Colorado Car Insurance with a DUI

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By Ross Martin Info icon
Updated April 9, 2024
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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

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  • 4+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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How to find affordable car insurance in Colorado after a DUI

Finding affordable car insurance after a DUI violation isn’t an easy task. In fact, a DUI generally triggers a larger cost increase than any other driving violation — more than reckless driving, racing or an at-fault accident. Colorado's car insurance penalties following a DUI or DWAI conviction are among the nation's least costly.

If you receive a DUI or DWAI in Colorado, your auto insurance rates are bound to rise: it's just a question of how much extra you'll pay. If you're convicted of a DUI violation, it's important to shop wisely and compare insurance rates to find the most affordable option for you.

 

The best and cheapest car insurance after a DUI in Colorado

If you're found guilty of an offense in Colorado, it is important to assess your insurance possibilities carefully. Car insurance costs after a DUI may vary substantially depending on the insurer. For example, the cheapest car insurance company with a DUI in Colorado, State Farm, offers annual rates 39% less than the state average insurance rate with a DUI conviction. The next-most affordable option for car insurance after a DUI in Colorado is GEICO, while the most expensive company is Farmers.

CHEAP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR DRIVERS WITH A DUI ON THEIR RECORD
Insurance Company Avg. Annual Rate — with DUI
State Farm $1,444
GEICO $2,199
USAA $2,324
Allstate $2,388
American Family $2,474
Progressive $2,537

There’s no car insurer in particular that sells affordable DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save money after a DUI conviction is to shop around.

Compare car insurance policies online or contact an insurance agent to assess your choices and find a suitable policy.

Learn more about car insurance and DUI violations.

 

How does a DUI affect car insurance premiums in Colorado?

In Colorado, a DUI will raise your annual car insurance premium by an average of $601. That’s 83% less than the national average rate increase after a DUI.

CAR INSURANCE AFTER A DUI IN COLORADO — AVERAGE ANNUAL PREMIUM
Area Avg. Annual Rate — no DUI Avg. Annual Rate — with DUI Avg. Increase After DUI
Colorado $1,757 $2,359 +34%
National Average $1,548 $2,556 +65%

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Colorado DUI laws

Colorado is harsh against driving under the influence, maintaining two levels of offenses based on a driver's blood alcohol concentration:

  • You are Driving While Ability is Impaired (DWAI) in Colorado if your BAC is 0.05% or higher.
  • You are Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Colorado if your BAC is 0.08% or higher.

In addition, commercial drivers are considered to be DUI in Colorado if their BAC is above 0.04%.

Those under the legal drinking age of 21 will be charged with Underage Drinking and Driving if their BAC reads between 0.02% and 0.05%. Those below 21 years old and over 0.05% BAC will be subject to the same penalties as an adult driver in Colorado.

 

DWAI penalties in Colorado

DWAI offenses are commonly considered misdemeanors in Colorado.

First-time offenses will result in:

  • Two to 180 days in jail
  • Fines between $200 and $500
  • Up to 96 hours of community service
  • Possible requirement to use an interlock ignition device
  • Possible requirement to attend alcohol courses
  • Eight points toward a license suspension

Second-time DWAI offenses in Colorado will result in:

  • 45 days to one year in jail
  • Fines between $300 and $1,000
  • A one-year license revocation
  • Up to 96 hours of community service
  • Possible requirement to use an IID
  • Possible requirement to attend alcohol courses

If you're found guilty of a DWAI with a past DUI on your record, you will be subject to:

  • 60 days to one year in jail
  • $400 to $1,200 in fines
  • One-year license revocation
  • Up to 104 hours of community service
 

DUI penalties in Colorado

A DUI is considered a misdemeanor in Colorado.

A first-time DUI offense in Colorado leads to:

  • Five days to one year in jail
  • $600 to $1,000 in fines
  • A suspended license for nine months
  • Up to 96 hours of community service
  • Possible requirement to install an IID
  • Possible requirement to attend alcohol courses

A second-time DUI charge in Colorado results in:

  • 10 days to one year in jail
  • $600 to $1,500 in fines
  • A one-year license revocation
  • Up to 120 hours of community service
  • Possible requirement to install an IID
  • Possible requirement to attend alcohol courses

If you're found guilty of a DUI with a past DWAI on your record, you will be subject to:

  • 70 days to one year in jail
  • $450 to $1,500 in fines
  • Up to 112 hours of community service
  • A one-year revocation of your driver's license

Colorado does not have a specific lookback period, so past drunk driving convictions may have an impact on any penalties you receive for a DUI. In general, two or more DUIs within five years will subject you to harsher penalties.

A third DWAI/DUI charge will be considered a class four felony in Colorado. A DUI leading to injury or death may also be considered a felony, even if it's a first-time offense.

 

Persistent drunk driver penalties in Colorado

Colorado considers you a “persistent drunk driver” if:

  • You've been convicted of two or more DWAI/DUI charges
  • Have had your license revoked for two or more DWAI/DUI charges
  • You've driven with a license that has been suspended or revoked for DWAI/DUI charges
  • You've refused a DUI chemical test after a DWAI or DUI charge

You're also considered a persistent drunk driver if your BAC is 0.15% or higher at the time of arrest, even if it's your first DWAI or DUI charge.

In addition to higher fines and jail time, persistent drunk drivers must complete a level II alcohol and drug education and treatment program. An IID must also be installed and maintained for at least two years.

 

DUI penalties for underage drinkers in Colorado

The first charge for underage DUI in Colorado is deemed a class A traffic infraction. Subsequent violations are considered misdemeanors.

First-time offenders of underage DUI in Colorado are subject to:

  • Fines up $150
  • A mandatory driver's license of three months
  • Up to 24 hours of community service
  • Four points on your driving record
  • An alcohol/drug evaluation
  • Attendance in an alcohol/drug education and treatment program

Second-time offenses result in:

  • Fines up to $300
  • 10 to 90 days in jail
  • A mandatory driver's license of three months
  • Up to 24 hours of community service
  • Four points on your driving record
  • An alcohol/drug evaluation
  • Attendance of an alcohol/drug education and treatment program

 

Sources and references:

 

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