Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

In Kansas, a DUI can affect your car insurance for around five years. After a conviction, insurance companies view you as a high-risk driver, which leads to significantly higher premiums and fewer policy options. Although the DUI may remain on your driving record for longer, most insurers use a five-year window to calculate increased rates. During this time, maintaining a clean record is essential to help restore lower insurance premiums once the period ends.

Why Insurance Rates Increase After A DUI

Insurance companies raise rates after a DUI because they see a higher likelihood of future claims. A DUI indicates impaired judgment behind the wheel, which makes you statistically more likely to be involved in an accident. As a result, Kansas insurers may charge double or even triple your pre-DUI rate immediately following a conviction.

• High-risk classification – A DUI automatically moves you into a higher-risk insurance group.
• SR-22 requirement – Drivers must file proof of financial responsibility, often for three years after a DUI.
• Limited carrier options – Some insurers refuse to cover drivers with recent DUI convictions.

How Long Does the Increase Last

Most drivers in Kansas experience higher insurance costs for three to five years after a DUI. The rate of recovery depends on how quickly you can rebuild your driving history and prove you are a lower-risk driver. Normally, rates begin to improve gradually after the third year if no additional violations occur.

• 1 to 3 years – Rates remain highest as insurers evaluate risk and compliance with SR-22 requirements.
• 3 to 5 years – Premiums may decrease slowly if you maintain a clean record and complete all legal obligations.
• After 5 years – Many insurers stop factoring the DUI into rate calculations if there are no new violations.

Ways To Lessen The Impact

Even though you cannot erase a DUI immediately, taking the right steps can help reduce the impact on your insurance costs. Being proactive shows responsibility and helps rebuild trust with insurers.

• Maintain a clean driving record – Avoid tickets, accidents, or additional DUI arrests.
• Complete all court and state requirements – Fulfill SR-22 filing and complete any mandated education programs.
• Shop for better rates – Compare quotes from multiple providers since some specialize in high-risk drivers.
• Ask about discounts – Bundling home and auto or completing defensive driving courses can lower rates.

When Insurance Rates Return To Normal

For most Kansas drivers, insurance premiums begin to stabilize about five years after a DUI conviction. However, some companies track serious violations for longer periods. Consistently safe driving and completing all legal and insurance requirements are key to restoring affordable rates faster.