In Canada, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) insurance is often referred to as high-risk auto insurance or high-risk driver insurance. It is a type of auto insurance for individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and it is designed to provide coverage for individuals who are considered to be a higher risk by insurance providers.

Typically, individuals who have been convicted of a DUI in Canada are required to have high-risk insurance in order to regain their driving privileges. This type of insurance is often more expensive than traditional auto insurance because of the increased risk associated with driving under the influence.

It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage and rates for your needs. Some insurance providers may also offer discounts or incentives for individuals who have taken steps to address the underlying issues that led to their DUI conviction, such as completing a driving education program or attending substance abuse counseling.

How Much Will My Car Insurance Go Up After A DUI?

Here’s an example of the average cost of car insurance for a driver before and after a DUI in Canada. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on a number of factors including the specific driver profile, vehicle make and model, and location.

Province: Ontario

Driver profile: 35-year-old male, married, owns a 2018 Honda Civic, drives to work 10 km each way, with a clean driving record.

Before DUI:

• Average annual cost: $1,500
• Average monthly cost: $125

After DUI:

• Average annual cost: $3,500
• Average monthly cost: $290
• Rate change: +133%

Major cities:

• Toronto
  • Before DUI: $1,700/year ($140/month)
  • After DUI: $3,900/year ($320/month)
  • Rate change: +129%
• Ottawa
  • Before DUI: $1,400/year ($115/month)
  • After DUI: $3,200/year ($265/month)
  • Rate change: +129%
• London
  • Before DUI: $1,300/year ($108/month)
  • After DUI: $3,000/year ($250/month)
  • Rate change: +131%
• Windsor
  • Before DUI: $1,100/year ($90/month)
  • After DUI: $2,600/year ($215/month)
  • Rate change: +136%
• Hamilton
  • Before DUI: $1,500/year ($125/month)
  • After DUI: $3,500/year ($290/month)
  • Rate change: +133%

Province: Alberta

Driver profile: 30-year-old female, single, owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla, drives to work 20 km each way, with a clean driving record.

Before DUI:

• Average annual cost: $1,200
• Average monthly cost: $100

After DUI:

• Average annual cost: $2,800
• Average monthly cost: $230
• Rate change: +133%

Major cities:

• Calgary
  • Before DUI: $1,400/year ($115/month)
  • After DUI: $3,200/year ($265/month)
  • Rate change: +129%
• Edmonton
  • Before DUI: $1,200/year ($100/month)
  • After DUI: $2,800/year ($230/month)
  • Rate change: +133%
• Red Deer
  • Before DUI: $1,100/year ($90/month)
  • After DUI: $2,600/year ($215/month)
  • Rate change: +136%
• Lethbridge
  • Before DUI: $1,000/year ($83/month)
  • After DUI: $2,400/year ($200/month)
  • Rate change: +140%
• Medicine Hat
  • Before DUI: $1,000/year ($83/month)
  • After DUI: $2,400/year ($200/month)
  • Rate change: +140%

Province: Quebec

Driver profile: 40-year-old male, married, owns a 2015 Mazda CX-5, drives to work 5 km each way, with a clean driving record.

Before DUI:

• Average annual cost: $700
• Average monthly cost: $58

After DUI:

• Average annual cost: $1,600
• Average monthly cost: $133
• Rate change: +129%

Major cities:

• Montreal
  • Before DUI: $800/year ($67/month)
  • After DUI: $1,800/year ($150/month)
  • Rate change: +125%

It’s worth noting that these estimates are just averages, and your individual cost for car insurance may vary depending on your specific circumstances. Factors that can impact the cost of car insurance include your age, gender, marital status, driving record, and location, as well as the type of vehicle you drive and how often you drive it. Additionally, each insurance provider may use slightly different factors and calculations to determine your premiums, so it’s a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal.

