Reader Question: My Renewal Doubled After a DUI. Is That Normal?

"My renewal came in at almost exactly double. One DUI, first offense, no accident. Is this normal or am I being taken advantage of?" — reader in Ohio

It is normal. Published analyses that compare a clean-record driver with the same driver plus a DUI tend to land in the 60–100% range nationally, and Ohio sits in the middle of that distribution. Doubling is the upper end of normal, not evidence of anything unusual.

Three things to check before you accept it

1. Lost discounts. Good-driver, accident-free and claim-free discounts usually disappear with a DUI, and they can account for a surprising share of the increase. Some, like claim-free, may be restorable if you have no claims—ask.
2. Filing fee and coverage changes. If an SR-22 was added, there may be a fee on the renewal. If the insurer also changed your coverage (some move high-risk drivers to a different form), make sure you are comparing like with like.
3. The alternative. Get two other quotes for identical coverage. If both are higher, your renewal is a good deal and you should take it. If one is meaningfully lower, you have your answer.

The longer view

Ohio insurers commonly rate a DUI for three to five years, and the SR-22 requirement there typically runs three. Your renewal at the three-year mark is the next important date. We cover the timeline in how long a DUI affects insurance and the levers you control in lowering rates.