Getting a DUI in Michigan can have lasting and costly consequences. Beyond fines and legal trouble, drivers will see their insurance rates increase when their policies renew — some drivers may even get dropped by their carrier. Average rate data from Quadrant Information Services shows that Michigan car insurance rates jump an average of 151 percent after a DUI conviction.
DUI laws and penalties in Michigan
Under Michigan laws, it is a crime to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher if you’re 21 or older, and 0.02 or higher if you’re under 21. Drivers can also be arrested for impairment below these limits if an officer determines they’re unable to operate the vehicle safely. A BAC of 0.17 or higher triggers even harsher penalties.
Operating a vehicle with a Schedule 1 controlled substance also counts as a DUI offense unless you have a valid medical marijuana card.
Criminal penalties for a DUI in Michigan include potential jail time, mandatory community service, fines, driving record points and license suspension. In some cases, you may be required to install an ignition lock device. More severe or frequent DUIs result in more severe penalties. A DUI that causes a fatal crash may result in up to 15 years in prison, fines of $10,000 and mandatory vehicle immobilization.
How does a DUI affect car insurance in Michigan?
Michigan’s average car insurance rates are 19 percent higher than the national average at $267 per month for a full coverage policy. If you add a DUI conviction to the mix, full coverage rates average $671 per month.
Michigan law also requires drivers with a suspended or revoked license to file an SR-22 certificate, proving they carry at least the state’s minimum coverage. Not all insurers issue SR-22s, so you may need to switch to a provider that does. Michigan drivers must usually maintain this filing for three years after a DUI conviction.
In Michigan, the average full coverage car insurance premium increases 151 percent following a single DUI. Michigan limits the factors insurers may use to determine car insurance rates, so your driving record may play an even bigger role. Plus, a single DUI infraction can cause your insurer to place you in the high-risk driver category. Insurance companies typically charge elevated premiums for high-risk drivers, and some companies choose not to insure high-risk drivers at all.
Cheap auto insurance after a DUI in Michigan
Finding good car insurance within your budget after a DUI may be tough, but there are carriers that could offer fairly affordable average rates for high-risk drivers. Keep in mind that Michigan is one of the most expensive states for car insurance even for those with a spotless driving record.
As you can see below, your quoted premium after a DUI may vary greatly based on the carrier you choose. Additionally, your rates will differ based on other factors, such as your vehicle type. This is why most insurance professionals recommend comparing quotes from several companies to find the cheapest and best carrier for your needs. If you’re looking for car insurance in Michigan after a DUI, you might consider getting a quote from the following companies.
| Company | Avg. rate before DUI | Avg. rate after DUI | % increase |
| Bristol West | $4,069 | $4,541 | 12% |
| USAA | $1,797 | $3,255 | 81% |
| Auto-Owners | $2,384 | $5,258 | 121% |
| Grange Insurance | $2,852 | $4.208 | 48% |
| Pioneer State | $3,613 | $6,833 | 89% |
How to find affordable car insurance in Michigan after a DUI
Being convicted of a DUI will likely cause your car insurance premium to increase significantly, which is why many drivers look for a more affordable carrier. Here are a few strategies that could help you save on car insurance:
- Shop around: Rates vary by provider, so you might be able to get the same level of coverage for less with a different insurance company. Request several quotes for the same coverage types and amounts in order to find the cheapest company for you.
- Look into discounts: Even though you probably won’t get a safe driver discount, you might be eligible for other popular discounts like a multi-car discount, bundling discount or telematics discount.
- Maintain a good driving record: Practice safe driving habits so you don’t add violations to your driving record, which would cause your insurance premium to tick up further. Also, ask your insurance provider if you could earn a discount for completing an approved defensive driving course.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze November 2025 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 2023 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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