Carrier vs. Carrier Comparisons
Related Companies
Drunk driving is a serious and dangerous offense that results in almost 30 deaths each day in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
But this offense often goes by different names, such as DUI and DWI. The bottom line is both are serious, costly illegal offenses, but they actually vary slightly. Read on to find out how DUI and DWI differ and why car insurance is so expensive after DUI/DWI. Does another provider have lower rates? Find out by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool.
What You Should Know
- DUI/DWI raises insurance rates 3-5x, from $80-110 to $140-190 monthly
- USAA's offers the cheapest post-DUI rates with accident forgiveness for military families
- UBI programs track driving habits to help reduce DUI-related premiums over time
How are DUIs and DWIs determined
DUIs and DWIs are offenses committed by drivers who violate impaired driving laws. What does DWI stand for? DWI stands for "driving while impaired, while DUI stands for driving under the influence." DUI and DWI both terms refer to operating a vehicle while under the influence of substances, which police detect through driver behavior.
Key indicators are speeding or erratic driving. DUIs or DWIs can also be issued if a driver is pulled over for a routine reason, such as a taillight being out, and the police officer has a suspicion of impaired driving. Police officers typically check the driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) with a breathalyzer test.
Still, they may also issue a DUI or DWI without one if the driver has dangerous driving behavior or failed a field sobriety test. While the federal legal limit for BAC is 0.08 percent, drivers can be arrested for a DUI or DWI with a lower BAC depending on their age, the specific laws in their state, and their driving behavior.
DWI Meaning vs. DUI: Other Impaired Driving Terms Across States
When comparing driving while impaired vs. driving while intoxicated, states vary in how they classify these offenses. What's the difference between DUI and DWI? In some states, they're the same, while in others, DUI is typically a lesser charge with lower blood alcohol content (BAC).
Understanding DUI and OWI differences is important - some states use OWI (operating while impaired) instead of DUI/DWI, particularly in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
When looking at DWAI vs. DUI, DWAI (driving while ability impaired) is another term used in some jurisdictions. Other variations include OUI (operating under the influence), OVI (operating vehicle impaired), and DUII (driving under the influence of intoxicants).
Read More: Safety Tips For Driving At Night
How does a DUI affect car insurance
A DUI or DWI greatly affects auto insurance. Car insurance after a DUI is much more expensive, costing three to five times more per month than a policy for a driver with a clean record. Below is a comparison of monthly premium rates from major insurance providers for drivers with clean records versus car insurance with DWI/DUI convictions.
| Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | After DUI/DWI |
|---|---|---|
 |
$100 | $180 |
 |
$92 | $165 |
 |
$85 | $160 |
 |
$110 | $190 |
 |
$88 | $155 |
 |
$95 | $170 |
 |
$90 | $150 |
 |
$105 | $185 |
 |
$98 | $175 |
 |
$80 | $140 |
Aside from significant increase on rates, a driver's license may be suspended or revoked, requiring an SR-22 form for reinstatement. This form, available only through insurance companies, proves to the state that the driver maintains minimum required insurance coverage.
A DUI or similar offense is extremely expensive after all of the fees and fines. It’s estimated to cost a driver upwards of more than $10,000 in fines and legal fees, but it could even cost much more depending on the state the driver lives in.
| Age | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Age:16 | $350 | $370 |
| Age:18 | $320 | $340 |
| Age:25 | $280 | $300 |
| Age:35 | $250 | $270 |
| Age:45 | $230 | $250 |
| Age:55 | $210 | $230 |
Statistics show that male drivers are three times more likely to be arrested for DUI/DWI than female drivers, which is reflected in their higher insurance premiums. If you find yourself in this situation, your insurance will significantly increase, so it may be time for you to shop around for a new car insurance company to try to find the best price.
Check out the best SR-22 car insurance companies in your state, and read reviews to see if the company is a good fit for you.
DUI/DWI State Laws and Penalties
DUI/DWI State laws and penalties state laws vary significantly in how they define and punish impaired driving offenses. Penalties increase with higher BAC levels or accidents despite the 0.08% federal limit. States enforce zero-tolerance laws for drivers under 21, meaning any BAC above 0.00% results in a DUI - a critical policy given that 25% of fatal teen crashes involve alcohol.
