8 Best Auto Insurance Companies for Impaired Drivers in 2024

Compare rates from specialized providers to make informed decisions and secure affordable coverage for impaired drivers. Explore the resources here to access the best rates for individuals with impaired driving histories.

In the high-risk category, obtaining affordable high-risk auto insurance becomes challenging as premiums can be triple those of standard policies. Enter your ZIP code above to get started on comparing quotes.

#1 – Geico: Top Pick Overall

Pros

• Online tools and mobile app: Geico’s user-friendly online tools and mobile app can be especially convenient for impaired drivers managing their policies.
• Quick and efficient claims process: Geico’s streamlined claims process is beneficial for impaired drivers who may need prompt assistance.
• Variety of coverage options: Geico provides a range of coverage options, allowing impaired drivers to tailor their policies to their specific needs. See our Geico auto insurance review for more information.

Cons

• Limited agent interaction for those who prefer in-person assistance: Geico’s emphasis on online services may not be suitable for impaired drivers who prefer face-to-face interactions with agents.
• May not be the cheapest option for all impaired drivers: While competitive, Geico’s rates may not be the lowest for every impaired driver.

#2 – Progressive: Runner Up for Competitive Rates

Pros

• Competitive rates: Progressive’s emphasis on competitive rates makes it an attractive option for impaired drivers.
• Name Your Price Tool: Progressive’s unique tool allows impaired drivers to set their budget and find a policy that fits within that range. You can learn more in our Progressive auto insurance review.
• Strong customer service reputation: Progressive’s commitment to customer service is valuable for impaired drivers seeking reliable assistance.

Cons

• Customer service experiences may vary: While generally strong, some individuals may have varying customer service experiences.
• May not have as many local agents: Progressive may have fewer local agents compared to some traditional insurance companies.

#3 – State Farm: Best for Young Drivers

Pros

• Robust mobile app: State Farm’s mobile app allows impaired drivers, especially young drivers, to access policy information and file claims conveniently.
• Educational resources: State Farm offers educational resources to help impaired drivers better understand their insurance options, which you can learn more about in our State Farm auto insurance review.
• Personalized service through a network of agents: State Farm’s extensive network of agents provides impaired drivers with personalized service and assistance.

Cons

• Premiums might be higher compared to some competitors: State Farm’s focus on personalized service may come with slightly higher premiums.
• Limited availability of online quotes: State Farm’s online quoting system may not be as user-friendly as some competitors.

#4 – Allstate: Well-suited for Extensive Agent Network

Pros

• Claim Satisfaction Guarantee: Allstate guarantees that customers will be satisfied with their claims experience, adding an extra layer of assurance.
• Extensive network of agents: Allstate’s broad network of agents ensures impaired drivers have easy access to in-person assistance.
• Discounts for safety features: Allstate may offer discounts for vehicles equipped with safety features. You can learn more in our Allstate auto insurance review.

Cons

• Premiums can be relatively high: Allstate’s premium rates may be on the higher side for some impaired drivers.
• May not offer the most discounts: While providing discounts, Allstate may not have as many discount options as some competitors.

#5 – Nationwide: Suited for Vanishing Deductible and Bundle Discounts

Pros

• Nationwide On Your Side Review: Nationwide offers a personalized insurance review to help impaired drivers identify potential coverage gaps.
• Bundle discounts: Impaired drivers can benefit from Nationwide’s discounts when bundling multiple policies. You can learn more about Nationwide’s discounts in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
• Federal employee discount: Nationwide may provide discounts specifically for impaired drivers, potentially making it an economical choice.

Cons

• Premiums might be higher than some competitors: Nationwide’s premiums may be relatively higher compared to other providers.
• May not have as many discounts for safe drivers: While offering discounts, Nationwide may not have as many options specifically for safe driving habits.

#6 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Affinity Discounts and Coverage Options

Pros

• Various coverage options: Liberty Mutual provides a wide range of coverage options, allowing impaired drivers to tailor their policies to their specific needs, which you can learn more about in our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.
• Online tools for policy management: Liberty Mutual’s online tools make it easy for impaired drivers to manage their policies and make updates.
• Strong customer service reputation: Liberty Mutual is recognized for its strong customer service, providing impaired drivers with reliable support.

Cons

• Rates may not be the most competitive for some individuals: While strong in service, Liberty Mutual’s rates may not be the most competitive in certain regions.
• May not offer as many unique discounts: Liberty Mutual may not have as many specialized discounts as some other insurers.

#7 – Esurance: Great for Online Quoting and Paperless Options

Pros

• Paperless options: Esurance offers paperless options for impaired drivers who prefer digital communication and documentation.
• Mobile app convenience: Esurance’s mobile app facilitates easy policy management and claims filing.
• Discounts for safety features: Esurance may offer discounts for vehicles equipped with safety features. You can learn more in our Esurance auto insurance review.

