Will a DUI Raise My Insurance Rates in North Carolina?

By Doug Edwards

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Drug Defense

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Last Modified on Jan 14, 2026

North Carolina takes driving under the influence very seriously, as reflected in the severity of its DUI laws and penalties. Whether your DUI occurred on a quiet Asheville side street or a major connecting route, like Hendersonville Road, you could face fines, license suspension, or even jail time. You may be wondering, “Will a DUI raise my insurance rates in North Carolina?” In fact, a DUI can significantly hike your insurance rates.

Many standard auto insurers either impose substantial premium increases or decline coverage for drivers who are convicted of a DUI. This could force impacted drivers to seek alternative, high-risk insurance coverage. It’s advisable to hire an Asheville DUI lawyer to learn if there is anything you can do to reduce your charges and potentially prevent your insurance rates from going up.

Understanding North Carolina DUI Laws

North Carolina DUI laws consider any instance of impaired driving that falls under G.S. 20-138.1 to be a misdemeanor. This includes driving with a BAC, or blood alcohol concentration, of 0.08% or more.

North Carolina follows a multi-tiered DWI sentencing structure, ranging from Level One (most severe) to Level Five (least severe). The severity of your DUI sentence depends on where your crime falls in this sentencing structure. It also depends on whether you’re facing your first offense or have had multiple previous offenses.

How DUI Cases Can Affect Insurance Rates in North Carolina

North Carolina created an initiative called the Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP). This establishes financial penalties for unsafe driving habits. Under the SDIP, unlawful driving behaviors lead to “insurance points” on your driving record. These points, in turn, lead to insurance rate increases that correspond with specific convictions. Here is an example of how certain violations can lead to points and insurance rate increases:

• Speeding 10 mph or less over the speed limit in an under-55 mph zone is one point (40% insurance rate increase).
• Passing a stopped school bus or reckless driving leads to four points (90% insurance rate increase).
• Aggressive driving or driving during license suspension or revocation results in eight points (200% insurance rate increase).
• Driving with a BAC of .08% or more is twelve points (340% insurance rate increase).

DUI cases can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. A DUI classifies you as a high-risk driver, potentially leading to insurance premium increases of 300% or higher.

How Long Does a DUI Impact Insurance Rates?

Insurance premium increases can last as long as the DUI conviction is documented on your driving record (typically three to five years) or longer. You could remove points from your North Carolina driving record by completing a driver improvement clinic. North Carolina allows this once every five years to remove three points from your driving record.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

It is advised to hire a DUI lawyer as soon as you’re charged with a DUI. Your DUI attorney can negotiate a better outcome for your case, which could significantly influence your car insurance rate increase. At Edwards Law, PLLC, we put our experience and knowledge to work in representing clients who face DUI charges. We can fight for justice and work hard to protect your rights. Contact us today.