GEICO vs. State Farm for DUI Drivers: Which Wins?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with long-lasting consequences, including skyrocketing insurance rates. For drivers with a DUI on their record, finding affordable and reliable car insurance becomes a major challenge. Two of the biggest names in the industry—GEICO and State Farm—often come up as top choices. But which one is better for DUI drivers? Let’s break it down.

How a DUI Affects Your Car Insurance

Before diving into the GEICO vs. State Farm debate, it’s crucial to understand how a DUI impacts your insurance.

Premium Increases

A DUI conviction typically leads to a 50% to 300% increase in insurance premiums, depending on the state and insurer. Some companies may even refuse coverage altogether.

SR-22 or FR-44 Requirements

Most states require DUI offenders to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form, proving they carry the minimum required liability coverage. Not all insurers offer these filings, so drivers must find a company that does.

High-Risk Classification

After a DUI, insurers label you as a high-risk driver, meaning you’ll pay more for coverage—sometimes for 3 to 10 years, depending on state laws.

GEICO for DUI Drivers: Pros and Cons

GEICO is known for competitive rates, but how does it handle DUI cases?

Pros of GEICO After a DUI

✔ Affordable for High-Risk Drivers – While GEICO will raise rates after a DUI, they’re often still cheaper than competitors.
✔ SR-22 Filings Available – GEICO offers SR-22 filings in most states, making compliance easier.
✔ Discount Opportunities – Safe driving discounts and bundling policies can help offset higher premiums.

Cons of GEICO After a DUI

✖ Non-Renewal Risk – Some drivers report policy non-renewal after a DUI, forcing them to find another insurer.
✖ State Variations – GEICO’s DUI policies vary by state; some locations see much higher rate hikes than others.

State Farm for DUI Drivers: Pros and Cons

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the U.S., but does it work well for DUI drivers?

Pros of State Farm After a DUI

✔ More Lenient Underwriting – State Farm is known to be more forgiving of past DUIs compared to some competitors.
✔ Local Agent Support – Having a local agent can help negotiate better terms or explain options post-DUI.
✔ Long-Term Loyalty Benefits – State Farm rewards long-term customers, which may help mitigate rate increases.

Cons of State Farm After a DUI

✖ Higher Premiums – State Farm’s rates after a DUI can be significantly higher than GEICO’s in some cases.
✖ Stricter Eligibility – In some states, State Farm may refuse coverage for multiple DUIs or recent convictions.

Which Is Cheaper After a DUI?

Cost is a major factor for DUI drivers. Here’s a general comparison:

| Factor | GEICO | State Farm |
|----------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------|
| Average Rate Increase | 50% - 200% | 75% - 250% |
| SR-22 Availability | Yes (most states) | Yes (most states) |
| Non-Renewal Risk | Moderate | Low to Moderate |

Winner for Affordability: GEICO tends to be cheaper, but State Farm may offer better stability.

Which One Should You Choose?

Pick GEICO If…

• You want the lowest possible rates post-DUI.
• You don’t mind shopping around again if your policy isn’t renewed.
• You prefer online management over agent interaction.

Pick State Farm If…

• You value personalized service from an agent.
• You have only one DUI and want a long-term insurer.
• You’re willing to pay slightly more for better customer service.

Final Thoughts

Both GEICO and State Farm have strengths and weaknesses for DUI drivers. If price is your top concern, GEICO might be the better choice. If stability and service matter more, State Farm could be worth the extra cost. Either way, comparing quotes from both—and other insurers—is the best way to find the right coverage after a DUI.

Remember, a DUI doesn’t have to mean financial ruin. With the right insurer, you can still find manageable rates and stay legally covered on the road.