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Progressive DUI Insurance

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Progressive is known as one of the best car insurance companies for drivers with DUI violations because of its affordable rates and coverage options.

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Crash Course:

  • Progressive DUI insurance is not an official type of car insurance offered by the company.
  • Our cost research shows that Progressive is one of the most affordable car insurance companies for high-risk drivers.
  • Even if you have a recent DUI, you can still be approved for car insurance coverage by Progressive.

While there’s no such thing as an official Progressive DUI insurance policy, Progressive is one of the most well-known companies for offering car insurance with fair rates to high-risk drivers. In this article, we’ll explore Progressive’s coverage options and costs for DUI drivers and ways that drivers can save. We’ll also provide you with additional car insurance companies worth considering while shopping around for coverage.

What Is DUI Insurance?

No car insurance companies offer policies called “DUI insurance.” However, the phrase has become standard within the industry to call attention to the incident when shopping for car insurance.

A DUI (driving under the influence) offense occurs when a driver is caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. Depending on the state, you could face stiff penalties, including fines and a suspended or revoked driver’s license. You could also be liable for damages caused if you cause an accident while driving under the influence.

The length of time that a DUI stays on a person’s record varies from state to state. In most states, DUIs remain on driving records for three-to-five years. In California, DUIs can stay on a person’s record for up to 10 years, which means ten years of high car insurance rates.

Progressive Insurance DUI Policy

Progressive is known for providing some of the best rates for drivers with DUIs. However, there’s no official “DUI insurance” policy. If you’re a DUI driver who wants insurance from Progressive, you must apply for a standard auto insurance policy.

When applying for coverage, you’ll be asked about your driving history. Be honest and upfront about your DUI conviction. Not disclosing this information could result in your policy being canceled or voided.

Progressive can also file an SR-22 on your behalf. An SR-22 is an auto insurance bond and certificate that proves you have the minimum amount of car insurance required by your state. If you’re required to have SR-22 insurance, Progressive can file it for you without you having to take any additional steps.

Does Progressive Insurance Cover DUI Accidents?

Progressive will cover you for a DUI accident up to the limits of your policy for any accident, regardless of fault or if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Damage to your car or someone else’s property is also covered.

Progressive DUI Insurance Rates

While Progressive DUI insurance rates are considered some of the best in the industry, they are still higher than what normal drivers would pay. Our research shows that Progressive insurance costs for a DUI driver average around 30% more than a full coverage policy. The average 35-year-old driver with a DUI pays $2,328 for a full coverage policy, while a good driver pays an average of $1,611 per year.

Progressive DUI Insurance Quotes

Drivers convicted of DUIs can expect their car insurance rates to increase significantly. In some cases, rates could double or even triple because DUI drivers are more likely to get into accidents, file claims, or bring lawsuits.

The table below shows Progressive DUI insurance costs compared with other leading car insurance providers.

Car Insurance CompanyAverage National Rate for DUI Drivers
State Farm$2,180
USAA$2,236
Progressive$2,328
GEICO$3,376

*Results in the table are based on the profile of a 35-year-old male driver.

How to Get Affordable DUI Insurance Coverage

Just because you’ve been convicted of drunk driving doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable coverage. There are options available to get you the coverage you need without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Shop Around

Progressive is a fair car insurance company for DUI drivers, but it’s not the only company that will accept them. To find the best deal, it’s important to compare quotes from at least three or more different providers. Most insurers will offer free car insurance quote tools, or you can enter your zip code and driving history information into online comparison tools. You can also call insurance agents directly.

Look for Car Insurance Discounts

There are plenty of Progressive auto insurance discounts that DUI drivers may benefit from:

  • Good student discount: This is available to college or high school students with a GPA of at least a B.
  •  Defensive driving discount: You may get this discount by taking a defensive driving course.
  • Multi-policy discount: This is available if you have more than one policy (such as renters and auto insurance) with the same company.
  • Anti-theft device discount: Some companies will let you save if you install an anti-theft device in your car.
  • Low-mileage discount: You may be eligible for this discount if you don’t drive your vehicle often.

Try Usage-Based Insurance

Usage-based insurance is a type of policy that charges you based on your driving habits, usually through a plug-in device or an app. This is a great option for people who don’t use their car often, or for high-risk drivers who want a better shot at lowering their car insurance rates.

Progressive has a usage-based program called Snapshot that monitors:

  • The times of day you drive
  • How many miles and hours you drive
  • How hard you break and how fast you accelerate
  • How often you’re on your phone while driving
  • Your driving speeds

Drivers who score well in the Snapshot program could save as much as $156 per year. It’s a good option for drivers who have been in at-fault accidents or gotten multiple speeding tickets and DUIs/DWIs.

Consider Coverage Alternatives

If you struggle to find affordable coverage, you can try a non-owners policy. This policy does not cover a vehicle, but provides liability coverage for you if you use a motor vehicle that is owned by another person. This could be a good option if you don’t often drive or only drive occasionally. Another alternative is to get coverage through your credit union or employer. Some employers offer group auto insurance rates, which can be cheaper than individual rates.

