How to find cheap car insurance in Illinois after a DUI
Finding reasonably priced car insurance after a DUI violation is far from simple. In fact, a DUI generally results in a greater rate increase than any other driving violation — more than reckless driving, racing, or an at-fault accident.
The best car insurance after a DUI in Illinois
If you’re found guilty of a DUI or DWI violation in Illinois, it’s important to weigh available insurance choices with care. Car insurance prices after a DUI can fluctuate substantially by insurer. For instance, the best cheap car insurance company with a DUI in Illinois, State Farm, advertises annual premiums 17% less than the state mean insurance premium after a DUI violation. The next-most affordable choice for car insurance after a DUI in Illinois is Country, while the most expensive insurer is Allstate, with rates 49% above average.
THE CHEAPEST CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR DRIVERS WITH A DUI
| Insurer | Avg. Annual Rate — After DUI |
| State Farm | $1,626 |
| Country | $1,665 |
| GEICO | $1,810 |
| Progressive | $1,909 |
| Farmers | $2,178 |
| American Family | $2,368 |
There’s no auto insurer in particular that sells low-cost DUI auto insurance. The best course of action to save money post-DUI citation is to assess your options.
Compare car insurance quotes online or contact an insurance expert to gauge your choices and find the cheapest policy.
How does a DUI change car insurance rates in Illinois?
In Illinois, a DUI will raise your yearly car insurance cost by an average of $665. That is 65% less than the national mean rate hike after a DUI.
CAR INSURANCE AFTER A DUI IN ILLINOIS — AVERAGE ANNUAL PENALTY
| Area | Avg. Annual Rate — without DUI | Avg. Annual Rate — with DUI | Avg. Increase After DUI |
| Illinois | $1,303 | $1,968 | +51% |
| United States | $1,548 | $2,556 | +65% |
Learn more about car insurance and DUIs.
Compare rates and find a great deal on car insurance today.
Illinois DUI laws
Illinois considers a driver DUI when their blood alcohol concentration reads 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are held to a stricter limit of 0.04% or higher. Those under 21 years old are not permitted to have any measurable BAC.
Illinois may also consider drivers with a BAC of 0.05% to be DUI if they display other signs of impairment and unsafe driving.
DUI penalties in Illinois
In Illinois, the first two DUI convictions are considered misdemeanors. Third and subsequent DUIs are felony offenses. A DUI may also be deemed a felony if it's committed while transporting passengers for-hire, if the violator does not have a license or insurance, or if the incident leads to injury or death.
Penalties are also increased for violators whose BAC is 0.16% or higher or if transporting a child under 16 years old.
There is a lifetime lookback period in Illinois, so subsequent DUI offenses are much more severe.
First-time DUI offenses in Illinois lead to:
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- License revocation for one year
- Possible requirement to perform community service
- Attendance in a drug and alcohol program
- Vehicle registration revocation
A second DUI offense in Illinois results in:
- Five days to one year in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- License revocation for a minimum of five years
- Possible requirement to perform 240 hours of community service
- Attendance in a drug and alcohol program
- Vehicle registration revocation
Third-time DUI offenders in Illinois are subject to:
- 18 to 30 months of mandatory periodic imprisonment and up to seven years in jail
- Up to $25,000 in fines
- License revocation for a minimum of 10 years
- Attendance in a drug and alcohol program
- Vehicle registration revocation
Aggravated DUI in Illinois
A DUI that leads to an accident in which someone is dealt “great bodily harm” or permanently disfigured is a class four felony. Penalties for an aggravated DUI in Illinois are:
- 10 days to 12 years in jail
- Up to $25,000 in fines
- License revocation for one year
- Possible requirement to perform 480 hours of community service
DUI penalties for young drivers in Illinois
Illinois is a zero-tolerance state. Those under 21 years old are considered DUI if driving with any readable BAC. As with those over 21, the first two DUI convictions are considered misdemeanors in Illinois. Third and subsequent offenses are felonies.
For a first-time underage DUI, offenders will:
- Be jailed for up to one year
- Pay fines of up to $2,500
- Receive a license revocation for a minimum of two years
- May be required to attend an alcohol education program
A second underage DUI offense leads to:
- Five days to one year in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- Five-year license revocation
- Possible requirement to perform 240 hours of community service
- May be required to attend an alcohol education program
A third underage DUI offense in Illinois results in:
- 18 to 30 months of mandatory periodic and up to seven years in jail
- Up to $25,000 in fines
- Ten-year license revocation
Sources and references:
- https://www.isp.state.il.us/traffic/drnkdriving.cfm
- https://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/automotive-law/dui.php
- https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com
- https://www.edgarsnyder.com/drunk-driving/driving-alcohol-laws/illinois.html