How a DWI Affects Your Auto Insurance in Missouri

SR-22 · Originally published July 10, 2015 · Updated November 2026

In Missouri, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher is driving while intoxicated, or DWI. (Many other states call it DUI.) Beyond the legal consequences, a DWI has real effects on your auto insurance. Here is what typically changes and what you can do about it.

Your license and the SR-22

A DWI can lead to a suspension or revocation of your Missouri driving privilege. To reinstate, the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) generally requires several things, which can include fees, completing SATOP, an ignition interlock device and an SR-22.

An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the state to show you carry at least Missouri's minimum coverage. For alcohol-related actions, Missouri generally requires that proof for two years from the start of the suspension or revocation. Other reasons carry different periods, so check your DOR notice for your exact dates. We walk through the full process in SR-22 after a DWI in Missouri.

Your rates

Insurers see a DWI as a serious risk factor, so rates usually rise, sometimes significantly. How much depends on the company, your overall record, your vehicle and other factors. Some companies may decline to renew a policy after a DWI, while others specialize in writing drivers who need an SR-22.

This is where shopping matters. Prices for the same driver can vary widely between companies. An independent agency can compare several insurers at once instead of you calling each one.

Your coverage choices

After a DWI, it is tempting to cut coverage to the bare minimum. Before you do, think about:

Your vehicle. If it is financed or leased, the lender will likely require comprehensive and collision.
Your assets. Minimum liability limits may not be enough if you cause a serious accident.
Whether you drive at all. If you sold your car or don't have one, a non-owner SR-22 policy may meet the requirement for less.

If you need to drive to work while suspended, a Limited Driving Privilege may be an option. It generally requires an SR-22 on file. See our Limited Driving Privilege page.

How long the effects last

The SR-22 requirement ends when your required period is over, but the DWI itself can stay on your driving history and affect rates longer than that. How long insurers look back varies by company. The good news is that each year of clean driving and continuous coverage helps.

Steps that help you recover

Keep your SR-22 policy active and paid; a lapse can restart problems with the DOR
Complete every DOR and court requirement on time
Drive carefully, since a second violation compounds the first
Ask about discounts you may still qualify for
Review your policy each year as your record improves

Our lowering your car insurance article has more ideas.

Talk to a local agent

If a DWI has affected your insurance, call us at 417.865.4800. We will compare companies for you and handle the SR-22 filing. Start with our SR-22 insurance page.

Common questions

Will my insurer find out about a DWI?

Insurers typically review your driving record at renewal or when you apply, so a DWI conviction is likely to come up. Being upfront helps you get an accurate quote.

Is a refusal to take a breath test treated differently?

A chemical test refusal can carry its own license consequences in Missouri. Check your DOR notice and talk with an attorney about your specific case.

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Written by Auto Insurance Express. Reviewed by Philip Edwards, founder. Philip has run independent insurance agencies in southwest Missouri since 1997. More about the agency.

General information, not advice about your specific policy. Coverage, exclusions and eligibility are determined by the policy forms and endorsements your insurer issues, and state rules change. Confirm details with us before you rely on them.

DWIs and How They Affect Your Auto Insurance