Car Insurance After a Ticket, Accident or DUI: What Changes and For How Long
Insurers price recent history most heavily. The good news: nearly everything ages off, and the right carrier for you during that window is rarely the one you have now.
How each incident is treated
| Incident | Typical premium effect | How long it counts |
|---|---|---|
| Minor speeding ticket | 5–20% | 3 years in most states |
| At-fault accident | 20–50% (accident forgiveness may waive the first) | 3–5 years |
| Not-at-fault accident | Often none; some carriers surcharge | Varies |
| Reckless driving | 50–100% | 3–5 years |
| DUI / DWI | 50–150%, plus possible SR-22 filing requirement | 5–10 years depending on state; some carriers decline |
| Lapse in coverage | 10–40% on new quotes | Until you rebuild 6–12 months of continuous coverage |
Percentages are typical ranges across the market; your state and carrier set the actual figures.
What an SR-22 is
An SR-22 (FR-44 in Florida and Virginia) is not insurance; it is a form your insurer files with the state certifying you carry the required coverage, usually after a DUI, driving uninsured or a license suspension. Not every insurer files them; the ones that do often specialize in non-standard drivers, which is where comparison matters most.
Strategy during the surcharge years
- Do not let coverage lapse — a lapse stacks on top of the incident.
- Compare specifically among carriers that price your incident mildly. Non-standard specialists exist for exactly this; a preferred carrier may price a DUI three times higher than they do.
- Take an approved course where the state allows it to reduce points.
- Set a reminder for the date the incident ages off and compare again that month; the drop can be large.
- Ask about accident forgiveness if you have a long clean history with your current carrier.
See where your car insurance rate stands
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Check my rateFrequently asked questions
Will my insurer find out about a ticket if I do not tell them?
Yes: they check motor vehicle records at renewal. Non-disclosure on an application can void a policy.
Can I be dropped after one accident?
Rarely for one at-fault accident; possible after a DUI or multiple incidents. Non-renewal notices come with a required notice period, giving time to shop.
Does a ticket in another state count?
Usually, through interstate compacts most states share violation records.
Related guides
PolicySaint is an independent comparison marketplace, not an insurer. Rate examples are illustrative and vary by state, driver profile and coverage. Sources include the Insurance Information Institute, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and state departments of insurance. We update guides quarterly; see our editorial standards.