Not Telling Insurance About DUI

In Canada, failing to disclose a DUI conviction to your insurance provider is considered insurance fraud and is a serious offense. When you apply for auto insurance, you are required to answer questions about your driving record honestly and accurately, and failing to disclose a DUI conviction can result in your insurance policy being voided or your claim being denied.

In addition to potentially having your insurance policy voided or claim denied, failing to disclose a DUI conviction to your insurance provider can also result in legal consequences. In some cases, you may face fines or even criminal charges for insurance fraud.

It’s always best to be honest and upfront with your insurance provider about your driving record, including any DUI convictions. This will help ensure that you obtain the correct type of coverage and that your policy will provide the protection you need in the event of an accident. Additionally, working with your insurance provider to find ways to minimize the impact of the conviction on your insurance rates over time can help ensure that you have affordable coverage for years to come.

Does DUI Show Up On Insurance?

In Canada, a DUI conviction will typically show up on your driving record and will be reported to the Ministry of Transportation in your province. This information is then accessible to insurance providers, who will use it to determine your insurance rates.

When you apply for auto insurance, you are required to answer questions about your driving record honestly and accurately, including any DUI convictions. Insurance providers will typically review your driving record when you apply for coverage and when you renew your policy, and they may use the information contained in your driving record to determine your insurance rates and coverage options.

How Long Does It Take For Insurance To Find Out About A DUI?

In Canada, the amount of time it takes for insurance to find out about a DUI conviction can vary depending on the insurance provider and the information reporting processes in your province.

In general, DUI convictions are recorded on your driving record and reported to the Ministry of Transportation in your province. This information is then accessible to insurance providers, who can use it to determine your insurance rates.

It’s important to remember that your insurance provider will typically review your driving record when you apply for coverage and when you renew your policy, so it’s possible that a DUI conviction could be discovered during these times. Additionally, if you file a claim with your insurance provider, they may also review your driving record as part of their investigation.

How to Lower Car Insurance After DUI

Does Insurance Cover Your Car If You Get A DUI?

If you have a DUI conviction in Ontario, it’s likely that your car insurance rates will go up. However, there are steps you can take to help lower your car insurance rates after a DUI conviction:

1. Shop around and compare quotes: Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage and rates for your needs.
2. Consider high-risk insurance: If you have a DUI conviction, you may need to obtain high-risk insurance coverage. This type of insurance is typically more expensive, but it provides the coverage you need to drive legally.
3. Take a driving education course: Taking a driving education course, such as a defensive driving course, can demonstrate to insurance providers that you are taking responsibility for your actions and working to reduce your risk as a driver.
4. Wait for the conviction to age: The impact of a DUI conviction on your insurance rates will typically lessen over time, so it’s important to be patient and wait for the conviction to age.
5. Work with your insurance provider: Work with your insurance provider to find ways to minimize the impact of the conviction on your insurance rates, such as by enrolling in a usage-based insurance program or by taking other steps to reduce your risk as a driver.

How Long Does A DUI Affect Your Insurance

In Canada, the length of time a DUI conviction will affect your insurance rates can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific circumstances of your case. However, in general, a DUI conviction will stay on your driving record for a minimum of three years and can remain on your record for up to 10 years or longer.

The impact of a DUI conviction on your insurance rates will typically lessen over time, but it will likely still affect your insurance rates for several years after the conviction. Insurance providers will typically consider your driving record when determining your insurance rates, and a DUI conviction can result in significantly higher insurance rates for a number of years.

