A history of being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) one or more times can make it difficult to obtain the life insurance coverage you need at an affordable rate. The ratings that life insurance companies will assign for people with history of DUI vary substantially between companies and the difference could cost you thousands of dollars. Life insurance companies will want to know the following information to make an accurate risk assessment:
- How many times have you been charged with DUI/DWI?
- When was the most recent charge?
- Are you currently on probation?
- Has your license been revoked or suspended one or more times?
- Have you been cited for any other traffic offenses?
- Have you sought treatment for alcohol abuse at a rehab facility or attended meetings with support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous?
- Are you still drinking, or have you quit completely?
The most likely offer you receive will either require a “table” rating or a “flat extra” rating. A table rating is an additional percentage charged on top of the standard premium. As an example, a Table D/Table 4 is generally about two times the standard premium. A flat extra rating is an additional cost per thousand dollars of coverage, such as $2.50 per thousand. Another example would be a $1,000,000 policy with a flat extra of $2.50 per thousand would require additional premium of $2,500 in addition of the standard rate, regardless of how many years the policy is guaranteed.
If you have a history of DUI or DWI, you should NOT apply with multiple companies at the same time. The more companies that give you a table rating, flat extra rating, or decline coverage on a formal application, the less likely you are to get a better offer!
You need the help of an independent life insurance agent that can shop your medical profile informally (no personal information is revealed to the insurance companies, just a general medical profile). We specialize in high risk life insurance and make sure you are getting the best possible offer. This is how it works:
- Call us at 1-888-972-0024 to review by phone. You can also e-mail us by CLICKING HERE.
- We submit your general medical profile to 10-15 of the most competitive, highly rated life insurance companies with the lowest rates in the industry (again, no personal information is disclosed)
- We review each of the offers and send you a spreadsheet with the lowest rates from the company or companies that made the best offer(s)
- You apply for the policy of your choice. We walk you through the application, follow up on the underwriting, and get the finalized offer. Note, there is no cost to apply and no obligation to accept the final offer from the insurer.
- The policy can be delivered, signed, and paid for electronically with many insurers today – a paper policy delivery can still be mailed upon request. Once the signatures and initial payment are completed – you’re done!
Related High Risk Life Insurance Topics:
DUI / DWI | Diabetes | Cancer | Sleep Apnea | Obesity | Bipolar Disorder | drug use / Abuse | Epilepsy | Hepatitis B & C | Crohn’s Disease | Marijuana Use | Drag Racing | Aviation / Pilots
Understanding Your Rating: Life Insurance Risk Classifications | Table Ratings Explained (B–J) | Flat Extra Ratings
Authoritative Resources: Life insurance underwriting practices are regulated by the NAIC. Insurers may check your health history through the MIB Group — you can request your free annual MIB report at mib.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance with a DUI on my record?
Yes. A single DUI from several years ago does not prevent you from getting life insurance. Most carriers evaluate DUIs based on how recent the offense was, whether there were multiple incidents, and your current driving record. A single DUI from 3+ years ago often results in a standard or slightly substandard rate at favorable carriers.
How long after a DUI can I get normal life insurance rates?
Most carriers require a waiting period of 3–5 years after a single DUI before offering standard rates. Within the first 1–3 years after a DUI, you will typically receive a substandard (table-rated) offer. Multiple DUIs extend this window significantly and may result in a decline at traditional fully-underwritten carriers.
Does multiple DUIs prevent me from getting life insurance?
Multiple DUIs make traditional fully-underwritten coverage more difficult to obtain and will typically result in table ratings or declines depending on recency and frequency. However, simplified issue and guaranteed issue products remain available with no driving record questions for applicants who cannot qualify for underwritten coverage.
Do life insurance companies check driving records?
Yes. Life insurance underwriters typically order a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) as part of the underwriting process. This report shows DUIs, reckless driving violations, license suspensions, and other moving violations. Misrepresenting your driving history on an application can result in a claim denial.
Will a DUI show up on my MIB report for life insurance?
The MIB (Medical Information Bureau) primarily tracks medical information from prior insurance applications, not criminal or driving records directly. However, if a previous application noted a DUI or driving violations, that information may appear. The MVR report ordered by the carrier is the primary way driving history is verified.
Browse All High-Risk Conditions
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) | Heart Attack / Heart Disease | High Blood Pressure | Stroke / TIA | Diabetes | Obesity / High BMI | Thyroid Disease | COPD / Emphysema | Sleep Apnea | Lupus | Multiple Sclerosis | Rheumatoid Arthritis | Kidney Disease (CKD) | Hepatitis B & C | Crohn’s Disease | Ulcerative Colitis | Cancer History | Anxiety / Depression | Bipolar Disorder | Epilepsy | PTSD | HIV / AIDS | Drug Use / Abuse | Marijuana Use | Aviation / Pilots | Drag Racing
Understanding Your Rating: Life Insurance Risk Classifications | Table Ratings Explained (B–J) | Flat Extra Ratings
Authoritative Resources: Life insurance underwriting practices are regulated by the NAIC. Insurers may check your health history through the MIB Group — you can request your free annual MIB report at mib.com.