Can you get car insurance with a felony conviction in the US?
Yes. A felony doesn't automatically bar you from car insurance in the US, and both standard and high-risk insurers write drivers with felony records. What matters most is whether the felony is driving-related. Felony DUI, vehicular assault or hit-and-run appear on your motor vehicle record (MVR) and can raise premiums sharply. One analysis put felony-DUI full coverage at about $159–$267 a month, against $98–$161 for a clean record. They often trigger an SR-22 insurance filing too. Non-driving felonies usually don't appear on your MVR, but if an application asks about felonies, you must answer truthfully. A false answer is grounds to cancel the policy. UK readers should see which insurance companies do not ask about criminal convictions. Our hub on car insurance for high-risk and convicted drivers covers both markets.
- Driving-related felonies (felony DUI, hit-and-run, vehicular assault) drive both premiums and insurability.
- Non-driving felonies rarely affect pricing, but answer any felony question honestly.
- Felony DUI often means an SR-22 or FR-44 for about 3 years, and possibly an assigned risk auto insurance plan if no insurer will cover you.
- Insurance fraud convictions are treated most harshly, because they go straight to the insurer's risk.
- Re-shop at year 3 (when an SR-22 often ends) and year 5, when more standard carriers reconsider.
How US Insurers Treat a Felony
Answering 'no' to a felony question you should answer 'yes' to is material misrepresentation. It can lead to cancellation or rescission and a denied claim.
Getting Back on the Road After Incarceration
UK Comparison
Illustrative Case: Felony DUI, Year 1 to Year 5
Scenario: Luis, 38, in Arizona, had a felony aggravated DUI conviction. After his licence was reinstated, he needed an SR-22 and had a 2-year gap in cover.
Resolution & Judicial Outcome: His first-year quotes ranged from $2,900 to declines. He chose a non-standard carrier at $2,900 with an SR-22. At year 3, after the SR-22 ended, he re-shopped and paid $2,100. By year 5, a standard carrier quoted $1,600.
What You Should Do: Step-by-Step Action Plan
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
- Hiding a felony when the application asks about one.
- Driving on a suspended licence while waiting for insurance.
- Staying in the high-risk market after your record improves.