Yes, State Farm will insure someone with a DUI in most cases. As one of the largest personal auto insurers in the United States, State Farm routinely covers drivers classified as high-risk following a conviction for driving under the influence.
However, acceptance is not completely automatic. State Farm evaluates each application individually, meaning factors such as multiple offenses, severe accidents, or license suspensions can influence whether a policy is issued, renewed, or denied.
How State Farm Evaluates Drivers After a DUI
Insurance companies view a DUI conviction as a major indicator of future risk. When you apply for a policy or undergo a policy renewal after a DUI, State Farm reviews your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
If you are an existing customer, State Farm may not cancel your policy immediately, but your rates will adjust upon renewal. If you are a new applicant, State Farm underwriting will assess the severity of your record. Drivers with a single offense and a generally clean history are usually approved, whereas drivers with multiple DUIs or additional reckless driving charges face a higher chance of non-renewal or outright denial.
Rate Increases and Average Costs
A DUI conviction significantly increases your auto insurance premiums. While exact rate adjustments vary based on your location, age, vehicle, and prior driving record, drivers who receive a DUI often see their premiums double or even triple.
Despite these steep increases, State Farm consistently offers some of the most competitive post-DUI rates among major national insurers. While another insurer might raise rates by 150% to 200%, State Farm’s average increases for high-risk drivers often stay on the lower end of the industry spectrum. Additionally, a conviction will cause you to forfeit good driver discounts, which contributes directly to the overall price jump.
Filing an SR-22 or FR-44 Form With State Farm
In most states, a DUI conviction triggers a legal requirement to file a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, commonly known as an SR-22. In Florida and Virginia, certain alcohol-related offenses require an FR-44 form instead, which mandates significantly higher liability limits.
State Farm agrees to file SR-22 and FR-44 forms on behalf of its policyholders.
- The Filing Process: Once you purchase or update your policy, State Farm submits the document directly to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent licensing agency.
- Filing Fees: Insurers generally charge a small, one-time administrative fee—typically between $15 and $25—to process the form.
- Duration: Most states require high-risk drivers to maintain continuous SR-22 or FR-44 status for three to five years.
- Lapse Consequences: If your State Farm policy lapses or cancels during this mandatory period, the insurer is required by law to notify the state. This usually results in immediate license suspension.
How Long a DUI Impacts Your Insurance
A DUI conviction stays on your official driving record and influences your insurance premiums for a set period, typically between three and five years, depending on state law. Certain states, such as California, track DUI convictions on driving records for up to ten years.
During this timeframe, you must pay higher rates. Once the required period passes and the conviction falls off your active rating window, State Farm will adjust your policy back toward standard or preferred rates. However, you must proactively notify your agent once your state-mandated SR-22 filing period ends so the form can be removed from your policy.
What Happens If State Farm Denies Your Application
While State Farm accepts many drivers with a single DUI, specific risk profiles exceed their underwriting limits. You may face a coverage denial if your record includes:
- Multiple DUI convictions within a short timeframe.
- A DUI combined with major infractions like hit-and-run or vehicular manslaughter.
- Severe coverage lapses or a history of insurance fraud.
If State Farm refuses to issue a policy, you still have options. Non-standard insurance companies specialize in covering high-risk drivers whom traditional carriers reject. If you are turned down by multiple private carriers, every state operates an assigned risk plan or residual market program. These state-backed programs guarantee that every licensed driver can secure basic liability insurance, though coverage options are usually limited to legal minimums and carry higher premiums.
Steps to Lower Rates After a DUI
Rebuilding an affordable policy takes time, but several strategies can help soften the financial impact:
- Maintain Continuous Coverage: Never let your policy lapse, as gaps in coverage trigger additional fees and extend driver’s license penalties.
- Adjust Coverage Limits: While meeting state minimums lowers costs, raising deductibles on comprehensive and collision coverage can also trim monthly premiums.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course: Some states permit drivers to complete state-approved safe driving programs to qualify for small premium discounts.
- Utilize Remaining Discounts: Ask a State Farm agent about bundling auto coverage with renters or home insurance, drive-tracking programs (where eligible), or paperless billing.
- Shop Around Periodically: Compare quotes from multiple national and regional carriers annually to ensure State Farm remains your most affordable option as your conviction ages.
