The Serious Impact of a DUI Conviction on Your Car Insurance
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offence in Nova Scotia — and one that carries long-lasting consequences beyond the courtroom. While most people understand the legal penalties of a DUI, fewer realize the significant financial toll it can take on your car insurance. A single conviction can lead to skyrocketing premiums, limited coverage options, and a long road to restoring your driving record. Let’s explore how a DUI conviction affects your car insurance and what you can do to recover over time.
What Happens to Your Insurance After a DUI?
A DUI conviction sends a strong signal to insurance companies: the driver is high-risk. As a result, you can expect one or more of the following changes to your car insurance:
1. Your Premiums Will Increase — Dramatically
After a DUI, insurers typically increase your premiums by 100% to 300% or more, depending on your previous driving history, age, and location. For example, if your annual premium was $1,200 before the conviction, it could jump to $3,600 or more once your policy comes to renewal.
Why the steep increase? Insurance is all about risk. A DUI makes you statistically more likely to be involved in an accident, so insurers adjust your rates accordingly to cover that added risk.
2. Your Policy Might Be Cancelled or Non-Renewed
Some insurers have a zero-tolerance policy for DUI convictions. That means they may cancel your policy mid-term or refuse to renew it once it expires. If this happens, you’ll need to find a new provider — and that’s not always easy.
3. You May Need High-Risk Auto Insurance
In Canada, a DUI conviction usually requires you to get coverage through a high-risk insurer, also known as non-standard insurance. These providers specialize in covering drivers with poor records, but at a cost: higher rates, fewer discounts, and more restrictions.
You may also need to file an SR-22 form (or a Provincial equivalent, such as the OPCF-28A in Ontario), which proves you have valid coverage. This document is often required before you can reinstate your driver’s licence.
How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance?
In most provinces, a DUI stays on your driving record for at least three years, sometimes up to six years or more, depending on the severity of the offence and your province’s laws. However, insurance companies may consider your DUI in premium calculations for up to 10 years, especially if you’ve had multiple infractions. Remember that even if your driving record eventually clears, you may still be categorized as a high-risk driver for several years — which keeps your premiums high.
Other Costs of a DUI Beyond Higher Insurance Premiums
Higher insurance premiums are just one piece of the puzzle. A DUI conviction can trigger several other costs, including:
- Fines and legal fees
- Licence reinstatement fees
- Mandatory ignition interlock devices
- Loss of income if your job requires driving
- Towing and impound charges
These additional expenses can add up to thousands of dollars. When combined with higher insurance rates, it’s not unrealistic to see the total cost of a DUI exceed $20,000 — even for a first offence.
After a DUI: Tips for Rebuilding Your Record and Regaining Lower Premiums
While a DUI conviction is severe, it’s not the end of the road. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your car insurance rates eventually:
1. Drive Safely and Stay Conviction-Free
Time and clean driving are your biggest allies. Avoid further traffic violations, collisions, or licence suspensions. The longer you maintain a clean record, the better your chances of being reclassified as a standard-risk driver.
2. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Some insurers may reward you for completing a certified driving course. This shows your commitment to safe driving and may help you qualify for discounts — even if you’re in a high-risk category.
3. Compare Quotes from High-Risk Providers
Not all insurers treat DUI convictions the same way. A broker, like the experienced Bauld Insurance advisors, can help you shop around for the most competitive rates and coverage options available during your high-risk period.
4. Consider Usage-Based Insurance (UBI)
Some insurers offer telematics or usage-based insurance programs, where a device or app monitors your driving habits. If you demonstrate safe driving over time, you could earn a discount, even with a DUI on record.
A DUI conviction has profound and lasting effects on your car insurance. From soaring premiums to limited coverage options, the financial consequences can follow you for years. But with time, responsible behaviour, and guidance from an experienced insurance broker, it is possible to rebuild your record and eventually reduce costs.
For more information on how different elements of your driving record can impact your car insurance premium read: How Your Driving Record Affects Your Car Insurance Premium?