Best-Case Scenario After a DUI

The best-case scenario after a DUI conviction in Canada will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, including the severity of the conviction, your driving record, and your individual circumstances. However, in general, the best-case scenario will involve taking the following steps:

1. Complying with all legal requirements: This may include paying fines, completing community service, and enrolling in a substance abuse treatment program, if required.
2. Taking a driving education course: Taking a driving education course, such as a defensive driving course, can demonstrate to insurance providers that you are taking responsibility for your actions and working to reduce your risk as a driver.
3. Shopping around and comparing quotes: Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage and rates for your needs.
4. Considering high-risk insurance: If you have a DUI conviction, you may need to obtain high-risk insurance coverage. This type of insurance is typically more expensive, but it provides the coverage you need to drive legally.
5. Waiting for the conviction to age: The impact of a DUI conviction on your insurance rates will typically lessen over time, so it’s important to be patient and wait for the conviction to age.
6. Working with your insurance provider: Work with your insurance provider to find ways to minimize the impact of the conviction on your insurance rates, such as by enrolling in a usage-based insurance program or by taking other steps to reduce your risk as a driver.

Worst-Case Scenario after DUI

The worst-case scenario after a DUI conviction can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, including the severity of the conviction, your driving record, and the laws in your state or province. However, in general, some of the worst-case outcomes after a DUI conviction may include:

1. Significant fines: A DUI conviction can result in substantial fines, which can add up quickly and impact your financial stability.
2. Loss of license: Depending on the severity of the conviction and the laws in your state or province, you may lose your license and be unable to drive for a period of time.
3. Increased insurance rates: A DUI conviction can result in significantly higher insurance rates for several years after the conviction.
4. Difficulty finding employment: A DUI conviction can be a red flag for potential employers and make it more difficult to find employment.
5. Criminal record: A DUI conviction can result in a criminal record, which can impact your ability to travel and your future opportunities.
6. Substance abuse treatment: Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be required to enroll in a substance abuse treatment program.
7. Difficulty obtaining financing: A DUI conviction can impact your ability to obtain financing, such as a loan or mortgage, in the future.

Remember, these are worst-case scenarios, and the actual impact of a DUI conviction on your life will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. However, it’s important to take a DUI conviction seriously and take steps to minimize the impact of the conviction on your life, including working with an attorney, enrolling in a substance abuse treatment program if needed, and taking steps to reduce your risk as a driver.

No One Will Insure Me After My DUI. What Do I Do?

If you’re having difficulty finding an insurance provider to cover you after a DUI conviction in Canada, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage and rates for your needs. Some insurance providers may be more willing to insure you after a DUI than others.
2. Consider high-risk insurance: High-risk insurance is a type of coverage specifically designed for drivers who have been convicted of a DUI or other serious driving offenses. This type of insurance is typically more expensive, but it provides the coverage you need to drive legally.
3. Work with a broker: An insurance broker can help you find insurance coverage and negotiate rates on your behalf. They can also help you understand the insurance market and your options for coverage.
4. Be patient: The impact of a DUI conviction on your insurance rates will typically lessen over time, so it’s important to be patient and wait for the conviction to age.
5. Consider alternative transportation: If you’re unable to find insurance coverage, consider alternative forms of transportation, such as public transportation, car sharing, or carpooling.
6. Enroll in a substance abuse treatment program: If your DUI conviction was related to substance abuse, enrolling in a treatment program can demonstrate to insurance providers that you’re taking steps to reduce your risk as a driver.
7. Review your record: Review your driving record to ensure that it’s accurate and up-to-date. If there are any errors, work with the appropriate authorities to have them corrected.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about DUI insurance rates in Canada:

Q: What is a DUI? A: DUI stands for “driving under the influence,” and refers to the act of driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. In Canada, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and doing so can result in serious legal and financial consequences.

Q: How does a DUI affect my car insurance rates? A: In general, a DUI can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. Insurance companies view DUIs as a major red flag, and may consider you a high-risk driver as a result. This means that your premiums are likely to go up significantly, sometimes doubling or even tripling your previous rates.

Q: How long will a DUI affect my car insurance rates? A: The length of time that a DUI will affect your car insurance rates can vary depending on a number of factors. In general, most insurance companies will consider a DUI on your record for at least three to five years, and possibly longer. However, the exact length of time can vary depending on the specific insurance company and your individual circumstances.

