In some states, DUI and DWI mean the same thing: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. But other states don’t use those terms at all.
If you’re convicted of driving while intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs, you can expect your car insurance rate to rise.
What’s the difference between DUI and DWI?
While the exact definitions vary by state, here’s the difference between a DUI and DWI.
DUI stands for “driving under the influence.” You could be convicted of a DUI if you’re caught driving under the influence of alcohol, legal or illegal drugs, or a combination of all three, depending on your state.
DWI stands for “driving while intoxicated” or “driving while impaired.” Similar to a DUI, the definition of DWI varies across states, but generally refers to a criminal offense that occurs when someone drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In almost every state, you’re considered driving “under the influence” or “intoxicated” if you’re above 21 years old and caught behind the wheel with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, above .08%. Utah has a lower BAC limit of .05%. Drivers convicted of a DWI in some states may be held to an even lower BAC limit of .02% or .04% to discourage drunk driving.
Those under the age of 21 caught driving with a BAC of .02% or lower may be considered under the influence, depending on the state. If you’re underage and caught driving with a BAC of less than .02%, your driver’s license could be suspended or revoked.
How a DUI or DWI impacts car insurance rates
A DUI or DWI conviction will increase the convicted driver’s car insurance rates. In some cases, it may even result in non-renewal or policy cancellation. Drivers who have their policy canceled or non-renewed should immediately find a new auto insurer to avoid a car insurance lapse.
Whether you’re able to stick with your current policy or you have to find new coverage, you should expect a rate increase. Auto insurance companies view drivers with DUIs as “high risk,” so they charge more to offer you coverage.
That’s why comparison shopping for the best car insurance prices is more important than ever following a DUI conviction. Here are some quotes that drivers with DUIs on their records found via Jerry.
|
Insurance Company
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
Violation
|
|---|---|---|
| New York Central Mutual | $87 | DUI |
| Aspire Advantage | $154 | DUI |
| Mapfre | $154 | DUI |
| Embark General | $160 | DUI |
| Clearcover | $163 | DUI |
| Nationwide | $173 | DUI |
| Anchor General | $177 | DUI |
| National General | $180 | DUI |
| Mercury | $186 | DUI |
| Trexis | $186 | DUI |
Do I need an SR-22 after a DUI conviction?
In most states, you need an SR-22 for two to five years following a DUI conviction. This filing verifies that you have your state’s required coverage.
If you need an SR-22, contact your insurance company. Unfortunately, not all auto insurers offer SR-22 filling, so you may need to switch providers to find an insurer that covers “high-risk” drivers.
Read more: Cheap car insurance for “high-risk” drivers
Consequences of a DUI, by state
Drivers convicted of a DUI or other impaired-driving violation will likely have their licenses suspended. They may also be required to have an ignition interlock device, or IID, installed in their vehicle. These devices measure the driver’s breath alcohol content. If their breath alcohol content is below the legal limit, the vehicle will start.
Below are the license suspension and IID requirements for a driver’s first DUI conviction, by state.
| State | License suspension minimum | IID requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 90 days to 12 months. | 90 days. |
| Alaska | 90 days. | Six to 18 months. |
| Arizona | 90 days. | 12 months, but can be lifted after six months |
| Arkansas | Six months. | Six months. |
| California | Six months. | Six months. |
| Colorado | Nine months. | 8 months to two years. |
| Connecticut | 45 days. | 12 months. |
| Delaware | 12 months. | Four months. |
| Florida | Six months. | Six months if required by court. |
| Georgia | 12 months. | Six to 12 months. |
| Hawaii | 12 months. | 12 months. |
| Idaho | Three to six months. | 12 months. |
| Illinois | 12 months. | 12 months. |
| Indiana Iowa | 30 days to two years. 180 days. | 60 days or more. Not required for first conviction. |
| Kansas | 30 days. | Six to 12 months. |
| Kentucky | Six months. | Installing an IID may reduce license suspension timeframe. |
| Louisiana | 12 months. | 12 months. |
| Maine | 150 days. | 120 days. |
| Maryland | Six months. | 180 days to 12 months. |
| Massachusetts | 12 months. | Not required for first conviction. |
| Michigan | 180 days. | Not required for first conviction. |
| Minnesota | 90 days. | Not required for first conviction. |
| Mississippi | 120 days. | 90 days. |
| Missouri | 90 days. | Six months. |
| Montana | Six months. | Not required for first conviction unless granted restricted, probationary license. |
| Nebraska | Six months. | Four months after the first 60 days of license suspension. |
| Nevada | 180 days. | Six months to three years depending on BAC level. |
| New Hampshire | Nine months. | 12 months to two years. |
| New Jersey | Three months. | Six months. |
| New Mexico | 12 months. | 12 months. |
| New York | Six months. | Six months. |
| North Carolina | 12 months. | 12 months. |
| North Dakota | 91 days. | Not required unless ordered by court. |
| Ohio | 12 months. | Not required unless ordered by court. |
| Oklahoma | Six months. | 18 months. |
| Oregon | 12 months. | 12 months. |
| Pennsylvania | None. | 12 months. |
| Rhode Island | 30 to 180 days. | Not required unless ordered by court. |
| South Carolina | Six months. | Six months. |
| South Dakota | 30 days. | Not required. |
| Tennessee | 12 months. | 12 to 18 months. |
| Texas | 90 days. | Required for duration of license suspension. |
| Utah | 120 days. | 18 months. |
| Vermont | 90 days. | Six months. |
| Virginia | 12 months. | Six months |
| Washington | 90 days. | 12 months. |
| Washington, D.C. | Six months. | Six months. |
| West Virginia | Six months. | 125 days. |
| Wisconsin | Six months. | Not required for first conviction. |
| Wyoming | 90 days. | Six months. |
FAQ
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What is the penalty for a DWI?
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What is an OWI?
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Why would someone need an FR-44?
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Will DUIs and DWIs impact my insurance rates?
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How long can a DUI impact car insurance rates?
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Do you go to jail for a DUI?
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How long does a DUI stay on your record?
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Is a DUI a felony?
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Can you get a DUI on a bike?
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Can you get charged with a DUI for .02% BAC?
Methodology
Data included in this analysis comes from policies that Jerry has quoted within the last 18 months. Jerry services 48 states and offers a range of insurance companies to choose from.
Megan Lee is an editor, writer, and SEO expert who specializes in insurance, personal finance, travel, and healthcare. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for several websites, including NerdWallet. When she`s not crafting her next piece of content, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to drink cortados, attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.