Commercial drivers often face stricter BAC limits, while underage drivers face zero-tolerance laws. Any driver under 21 with a BAC above 0.00% can receive a DUI, as underage drinking is illegal. According to NHTSA, about 25% of fatal teen crashes involve drunk underage drivers. Punishments vary by state and case severity.
Requirements for jail time, fines, license suspension duration, and community service hours differ by state and case circumstances. Most states keep DUI/DWI convictions on driving records for 5-10 years, though some states like California maintain them for 10 years, while others like Alaska keep them permanently.
Read More: How long does a DUI stay on your record?
How UBI Can Help Drivers With a DUI or DWI
Usage-based car insurance (UBI) programs, such as USAA's "Pay As You Drive" or State Farm's "Drive Safe & Save, track driving habits using telematics to offer personalized rates. For drivers with a DUI/DWI, enrolling in a UBI program can showcase safe driving habits and help lower DUI/DWI-related premiums over time.
While discounts aren't immediate and consistent, responsible driving—such as avoiding hard braking, speeding, and driving at risky hours—can gradually lower insurance costs and improve eligibility for better rates.
Securing Affordable Insurance After a DUI or DWI
A DUI or DWI has long-term consequences, impacting your driving record and legal standing and significantly increasing car insurance costs. Throughout this article, we’ve covered the key differences between DUI and DWI, how states classify these offenses, and how they affect insurance rates.
When it comes to securing affordable life insurance after a DUI or DWI, USAA stands out as the best and cheapest option, offering lower-than-average rates, flexible policy options, and an accident forgiveness program that helps reduce long-term costs for military members and their families.
While finding coverage post-DUI can be challenging, comparing rates, maintaining a clean record, and taking advantage of insurer discounts can help you secure more affordable premiums. Enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to see how much car insurance costs in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference between (DWI) driving while impaired vs. (DUI) driving under the influence?
"Driving While Impaired" (DWI) and "Driving Under the Influence" (DUI) are terms often used interchangeably, but they may have slightly different meanings depending on the state. Generally, DUI refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while DWI typically covers a broader range of impairment, including physical or mental incapacity.
What is the zero-tolerance law?
The zero tolerance law refers to policies that prohibit underage drivers from having any measurable blood alcohol content (BAC). It aims to deter underage drinking and driving.
Read More: Best Car Insurance Companies That Don't Monitor Your Driving
Can you serve alcohol with a DUI?
Serving alcohol to others while having a DUI charge can be risky. It could lead to additional legal issues, as DUI convictions often carry stricter penalties for alcohol-related offenses.
Enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to see how much car insurance costs in your area.
Is a DWI better than a DUI?
No, a DWI (Driving While Impaired) is not considered "better" than a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). Both offenses are serious and can carry severe legal and insurance consequences.
What is an example of a DWI?
An example of a DWI is a situation where a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs but has not yet reached the legal threshold for a DUI in their state.
See how much you’ll pay for car insurance by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool.
What is the difference between DUI and aggravated DWI?
DUI (Driving Under the Influence) typically refers to standard impairment, while an aggravated DWI may involve more severe circumstances, such as a high BAC or reckless driving.
Is a DUI a felony?
A DUI can be classified as a felony if there are aggravating factors, such as prior DUI convictions, an accident causing injury, or driving with a suspended license.
Read More: Best Car Insurance Companies That Don't Ask for Criminal Convictions
How long will a DUI show up on a background check?
A DUI conviction can remain on your criminal background for several years, depending on your state's laws. It may also appear on your driving record.
How long does a DWI stay on your driving record in Virginia?
In Virginia, a DWI conviction can stay on your driving record for 11 years. This period may affect insurance rates and your ability to drive legally.
Read More: What Is a Driving Record and What Does It Track?
What is the most common sentence for a first DUI?
The most common sentence for a first DUI offense includes a fine, probation, mandatory DUI education classes, and potentially a short license suspension.
How bad is a DWI on your record?
A DWI on your record can significantly affect your driving privileges, insurance premiums, and reputation. Having a DWI can make it more difficult to obtain "normal" car insurance, which leads many drivers to seek DWI car insurance.