Can DUI offenders get car insurance?

What you need to know

• Drink driving (DUI) is usually considered a criminal offence, which means insurers do not typically cover you.
• Out of 12 car insurance policies Finder researched, none cover drink driving convictions.
• In some cases, if you were only issued a traffic infringement notice or suspended licence, you may still be able to get car insurance.

Can I get car insurance if I'm a convicted drink driver?

Unfortunately, probably not. Car insurers don't typically offer cover if you've been convicted of drink driving. This can be really frustrating as taking out insurance is the correct and responsible thing to do. Unfortunately though, insurers deem you as high risk so most just aren't willing to offer cover.

Finder researched 12 popular car insurers. All refused cover to drivers who have had any criminal driving related convictions within the last few years, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

There is some hope though. If you were only issued a traffic infringement notice or a licence suspension, you may be able to get car insurance in the future. Similarly, you can sometimes get covered after a certain number of years – often between 3 and 5. However, it depends on your personal circumstances and the insurer.

Insurers typically handle past offences one of two ways:

• They won't cover you with a suspension on your record. They'll ask you to report your offences and will deny your application with even a single suspension.
• They will accept a single suspension. They'll ask you to report your offences and will accept your application as long as there's no more than 1 suspension on your record. Your premium will probably increase.

How will a suspension affect my car insurance costs?

The effect a suspension has on your car insurance premium varies between insurers. It could lead to:

• Higher premiums. Many insurers impose a significant premium loading on your policy. This may be as high as 50% if you're seen as a high-risk driver.
• A higher excess. Your insurer may only agree to cover you if you're willing to pay an increased excess when you claim. This excess could be as high as $2,000 and could also apply for up to 5 years.

Most insurers will ask you:

Have you or any drivers listed on this policy had any criminal driving related convictions, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, within the last 5 years?

Frequently asked questions

• Does car insurance cover drink driving accidents in Australia?

  No. If you get behind the wheel of your car when you're over the legal blood-alcohol limit of 0.05 (or 0 for L- and P-platers), your car insurance won't cover you for any resulting claims.
  Similarly, if you have an accident while under the influence of any drugs, including prescriptions, this could void your claim. If you refuse to undergo a drug or alcohol test at the time of the accident then this could also void your insurance.

• What's the best car insurance for drug driving conviction?

  The best car insurance for drug driving convictions is any insurer that will cover you. If you've been convicted of a criminal offence, it can be extremely difficult to get an insurer to cover you.

  In some cases, insurers may cover you if you were suspended more than 5 years ago. However, there is absolutely no guarantee.