Cons

• May lack in-person agent support: Esurance’s online-focused model may not appeal to impaired drivers who prefer in-person agent support.
• Coverage options may be limited: While convenient, Esurance may have fewer coverage options compared to some traditional insurers.

#8 – USAA: Exceptional for Members-Only Benefits

Pros

• Excellent customer service: USAA’s reputation for outstanding customer service ensures that impaired drivers receive top-notch assistance.
• Members-only benefits: USAA offers exclusive benefits for its members, enhancing the overall value for impaired drivers. You can learn more about USAA’s benefits in our USAA auto insurance review.
• Financial stability: USAA’s financial stability provides impaired drivers with confidence in the company’s ability to meet its obligations.

Cons

• Membership eligibility restrictions: USAA is limited to military members and their families, potentially excluding some impaired drivers.
• May not have as many physical branches: USAA’s limited number of physical branches may be a disadvantage for impaired drivers who prefer in-person interactions.

Benchmarks for Driving While Impaired

The benchmarks for driving while impaired vary depending on the substance. If you have consumed alcohol, having a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or 0.08 or higher for a driver 21 and older is illegal and can result in a DUI conviction.

Other substances in your system that can result in a DUI conviction include:

• prescription pain pills
• narcotics, like heroin or cocaine
• other illicit substance

A blood or urine test can be administered to detect the presence of drugs in your system.

If any drugs of illicit substances are found in your blood or urine, you can be convicted of operating a vehicle while impaired.

Refusing DUI or OWI Testing After Being Pulled Over by a Police Officer

If you are caught driving while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or an illicit substance, you could face severe consequences, including civil and criminal penalties as well as higher insurance rates.

For example, the state of has an “Implied Consent Law” that states that the say you sign your driver’s license, you agree to be tested for drugs and/or alcohol if a police officer suspects you of driving under the influence.

Read More: Do auto insurance companies check police records?

If you refuse to take the test, your driver’s license will be immediately suspended for one year. If you get caught a second time and refuse the test, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for a year and a half.

Auto Insurance Claims After an Impaired Driving Conviction

If you caused a car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your car insurance company may refuse the claim. Many, if not all, insurance companies exclude coverage if you get into an auto accident while impaired by an intoxicating substance.

This type of ruling by your insurance company would leave you responsible for 100 percent of the damages caused by the car accident, including the damages suffered to the driver you hit.

In some instances, your car insurance company may agree to pay the claim and the damages to the other driver’s vehicle and any related medical expenses and/or funeral costs, if your accident resulted in a death.

Unfortunately, your car insurance company cannot help you if you are sued for intentional misconduct, and you would be left to pay for those damages from your own personal finances.

Auto Insurance Rates for Impaired Drivers

Once you get put into the high-risk category for car insurance, your current insurance policy may be canceled.

Not all insurance companies can write policies for drivers that are at an increased risk for getting into a car accident or incident and causing damage, which means you may have to quickly find a new insurance policy.

What’s important to understand is that it does not matter if your current car insurance company writes you a high-risk policy or you find a new insurance company that can write high-risk policies, your rates will increase significantly.

Impaired Drivers Minimum Coverage Auto Insurance Rates From Top Providers

Some drivers could see as much as a three or four-fold increase in their premiums amounts. If you need cheaper high-risk auto insurance, you can use a comparison tool to quickly compare rates and coverage levels. You can learn more in our auto insurance for different types of drivers guide.

Impaired Driving Convictions and Auto Insurance Rates

When you are caught and convicted of driving while impaired, your insurance rates will increase because you will be categorized as a high-risk driver.

The exact amount of the increase will depend on whether your conviction is a felony or a misdemeanor and the circumstances surrounding the conviction.

However, once the insurance company calculates your new rates based on your conviction, you will pay higher premiums, and those inflated premiums could last as long as ten years.

Some states mandate that a drunk driving or impaired driving conviction stay on your record for an entire decade. You can read more about impaired driving convictions in our cheap auto insurance after a DUI and DUI defined guides.

Shopping for Auto Insurance After a DUI or OWI Conviction

If you have a DUI or OWI conviction on your record, do not despair, our car insurance comparison tool can help you shop for a new car insurance policy.

To get started, all you have to do is input the following:

• your personal information
• your vehicle’s information
• information about your driving record, accidents, and convictions while operating a motor vehicle

When you input your information, do not lie or omit information as this could result in your new policy being canceled.

Once you have entered all the applicable information and made sure that it is as accurate as possible, submit it. The tool will search all of the insurance carriers and available policies to find car insurance that meets your needs.

After you have the results, all you have to do is choose the policy that provides the right amount of coverage for a price you can afford. Compare quotes with our free tool.