Drive Safely

One of the best ways to get affordable coverage is to practice safe driving. You’ll be viewed as a lower-risk driver if you can avoid accidents and any more traffic violations. This could help you get cheaper rates. 

Progressive Insurance for DUI: Conclusion

Progressive is a solid choice if you are a DUI driver looking for affordable car insurance coverage. The company offers some of the lowest rates in the industry for high-risk drivers. The best way to find out whether you will qualify for coverage and how much you will pay is to request quotes directly from Progressive.

Recommended Providers for DUI Car Insurance

While your rates will surely be higher compared to someone without a DUI on their driving history, there are insurance companies out there that are willing to work with someone with a DUI violation. In addition to Progressive, we have a few recommendations for companies that could offer cheap car insurance for DUI drivers.

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Enter your zip code and answer a few simple questions to find the best rates in your area.

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GEICO: Best Discount Selection

GEICO is one of the most popular insurance companies for several reasons. On top of offering great coverage options with a wide range of discounts, GEICO boasts a robust A++ financial standing from AM Best and a user-friendly mobile app. Some of its extras include roadside assistance, rental reimbursement and accident forgiveness.

GEICO offers policyholders discounts such as:

  • DriveEasy discount (in select states)
  • New vehicle discount 
  • Military discount 
  • Defensive driving discount

Keep reading: GEICO car insurance review

State Farm: Best Overall

State Farm is a reliable and well-known company that offers a wide range of coverage options and discounts. The company’s add-on coverages include rental coverage, travel expense, roadside assistance, rideshare coverage and classic car insurance. In our review, State Farm scored an impressive 4.7 out of 5.0.

State Farm also offers discounts that can be helpful to DUI drivers, such as:

  • Accident-free discount
  • Anti-theft discount
  • Defensive driving course discount
  • Good student discount

Keep reading: State Farm car insurance review

USAA: Best for Military Families

USAA is an excellent choice for military families. The company has an excellent financial rating and offers 24/7 customer support. In our review, USAA scored 4.6 out of 5.0. Some of its perks include accident forgiveness, gap insurance, rideshare coverage and classic car insurance.

On top of giving its policyholders discounts for bundling home or renters’ insurance with auto coverage, USAA provides other savings opportunities, such as:

  • Family discount
  • Length of membership discount
  • Military installation discount
  • No payment plan fee discount

Keep reading: USAA car insurance review

Progressive DUI Insurance: FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about Progressive DUI Insurance:

Is there such a thing as DUI insurance?

There is no such thing as DUI insurance in the technical sense. However, some companies offer car insurance to drivers who have been convicted with DUIs. Many companies also offer an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves a driver has the minimum liability coverage required by their state. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you may be required to get an SR-22 and file it with your state DMV.

How does a DUI affect your insurance rate?

Having a DUI can raise your insurance rate significantly. Car insurance companies consider drivers with DUIs to be more likely to drive drunk, get into car accidents, file claims or get involved in lawsuits. To offset the financial risk, insurers either reject DUI drivers for coverage or raise their rates very high.

How much does DUI insurance cost?

There is no official cost to DUI insurance, because there is no such thing as an official DUI insurance policy. Drivers with DUIs can get insured by certain companies, but costs will vary across providers. Progressive’s national average for full coverage car insurance for 35-year-old male DUI drivers is $2,328. GEICO’s is $3,376 and State Farm’s is $2,180.

Is there a way to get cheaper DUI insurance?

There are some ways to get cheaper DUI insurance. You can shop around and compare rates from different companies, take advantage of special car insurance discounts or try usage-based insurance programs, which monitor your driving habits and award you with discounted premiums if those habits are safe.

Will my insurance cover me if I was drunk?

Your insurance provider should cover you up to the limits of your policy for an accident, regardless if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This also includes if your car was damaged in an accident or you injured someone else or damaged their property.

How long does a DUI stay on your record in NY for insurance?

In New York, convictions for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs stay on your record for 15 years from the date of conviction. Convictions for DWAI (driving while ability impaired) are displayed for ten years.

How long does DUI affect insurance in California?

In California, DUIs remain on your record for 10 years. This means that a DUI conviction will affect your car insurance for a decade.

Do I have to tell my insurance about drunk driving?

Most insurers require drivers to disclose any driving conviction within the last five years when getting a quote. In addition, you must tell your insurer if you get a new drunk-driving conviction while you have an active motor insurance policy.

Our Methodology

Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car insurance providers.

  • Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team considers auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities when giving this score.
  • Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car insurance company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account types of insurance available, maximum coverage limits, and add-on policies.
  • Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, financial strength, and years in business when giving this score.
  • Availability: Auto insurers with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
  • Customer Service: Reputable car insurance providers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We consider complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), J.D. Power claims servicing scores, and customer feedback.
  • Online Experience: Insurers with easy-to-use websites and highly rated mobile apps scored best in this category.