Driving while intoxicated in Michigan can have serious consequences. Convicted drivers can face legal penalties, fines, and higher auto insurance rates. In fact, a Bankrate analysis of Quadrant Information Services data found that drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated in Michigan can see their auto insurance rates increase by an average of 156 percent. And in some cases, they may be denied coverage altogether.
Michigan Drunk Driving
Michigan drunk driving laws and penalties vary depending on the situation and the driver’s age. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team explains how the state defines driving under the influence (DUI) and what penalties you may face if you’re caught driving while intoxicated.
Michigan Drinking and Driving Laws
In Michigan, it is a crime for people of legal drinking age to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. For drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit is even lower at .02. Penalties are more severe if a driver’s BAC is .17 or higher.
Please note that drivers can be arrested regardless of blood alcohol content if a police officer observes signs of impaired driving ability. In Michigan, driving while in possession of a Schedule 1 controlled substance is treated as a DUI unless the driver has a valid medical marijuana card and marijuana is detected in their system.
Michigan DUI Penalties
In Michigan, there are a variety of criminal penalties for a DUI conviction. The penalties for a first-time driver with a blood alcohol content below 0.17 are as follows:
- Maximum 93 days imprisonment
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Fines of up to $500
- 180 day license suspension
- Six points added to driving record
If your blood alcohol content is .17 or higher, you have not been convicted of DUI in the past seven years, and it is a first-time offense, you may face the following penalties:
- Maximum 180 days imprisonment
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Fines of up to $700
- License may be suspended for one year
- Six points added to driving record
- Mandatory alcohol treatment programs
- Installation of ignition interlock device
In contrast, if a driver causes an accident while drinking and resulting in a fatality, they could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a mandatory suspension of their vehicle movement.
Additionally, Michigan DUI laws require you to have SR-22 insurance if your license is suspended or revoked after being convicted of DUI. SR-22 indicates that you meet the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements. Not all insurance companies offer SR-22. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to switch to a company that does offer this service. Drivers who need SR-22 are required to hold these documents for three years in Michigan.
Michigan Penalties for Underage DUI
Drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with DUI if they are found to have a blood alcohol content of .02 or higher. For first offenses, the following penalties may apply:
- 30-day restricted driver’s license
- Fines of up to $250
- Community Service
- Add 4 points to your license
- License reissue fee: $125
- 2-year driver liability coverage of $500
If it is a second offense as an underage drinker, the penalties are even more severe.
- 90-day restricted driver’s license
- Fines of up to $500
- Community Service
- License reissue fee: $125
- 2-year driver liability coverage of $500
- Maximum 93 days imprisonment
- Significant increases in premiums or cancellations
How does DUI affect car insurance in Michigan?
Average car insurance premiums in Michigan are already higher than the national average, at $3,010 per year for full coverage compared to $2,329 for drivers with a clean criminal record. Adding a DUI conviction usually increases your premiums significantly. Michigan drivers with a DUI conviction pay an average of $7,714 per year for full coverage and $2,374 per year for minimum coverage. You may also find that insurers refuse to renew your policy and that it’s difficult to purchase new insurance.
Nationwide, a DUI can increase the price of your full coverage auto insurance by an average of 95 percent, but in Michigan, the average increase is a much higher 156 percent. In Michigan, your driving record can play an even bigger role, as insurance companies are limited in the factors they can use to determine your auto insurance rates. Additionally, having just one DUI offense can cause insurance companies to place you in the high-risk driver category. Insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for high-risk drivers, and some companies choose not to insure high-risk drivers at all.
How much a DUI in Michigan will affect your insurance will vary by insurance company. In Michigan, a DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record for life. Even so, insurance companies will typically only consider convictions from the past three to ten years when determining premiums (depending on the company).
Cheap car insurance after a DUI in Michigan
It can be hard to find good car insurance within your budget after a DUI, but there are insurance companies out there that can offer high-risk drivers fairly affordable average rates. Keep in mind that Michigan is one of the most expensive states for car insurance, even for accident-free, no-fault drivers.
As you’ll see below, insurance quotes after a DUI can vary widely depending on the insurance company you choose. Rates also vary depending on other factors, such as the type of vehicle. That’s why most insurance experts recommend comparing quotes from multiple companies to find the cheapest and best insurance company for your needs. If you’re looking for car insurance in Michigan after a DUI, consider getting quotes from the following companies:
| Drying | $1,493 | $6,071 | 307% |
| America | $1,768 | $3,305 | 87% |
| Car owners | $2,227 | $4,900 | 120% |
| Grunge Insurance | $2,728 | $4,119 | 51% |
| Pioneer State | $2,805 | $5,258 | 87% |
How to Find Affordable Car Insurance in Michigan After a DUI
If you are convicted of DUI, your car insurance premiums will likely increase significantly, which leaves many drivers looking for more affordable insurance companies. Here are some strategies to help you save money on your car insurance.
- Shop nearby: Prices vary from insurance company to insurance company, so you may be able to get the same level of coverage for less with a different insurer. To find the cheapest insurer, request several quotes for the same type and amount of coverage from different insurers.
- Check out discounts: While you may not qualify for a safe driver discount, you may qualify for other popular discounts, such as multi-vehicle discounts, bundling discounts and telematics discounts.
- Maintain a good driving record: Drive safely and try to keep any violations off your record, as they will increase your premiums. Also, ask your insurance company if you can get a discount if you complete an approved driving course.
FAQ
Methodology
Bankrate uses Quadrant Information Services to analyze August 2024 rates for every zip code and insurer in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on population density in each area. Estimated rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female solo driver with a no-accident record, good credit, and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- Bodily injury liability of $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability of $50,000 per accident
- $100,000 per person in bodily injury claims caused by uninsured motorists
- $300,000 in uninsured motorist injury compensation per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 general deductible
To determine the minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used the minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements: Our base profile driver owns a 2022 Toyota Camry, commutes to work five days a week, and drives 12,000 miles per year.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparison purposes only.
Incident: Rates were calculated by assessing the base profile by applying the following incidents: no criminal record (baseline) and one DUI conviction.
