Insurance goes up after a suspended license, but the amount depends on why it was suspended
Your insurance company will likely raise your rates after a license suspension, but how much depends on the reason. A suspension for unpaid tickets or administrative reasons (like a lapsed medical certification) usually causes a smaller increase than a suspension for DUI, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points. Some insurers may also refuse to renew your policy at all, forcing you to find coverage elsewhere — which is more expensive.
The increase typically appears on your next renewal date, not when ready. If you're currently insured and your license gets suspended mid-policy, most companies won't adjust your rate until the policy renews. If you're shopping for insurance after a suspension, you'll see the higher rate quoted from the start.
The suspension itself stays on your driving record for a set period — usually three to five years depending on your state and the reason for suspension. Your rates will remain elevated for that entire time, even after your license is reinstated.
Key Takeaways
- A suspension for DUI or reckless driving typically raises insurance rates by 30 to 100 percent or more, while administrative suspensions cause smaller increases.
- Insurance companies check your driving record when you renew, so the rate increase usually takes effect at your next renewal date, not when ready.
- The suspension stays on your record for three to five years in most states, and your rates remain higher for the entire period.
- Some insurers will not renew your policy after a suspension and you will need to find a new company, which often costs more than your current rate.
- Reinstating your license does not automatically lower your rates — you have to wait until the suspension falls off your driving record.
Why the increase happens and how insurers calculate it
Insurance companies use your driving record to predict how likely you are to file a claim. A suspended license signals to them that you have broken traffic laws or failed to meet licensing requirements — both red flags. The worse the violation that caused the suspension, the higher the risk they assign to you.
The calculation is not a fixed formula. Each company weighs violations differently. One insurer might raise rates 40 percent for a suspension caused by accumulating points, while another raises them 60 percent. This is why shopping around after a suspension can save you money — rates vary significantly between companies.
Some insurers specialize in drivers with violations and charge less than mainstream companies. These are sometimes called "high-risk" or "non-standard" insurers. They still charge more than you would have paid before the suspension, but less than a mainstream insurer might quote.
How much rates typically increase by violation type
The reason for your suspension matters more than anything else. Here is what you can generally expect:
| Reason for Suspension | Typical Rate Increase | Duration on Record |
|---|---|---|
| Accumulating too many points | 20 to 50 percent | 3 to 5 years |
| Unpaid tickets or fines | 15 to 40 percent | 3 to 5 years |
| Reckless driving | 40 to 80 percent | 5 to 7 years |
| DUI or DWI | 50 to 100+ percent | 5 to 10 years |
| Administrative suspension (medical, license lapsed) | 10 to 30 percent | 1 to 3 years |
These are ranges, not guarantees. Your actual increase depends on your age, driving history before the suspension, the state you live in, and which company insures you. A 25-year-old with a prior accident will see a larger increase than a 45-year-old with a clean record otherwise.
The duration listed is how long the violation typically stays visible on your driving record. After that time passes, the suspension stops affecting your rates — though some companies may still see it in their own records if you were previously insured with them.
What happens if you cannot find insurance at your current company
After a suspension, your current insurer may decide not to renew your policy when it comes due. They will send you a non-renewal notice, usually 30 to 60 days before your policy ends. This gives you time to find coverage elsewhere, but it is stressful and often more expensive.
When you shop for a new policy, you will disclose the suspension to every company you contact. Some will decline to insure you at all. Others will quote you a rate significantly higher than what you were paying. A few companies specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer rates closer to what you expect.
Do not go without insurance while you search. Driving uninsured is illegal in every state and can result in fines, license suspension (if not already suspended), and civil liability if you cause an accident. Even if your license is already suspended, you need insurance in place for when it is reinstated.
How to lower your rates after a suspension
You cannot make the suspension disappear from your record, but you can take steps that may reduce the increase or prevent it from getting worse. The most effective step is to avoid any new violations. A second violation during the suspension period will compound the rate increase significantly.
Some insurers offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course. These courses are usually four to eight hours long and available online or in person. The discount is typically 5 to 10 percent, which is modest but worth doing if your insurer offers it. Ask your company whether they recognize defensive driving courses and which ones they accept.
Bundling your auto insurance with home or renters insurance can also lower your overall cost. The discount for bundling usually applies regardless of your driving record, so it may offset part of the suspension-related increase.
Shopping around every six to twelve months is important. As time passes and the suspension ages on your record, different companies may offer better rates. Some insurers weight recent violations more heavily than older ones, so you may find a better quote from a company that did not insure you before.
When your license is reinstated and your rates still stay high
Reinstating your license does not automatically lower your insurance rates. The suspension itself is separate from the violation that caused it. Even after you pay reinstatement fees and get your license back, the violation stays on your driving record for the full duration — usually three to five years.
Your rates will remain elevated until that time period ends. After the violation falls off your record, you can contact your insurer and ask them to review your rate. Some companies will lower it automatically; others require you to request a review. Even after the violation is gone, you may not return to the rate you paid before the suspension if your overall driving record has changed.
If you were insured with a high-risk company during the suspension period, you may be able to switch back to a standard insurer once the violation is old enough. Standard insurers typically do not insure drivers with violations less than three to five years old, so timing matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my insurance company know about my suspended license when ready?
Not necessarily. Insurance companies check your driving record periodically, but they do not monitor it in real time. Most check when you renew your policy or when you file a claim. If your license is suspended mid-policy, your company may not know until your renewal date. However, if you are in an accident and they pull your record, they will discover the suspension then.
Can I get insurance while my license is suspended?
Yes. You can purchase an insurance policy even with a suspended license. You will pay a higher rate, and some companies will decline to insure you, but others will. You need this coverage in place for when your license is reinstated, and it is legally required in most states even if you are not currently driving.
Will the rate increase go away after a few months?
No. The rate increase stays in effect for the entire time the violation is on your driving record — typically three to five years. After that period ends, you can request a rate review, but the company is not required to lower your rate when ready. You may need to shop around to find a better quote.
What if I was suspended for an unpaid ticket I did not know about?
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out which ticket caused the suspension. Once you know, you can pay it and begin the reinstatement process. Your insurance rates will still increase because the violation will be on your record, but at least you can get your license back. Some states allow you to dispute a suspension if you can show you never received notice of the ticket.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about the suspension myself?
You should disclose it when you renew your policy or if your company asks about changes to your driving record. If you do not disclose it and your company discovers it later, they may cancel your policy or deny a claim. It is better to be upfront about it from the start.