At Rathburn Law, we are dedicated to defending individuals facing DUI charges in Indiana. With over 25 years of experience, our firm has established a reputation for excellence in DUI defense. We understand the complexities of DUI cases and are committed to providing personalized, effective legal representation to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
A first DUI conviction in Indiana carries consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom. It can lead to increased insurance rates, license suspension, and long-term damage to your driving record. Many drivers underestimate how deeply a DUI affects their car insurance coverage, premiums, and ability to find affordable policies.
In this blog, we explain how a DUI conviction affects your insurance rate in Indiana, outline the legal and financial consequences of a first offense, and highlight the benefits of working with an experienced Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer to protect your record and driving privileges.
Defining a DUI in Indiana
A DUI conviction in Indiana begins with a clear legal definition. Understanding what qualifies as drunk driving under state law is the first step in knowing how it affects your insurance rate and driving record.
What Is a DUI Under Indiana Law?
In Indiana, a DUI is legally referred to as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). Under Indiana Code § 9-30-5-1, it is a criminal offense to operate a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. A driver can also be charged if impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medication, even if the BAC is below the legal limit.
Types of Impairment That Trigger a DUI Charge
A driver may be convicted of a DUI for several reasons:
- Operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or above
- Driving under the influence of drugs or controlled substances
- Showing signs of physical impairment, regardless of BAC
Officers may rely on field sobriety tests, chemical tests, or observed behavior to file a charge.
First Offense vs. Repeat Offenses
A first offense DUI in Indiana is usually charged as a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500. If the BAC is 0.15% or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, penalties increase. Repeat offenses carry stricter penalties, including longer license suspensions, mandatory alcohol education programs, and insurance coverage restrictions.
OWI vs. DUI Terminology in Indiana
While the law officially uses the term OWI, most insurance companies and legal professionals still refer to it as a DUI conviction. For drivers, the difference in wording does not matter; both carry the same consequences on your driving record, auto insurance rate, and potential license suspension.
Immediate Legal Consequences of a First DUI Conviction
A first DUI conviction in Indiana brings serious legal penalties that affect your freedom, finances, and driving privileges.
Criminal Penalties for a First Offense
A first DUI conviction is usually charged as a Class C misdemeanor. This carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500. If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, the charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to $5,000.
The court may also impose probation, require a substance abuse assessment, and order participation in an alcohol treatment program. These penalties apply even if there was no car accident or property damage involved.
Driver’s License Suspension
A first DUI typically results in an automatic license suspension. The length of the suspension varies:
- 180 days if you fail a chemical test
- 1 year if you refuse to take a chemical test, under Indiana’s implied consent law
Drivers may be eligible for specialized driving privileges, but this must be approved by the court.
Impact on Your Driving Record
A DUI conviction goes on your driving record and stays there for several years, often up to 10 years. Insurance companies use this record to assess your risk level and calculate your insurance rate. A clean record before the offense may reduce some penalties, but the conviction still leads to long-term consequences.
SR-22 Requirement
Following a conviction, Indiana drivers are usually required to file an SR-22 form, a certificate of financial responsibility. This form must be submitted by your insurance company and proves that you meet minimum coverage requirements. Most drivers must carry an SR-22 for three years, and failure to maintain it can lead to further license suspension.
The Long-Term Insurance Fallout
A DUI conviction does not end in court. It follows you into every car insurance quote, premium renewal, and coverage change for years.
How Car Insurance Companies Respond
After a DUI, most insurance companies classify you as a high-risk driver. This label leads to immediate and often sharp increases in your auto insurance premiums. Some providers may cancel your insurance policy altogether, forcing you to shop for non-standard coverage.
Key changes after a DUI conviction include:
- A sharp increase in your insurance rate (often 50–100% higher)
- Limited access to preferred insurance coverage
- Requirement to file an SR-22 form for proof of financial responsibility
- Potential cancellation of existing policies
Car insurance companies use your driving record, the severity of the offense, and whether a car accident occurred to determine your rate.
Average Rate Increases in Indiana
In Indiana, a DUI conviction can raise your annual car insurance premium from about $1,300 to over $2,300, depending on the insurance company and policy type. Factors that affect your rate include:
- BAC level at the time of arrest
- Whether you caused an accident
- Age and prior driving history
- Type of vehicle insured
These increases usually last for 3 to 5 years, but some car insurance companies may keep your rates elevated for longer.
