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DUI Insurance — Alabama

Alabama requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Alabama at a Glance

25/50/25

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

$100

State license reinstatement fee

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Alabama

Alabama operates as a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages in an accident. All drivers must carry proof of financial responsibility, and the state requires SR-22 filing for license reinstatement after DUI, multiple violations, or driving uninsured. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) monitors SR-22 compliance electronically, and any lapse triggers immediate license re-suspension.

Bodily Injury Liability

Covers medical bills, lost wages, and legal costs when you injure someone in an at-fault accident. Most carriers writing post-DUI policies recommend at least 50/100 limits because a single serious accident can expose you to personal liability beyond the minimum.

Property Damage Liability

Pays for damage you cause to another vehicle or property in an at-fault crash. If you total a newer SUV or damage multiple vehicles, you'll owe the difference out of pocket.

SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility

An SR-22 is not insurance — it's a filing your carrier submits to ALEA proving you maintain continuous coverage at state minimums. Your carrier files electronically within 24 hours of binding a policy. If you cancel coverage or miss a payment, the carrier notifies ALEA immediately and your license is re-suspended that day. The three-year clock resets if you let coverage lapse.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Alabama does not require uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but carriers must offer it at the same limits as your liability policy unless you reject it in writing at policy inception. UM coverage pays your medical bills and lost wages when an uninsured driver hits you — without it, you're relying on the at-fault driver's ability to pay out of pocket.

Collision and Comprehensive

Alabama does not require physical damage coverage unless you finance or lease a vehicle. Collision pays to repair your car after an at-fault crash; comprehensive covers theft, weather, vandalism, and animal strikes.

What Drivers Pay in Alabama

$199–$345/mo

Typical monthly rate in Alabama, high-risk drivers after a DUI

Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • License suspension length affects rates — a 90-day administrative suspension costs less to insure than a one-year court-ordered suspension with multiple violations.
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Find Alabama Coverage After a DUI

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If your license is suspended

Hardship Driver License (Class D, limited privileges)

application fee $36.

A coverage lapse is reported

The state can act when your insurance lapses.

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need SR-22 insurance after a DUI in Alabama?

Alabama requires SR-22 filing for three years from your DUI conviction date, not from the date you reinstate your license. If your coverage lapses at any point during those three years, ALEA re-suspends your license immediately and the three-year clock resets from the date you refile. You must maintain continuous coverage without gaps to satisfy the requirement.

Can I get car insurance in Alabama while my license is suspended?

Yes — most carriers will sell you a policy during suspension if you own a vehicle or need non-owner coverage for reinstatement. You cannot legally drive until ALEA reinstates your license, but you can bind a policy, obtain SR-22 filing, and satisfy the financial responsibility requirement before your reinstatement hearing. Many suspended drivers secure coverage 10–15 days before their reinstatement date to avoid processing delays.

Can I get a hardship license in Alabama with SR-22 insurance?

Alabama does not offer a formal hardship or restricted license during DUI suspension. Some drivers qualify for an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) license after serving a minimum suspension period, which allows driving only vehicles equipped with a court-approved breathalyzer. You must maintain SR-22 insurance on any IID-equipped vehicle, and removal of the device before completing your sentence triggers re-suspension.

Will my Alabama SR-22 requirement transfer if I move to another state?

No — SR-22 requirements do not automatically transfer between states. If you move out of Alabama before completing your three-year requirement, contact your new state's licensing agency to determine their process. Some states honor out-of-state SR-22 filings; others require you to refile under their system. Moving does not cancel your Alabama SR-22 obligation if you maintain an Alabama license.