A DUI changes a lot of paperwork at once. The next 30 days are about doing things in the right order — insurance, license, court — so you don’t pay twice for the same mistake. Here’s what to handle first and how to keep the damage from compounding.

The First 72 Hours

Before you call anyone, get clear on what you were charged with. A DUI arrest is not a conviction. You may have options — a lawyer can sometimes get charges reduced, which changes the insurance outcome. This matters because carriers react to the conviction on your record, not the arrest.

That said, don’t wait on the insurance side. Here’s why: if your carrier finds out through your renewal or a DMV report before you tell them, it can look like concealment. Some insurers check driving records mid-policy. Get ahead of it.

The Insurance Call You Have to Make

Call your current carrier within a few days of the arrest. Tell them you were charged, not necessarily convicted. Ask two questions: Will this affect my current policy? Do you file SR-22s?

An SR-22 is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility — a form your insurer files with the state to prove you have coverage. It’s not a policy; it’s an attachment to one. Florida and Virginia require the FR-44 instead, which works the same way but demands higher liability limits. Both cost $15–$50 as a one-time filing fee.

Some carriers will drop you after a DUI. If yours does, you have 30 days or less to find a new policy. Don’t let the policy lapse. A gap in coverage on top of a DUI makes the next policy significantly more expensive. Companies that routinely write non-standard drivers include Progressive, The General, Dairyland, and Gainsco. Shop at least three.

If you don’t have a car right now, ask about a non-owner SR-22 policy. It covers you when driving other people’s vehicles and satisfies the state filing requirement.

The License Side

A DUI typically triggers two separate license actions: one from the court, one from the DMV. They run on different tracks.

The DMV action often happens faster. In most states, you have 7–10 days from the arrest to request a DMV hearing or your license is automatically suspended. Don’t miss that window.

Many states now require an IID — an ignition interlock device — even before conviction, as a condition of a restricted license. An IID is a breathalyzer wired to your ignition. You breathe, it starts. Some states require it for a year or more post-conviction. Installation runs $70–$150; monthly monitoring is $60–$80. Factor this into your budget.

Once you get your SR-22 filed and the IID installed (if required), you can usually apply for a hardship or restricted license that lets you drive to work and medical appointments while the case is pending.

The Court Side, Briefly

This guide isn’t legal advice — get a lawyer if you can. But from an insurance standpoint, what matters is the final charge. A DUI conviction stays on your driving record for 3–10 years depending on the state. A reduced charge (like reckless driving) usually costs less on insurance than a DUI conviction. It’s worth knowing your options before pleading.

Once convicted, the SR-22 filing window starts. Typically three years. Some states require five. The clock runs only while your coverage is active. Any lapse resets the risk — and sometimes the clock.

When to Switch Carriers vs. Stay

Stay with your current carrier if: they’ll keep you, the rate increase is reasonable, and they file SR-22s. Switch if: they’re dropping you, the rate spike is extreme, or they don’t file SR-22s at all.

Shop every six months for the first two years. As the conviction ages, rates come down and more carriers compete for your business.

Quick Checklist

• Request a DMV hearing within 7–10 days of arrest
• Call your insurer and ask about SR-22 filing
• Don’t let your policy lapse — set up autopay
• Ask about IID requirements in your state
• Consult a lawyer before pleading
• Shop carriers every 6 months as the record ages

Next step: Call your current insurer today and ask directly, “Will you keep my policy and file my SR-22?” Get the answer in writing. Get a same-day quote that works for your situation →