get an SR-22.
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Although you’re not required to inform your car insurance provider about getting a DUI, the provider will be informed by the Department of Motor Vehicles if your license is suspended or revoked. Plus, they will learn about the violation when your policy comes up for renewal, usually every 6 or 12 months.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze August 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base) and a single DUI conviction.
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