Does a physical control violation affect auto insurance rates?

Physical control violation auto insurance is similar to DUI insurance, but instead of driving while intoxicated, violators are charged with being inside or near the vehicle while intoxicated. How does a physical control violation affect auto insurance? It will increase your rates up to 41%.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate
AllstateState FarmNationwideLiberty MutualFarmers Insurance
Dorothea Hudson

Insurance and Finance Writer

Dorothea Hudson has been professionally writing in many spheres since 2013. She has written on entertainment, insurance, finance, travel, technology, AI, renewable energy, crypto, fundraising, and real estate for many websites. Her work has been published for British retailer Marks and Spencer, Kroger Magazine, the Vision Group, and more. Her passions include writing, music, running, travel, te...

Written by
Dorothea Hudson
Jeff Root

Licensed Insurance Agent

Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...

Reviewed by
Jeff Root

Updated February 2025

It’s possible to get a DUI charge if you’re just sleeping in your vehicle while intoxicated with the keys in the ignition. It sounds crazy, but this is just one of a number of different circumstances that can result in a physical control violation on your record.

does a physical control violation affect auto insurance rates

Does a physical control violation increase affect auto insurance rates? The bad news is that it will raise your rates, but the good news is that it won’t be as high as your insurance rates after a DUI or DWI. DUI insurance can be quite costly.

Although physical control violations lead to higher insurance rates, you can still find ways to save on auto insurance. Having a physical control violation on your record doesn’t mean you have to pay excessively for car insurance. Continue reading to discover how physical control violations are defined in your state, the difference between actual physical control and DUI, and how it affects your auto insurance rates, including those with Allstate DUI insurance rates.

Things to remember

  • You can be convicted of physical control of a vehicle if you’re intoxicated and in physical contact with the car, even if you’re not driving
  • Physical control convictions can add points to your license and may result in fees or even a suspended license
  • You’ll still be eligible for auto insurance discounts that can help reduce any rate increases after a physical control violation

Physical Control Violations Defined

State laws will often vary on their definition of physical control, but most DUI laws note six common factors that should be considered when determining whether someone can be accused of a physical control DUI:

  • Where the driver was in the vehicle
  • Where the key was located within the vehicle
  • If the engine was running
  • Where the vehicle was parked and who drove it there
  • If the vehicle was rendered mechanically inoperable at the time
  • How easily that mechanical disability could have been fixed by the defendant

If you’re facing a charge for physical control while under the influence, you must fulfill specific criteria to regain your driving privileges. This often includes having your license suspended, paying a reinstatement fee, and providing current proof of auto insurance. This process is similar to the requirements for a DUI, though it specifically addresses physical control vs DUI situations. Additionally, if you need to secure motorcycle insurance after a DUI, the reinstatement steps will also apply.

Read More: How to Get Instant Auto Insurance Proof

Insurance requirements and fees for a physical control violation can differ depending on your location. For instance, in Ohio, a physical control charge is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. This can result in penalties such as up to 180 days in jail, fines reaching $1,000, and mandatory drug or alcohol treatment. If you’re wondering whether a reasonable control charge in Ohio can be expunged, the answer is yes, though it involves meeting certain criteria. The physical control charge Ohio punishment can significantly impact your legal and insurance situations.

If you’re looking for ways to contest a physical control charge in Ohio, it won’t be straightforward. You’ll need to demonstrate that you had no intention of driving. Keep in mind that a CMP violation auto insurance claim can be complex, and having even one DUI ticket can raise your auto insurance rate by nearly 127%.

Free Insurance Comparison

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate

How a Physical Control Violation Affects Auto Insurance Rates

Auto insurance for drivers with a bad driving record is more expensive. The following table shows average rates with a clean record versus rates after getting just one DUI.