Q: Can I still get car insurance after a DUI? A: Yes, you can still get car insurance after a DUI, but it may be more difficult and expensive. Many insurance companies are hesitant to insure drivers with a DUI on their record, and those that do may charge significantly higher premiums. However, it is still possible to find coverage, and it’s important to carry car insurance in order to legally drive in Canada.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance rates after a DUI? A: There are a few things you can do to try to lower your car insurance rates after a DUI. One option is to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies, as rates can vary widely from one company to another. You can also consider taking a defensive driving course or other driving education program, as this can demonstrate to insurers that you are committed to improving your driving skills and reducing your risk of future accidents or incidents. Additionally, if your DUI was a one-time mistake and you have since maintained a clean driving record, some insurers may be willing to reduce your rates over time. However, it’s important to note that insurance rates for drivers with a DUI on their record are likely to remain higher than those for drivers with a clean driving history.

Q: What are some other factors that can impact my car insurance rates after a DUI? A: In addition to the DUI itself, there are a number of other factors that can impact your car insurance rates after a DUI. For example, your age, gender, driving record, location, and the type of car you drive can all affect your rates. Younger drivers, male drivers, and drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations may face higher premiums, as may drivers in certain provinces or territories.

Q: Are there any other consequences of a DUI besides higher car insurance rates? A: Yes, there are several other consequences of a DUI in Canada. In addition to higher insurance rates, you may face legal penalties such as fines, license suspension, or even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense. A DUI can also affect your ability to travel to certain countries, as some nations may deny entry to individuals with a criminal record. Additionally, a DUI can have personal and professional consequences, such as damaging your reputation or limiting your employment opportunities.

Q: What should I do if I’ve been charged with a DUI? A: If you’ve been charged with a DUI, it’s important to take the matter seriously and seek legal advice as soon as possible. A qualified lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and may be able to help you reduce the charges or penalties. It’s also a good idea to be honest with your insurance company and inform them of the DUI, as failing to do so could result in even more serious consequences down the line.

Q: How can I avoid a DUI? A: The best way to avoid a DUI is to never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver or use public transportation instead. It’s also important to be aware of your own limits and not to push yourself to drink more than you can handle. If you’re taking medication that could impair your driving, consult your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it’s safe to drive. Finally, always wear your seatbelt and obey all traffic laws to reduce your risk of accidents and incidents.

Q: What should I look for in an insurance policy after a DUI? A: After a DUI, it’s important to carefully review any insurance policies you are considering to make sure you’re getting the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Look for policies with high liability limits to protect you in case of an accident, as well as collision and comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle. You may also want to consider adding additional coverage such as rental car reimbursement or roadside assistance. Finally, be sure to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best possible rate.

Q: Can a DUI affect my life insurance rates? A: While a DUI is primarily associated with car insurance rates, it can also have an impact on your life insurance rates. Some life insurance companies may view a DUI as a sign of high-risk behavior, and may charge higher premiums as a result. However, the impact on life insurance rates is typically less significant than the impact on car insurance rates, so it’s still possible to find coverage at an affordable price.

Q: How can I improve my driving record after a DUI? A: If you’ve received a DUI and want to improve your driving record, there are several things you can do. First and foremost, avoid drinking or using drugs and driving in the future. You may also want to consider taking a defensive driving course or other driving education program to improve your skills and demonstrate your commitment to safe driving. Finally, make sure to follow all traffic laws and drive defensively, avoiding risky behaviors such as speeding or distracted driving.

Q: What happens if I get a DUI in another country? A: If you get a DUI in another country, you may face legal and financial consequences both in that country and in Canada. Depending on the country, you may face fines, jail time, or other penalties, and you may be barred from leaving the country until the matter is resolved. Additionally, your Canadian driver’s license may be suspended or revoked, and you may face higher car insurance rates upon your return to Canada. It’s important to be aware of the laws and regulations of any country you plan to visit, and to avoid drinking and driving or other risky behaviors while traveling.