Obtaining a DUI in Michigan can have serious consequences. Convicted drivers may face legal penalties and fines and expensive car insurance premiums. In fact, a Bankrate data analysis from Quadrant Information Services found that the cost of car insurance for drivers convicted of a Michigan DUI increased by an average of 153%. And in some cases, insurance coverage could be denied entirely.
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Michigan laws and penalties for driving under the influence may vary depending on the situation and the driver’s age. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team explains how states define driving under the influence (DUI) and how they define the penalties you may face if you are doing so.
Michigan DUI Act
Driving at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.08 is a crime in Michigan for legal drinking age. For drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit is only 0.02. If the driver’s BAC is 0.17 or higher, the penalty will be even more serious.
Please note that if an officer finds any signs of impaired driving, the driver can be arrested regardless of the BAC. Michigan also treats driving as a DUI with Schedule 1 controlled substances, unless the driver has a valid medical marijuana card and only marijuana is found in the system.
Michigan DUI Penalty
There are different criminal penalties for Michigan’s drunken driving convictions. The penalties for first attack drivers with a BAC below 0.17 are:
- Up to 93 days of prison time
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Fines up to $500
- 180-day license suspension
- 6 points added to the driving record
For first offences with a BAC of 0.17 or higher, there have been no previous DUI convictions in the past seven years, but penalties include:
- Up to 180 days of prison time
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Fines up to $700
- One year possible license suspension
- 6 points added to the driving record
- Essential Alcohol Treatment Program
- Installing an Ignition Interlock Device
In contrast, if a driver causes an accident where alcohol is the factor and someone is killed, they face a 15-year prison chance, a fine of up to $10,000, and a mandatory vehicle lockdown.
Additionally, under Michigan DUI law, if your license is suspended or revoked after a DUI conviction, you must have SR-22 insurance. The SR-22 indicates that it meets the state’s minimum car insurance requirements. Not all insurance companies offer SR-22. If not, you will need to switch to a company that offers this service. Drivers requiring the SR-22 must maintain these documents in Michigan for three years.
DUI penalties for minors in Michigan
Drivers under the age of 21 found on a BAC of 0.02 or higher will be charged with DUI. If it’s your first crime, you may face these penalties:
- 30-day restricted driver’s license
- Fines up to $250
- Community Services
- 4 points added to the license
- $125 license recovery fee
- 2-year driver liability payment of $500
Penalties are more severe if this is your second offence as a minor drinker.
- 90-day restricted driver’s license
- Fines up to $500
- Community Services
- $125 license recovery fee
- 2-year driver liability payment of $500
- Up to 93 days in prison
- Significant premium increases or cancellations
How does DUI affect car insurance in Michigan?
Michigan’s average car insurance premium is more than $3,161 than the national average under the full annual coverage policy, compared to $2,678 for drivers with clean records. Adding a DUI conviction to a mix will usually result in a significant increase in the rate. Michigan drivers with DUI pay an average of $7,986 per year for full coverage and $2,316 per year for minimum coverage. Your insurance company may also refuse to update your policy, and it can be difficult to buy a new policy.
At the national level, fully-compensated car insurance averages 95% after DUI, while in Michigan the average increase is much higher at 156%. Driving records could play an even bigger role in Michigan limiting the factors that insurers use to determine car insurance rates. Additionally, a single DUI violation can cause an insurance company to place you in a high-risk driver category. Insurers typically charge high-risk drivers for extensions of premiums, while some companies choose not to guarantee high-risk drivers at all.
The extent to which Michigan’s DUI affects insurance is partly dependent on the provider. The DUI conviction remains on a lifelong criminal history in Michigan. Still, insurance companies usually consider convictions only within the last 3-10 years if they decide on a premium depending on the company.
Cheap car insurance after drunk driving in Michigan
Finding good car insurance within your budget after a DUI can be difficult, but there are carriers that can offer fairly affordable average rates for high-risk drivers. It should be noted that Michigan is one of the most expensive states for auto insurance, even for those with clean driving records.
As shown below, the premiums cited after the DUI may vary widely depending on the carrier you choose. Additionally, rates vary based on other factors, such as vehicle type. This is why most insurance professionals recommend comparing quotes from several companies to find the cheapest and best career for your needs. If you are looking for car insurance in Michigan after a DUI, you may consider getting a quote from the following companies:
| company | average. Rate before DUI | average. Rate after DUI | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drying | $1,284 | $3,375 | 163% |
| USAA | $2,058 | $3,866 | 88% |
| Car Owner | $1,808 | $3,716 | 106% |
| Grunge insurance | $2,107 | $3,394 | 61% |
| Pioneer State | $3,268 | $6,157 | 88% |
How to Find Affordable Auto Insurance in Michigan After DUI
Many drivers are looking for a more affordable carrier, as convictions of DUI are likely to significantly increase car insurance premiums. Below are some strategies that can help you save on car insurance.
- Shopping: Rates vary by provider, so you may be able to get the same level of coverage with different insurance companies. To find the cheapest company for you, please request some quotes of the same coverage type and amount.
- Find out the discount: There are probably no safe driver discounts, but you may be eligible for other popular discounts, such as multi-car discounts, bundle discounts, and telematics discounts.
- Maintain a good driving record: Practice safe driving habits and avoid adding violations to your driving records. This will add additional premiums. Also, ask your insurance provider if you can earn a discount to complete your approved defensive driving course.
FAQ
Methodology
Using Quadrant Information Services, Bankrate analyzes all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states March 2025 rates, with Washington DC rates being weighted based on population density for each geographical region. The cited fees are based on 40-year-old male and female drivers with clean driving records, good credits and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 per person physical injury liability
- $300,000 for each accident
- Liability for property damages of $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured driver physical injury for $100,000 per person
- Uninsured driver’s physical injury for $300,000 per accident
- $500 collision deduction possible
- Comprehensive $500 deduction
To determine the minimum coverage limit, bank rates used minimum coverage to meet the requirements of each state. Our base profile driver owns a 2023 Toyota Camry, commutes five days a week and drives 12,000 miles a 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: clean records (base) and single DUI convictions.