Coverage Limitations and Restrictions
After a DUI, you may not qualify for comprehensive or collision coverage under standard terms. Some insurers may:
- Require a higher deductible
- Offer only liability coverage
- Refuse to cover leased or financed vehicles
This limits your ability to fully protect your vehicle and increases your out-of-pocket risk in the event of an accident.
Difficulty Getting Quotes
Drivers convicted of a DUI often face limited choices when seeking a car insurance quote. Many insurance companies will not offer online quotes, and some may require additional documentation, interviews, or verification of SR-22 coverage.
What Factors Affect the Increase in Your Insurance Rate?
After a DUI conviction, many factors influence how much your insurance rate will increase. Each car insurance company uses different criteria, but some common variables apply across the board.
Your Driving Record
Your driving history is one of the most important factors. A clean record before the DUI may result in a smaller increase. However, if you have:
- Previous traffic violations
- Prior accidents
- Past insurance claims
You can expect a sharper rise in your auto insurance premium. Insurance companies consider repeat behavior as a sign of increased risk.
Severity of the DUI Offense
The more serious the offense, the higher the rate increase. Factors that raise red flags for insurers include:
- High BAC levels (0.15% or more)
- Causing a car accident
- Having a minor in the vehicle
- Refusing to take a chemical test
These elements can result in felony charges, longer license suspensions, and stricter insurance restrictions.
Age and Gender
Younger drivers and male drivers often face higher premiums after a DUI. Insurance companies view them as statistically more likely to reoffend or be involved in an accident.
Type of Vehicle You Drive
Your vehicle also affects your insurance rate. After a DUI, insurers may increase premiums more sharply if you drive:
- A sports car
- A leased vehicle
- A car with high repair costs
They also evaluate the car’s value, safety rating, and likelihood of theft.
Location
Where you live plays a role in your rate adjustment. Drivers in urban areas or regions with higher DUI rates may see a bigger increase. Indiana ZIP codes with more drunk driving arrests tend to carry higher risk profiles.
Insurance Company Policies
Each car insurance company has its own formula for assessing DUI-related risk. Some companies may:
- Refuse to renew your insurance policy
- Drop coverage entirely
- Offer limited or high-cost insurance coverage
You may need to compare several car insurance quotes to find the best available option.
Why You Need an Indianapolis DUI Defense Attorney
A DUI conviction in Indianapolis brings legal and financial pressure that can change your life. A qualified DUI defense attorney helps reduce these consequences by protecting your rights and defending your case under Indiana law.
Knowledge of Indiana DUI Laws
Indiana DUI laws carry penalties that can include jail time, fines, and license suspension. An Indianapolis DUI lawyer understands these laws and how local courts apply them. This experience is critical in building a defense that fits the facts of your case.
Analyzing the Evidence
A DUI defense attorney examines every part of your arrest. This includes breathalyzer test results, field sobriety tests, and how the officer handled the stop. If your rights were violated or the tests were done incorrectly, the attorney can challenge the evidence. In some cases, this can lead to dropped charges or reduced penalties.
Reducing Penalties and Charges
A skilled lawyer may negotiate with the prosecution to lower the charge or reduce the sentence. This can help avoid jail time, protect your driver’s license, and limit the long-term impact on your insurance rate and record. Even for a first offense, these negotiations can make a significant difference.
Protecting Your Rights
From the moment of arrest, your attorney makes sure you are treated fairly under the law. This includes advising you on what to say, guiding you through court hearings, and making sure the legal process does not work against you unfairly.
Why Choose Rathburn Law
Rathburn Law has more than 25 years of experience defending DUI cases in Indiana. Lead attorney Chuck Rathburn is nationally recognized in DUI defense and holds certifications in breath and blood alcohol testing. The firm also has a certified phlebotomist on staff to evaluate blood draw procedures. This level of technical skill helps build strong, fact-based defenses for clients facing DUI charges.
Consult With Rathburn Law About Your DUI Conviction ASAP!
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Indiana, don’t face it alone. Our team at Rathburn Law has the experience and knowledge to defend your rights, reduce the impact on your driving record, and help protect your insurance rates.
Contact us at 317.671.8965 for a free case consultation today!