Sports Car Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Driving Record

Insurance CompanyClean RecordOne AccidentOne Speeding TicketOne DUI
AAA: Auto Insurance Review$122$189$154$211
Allstate: Auto Insurance Review$228$321$268$385
American Family: Auto Insurance Review$166$251$194$276
Erie: Auto Insurance Review$83$118$100$153
Farmers: Auto Insurance Review$198$282$247$275
Liberty Mutual: Auto Insurance Review$248$335$302$447
Nationwide: Auto Insurance Review$164$230$196$338
Progressive$150$265$199$200
State Farm: Auto Insurance Review$123$146$137$160
Travelers: Auto Insurance Review$141$199$192$294

Compare RatesStart Now →

Rates can rise between 17% and 127% with a single DUI conviction. In comparison, physical control violations generally lead to a smaller increase in auto insurance rates. This is because a physical control charge involves being inside a vehicle while intoxicated rather than actively driving. Despite this, insurance premiums will still be higher than average due to the increased risk associated with the physical control of a motor vehicle under the influence. It’s important to note that physical control is not as severe as reckless operation but will still impact your insurance rates.

How to Save Money on Auto Insurance After a Physical Control Violation

Even though car insurance for an impaired driver is likely to increase after a physical control violation, you may still be eligible for some discounts to help lower it back down. The table below shows just a sample of discounts you may be able to get.

Auto Insurance Discounts by Company

Discount NameAllstate TablePress LogoAmerican Family TablePress LogoFarmers TablePress LogoGeico TablePress LogoLiberty Mutual TablePress LogoNationwide TablePress LogoProgressive TablePress LogoState Farm TablePress LogoTravelers TablePress LogoUSAA TablePress Logo
Adaptive Cruise Control5%
Adaptive Headlights5%
Anti-lock Brakes10%5%5%5%5%
Anti-Theft10%23%20%25%15%
Claim Free35%26%10%15%23%12%
Continuous Coverage15%
Daytime Running Lights2%3%5%5%
Defensive Driver10%10%10%5%10%5%10%3%
Distant Student35%10%7%
Driver's Ed10%10%10%15%8%3%
Driving Device/App20%40%30%40%20%50%30%5%
Early Signing10%8%10%12%
Electronic Stability Control2%5%
Emergency Deployment25%
Engaged Couple
Family Legacy10%
Family Plan25%
Farm Vehicle10%
Fast 5
Federal Employee12%10%
Forward Collision Warning5%
Full Payment10%$508%
Further Education10%15%
Garaging/Storing90%
Good Credit
Good Student20%15%23%10%25%8%3%
Green Vehicle10%5%10%10%
Homeowner5%3%5%
Lane Departure Warning
Life Insurance
Low Mileage30%
Loyalty5%
Married
Membership/Group10%7%
Military15%4%
Military Garaging15%
Multiple Drivers
Multiple Policies10%29%10%20%10%12%17%13%
Multiple Vehicles25%10%20%10%20%8%
New Address5%
New Customer/New Plan
New Graduate5%
New Vehicle30%15%40%10%12%
Newly Licensed5%
Newlyweds5%
Non-Smoker/Non-Drinker
Occasional Operator
Occupation10%15%
On-Time Payments5%15%
Online Shopper7%
Paperless Documents10%5%$50
Paperless/Auto Billing5%$30$203%3%
Passive Restraint30%30%40%20%40%
Recent Retirees4%
Renter
Roadside Assistance
Safe Driver45%15%35%31%15%23%12%
Seat Belt Use15%
Senior Driver10%
Stable Residence
Students & Alumni10%7%
Switching Provider10%
Utility Vehicle15%
Vehicle Recovery10%15%35%25%5%
VIN Etching5%
Volunteer
Young Driver$75

Compare RatesStart Now →

The best way to save on car insurance for a physical control violation is to shop around. Get quotes from the best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers near you to find affordable auto insurance after a physical control violation.

Physical Control Violations Will Show Up on Auto Insurance Background Checks

How long does physical control stay on your driving record? That depends on where you live and how many previous violations you have on your record.

In general, physical control violations stay on record for up to five years, and auto insurance companies will likely only go back three years or so, depending on state laws.

Dani Best Licensed Insurance Producer

The background check will probably cease to pull it in after a few years, at which point your insurance rates should decrease. But it’s important to note that certain states keep a DUI on your record for 15 years, which will cause the DUI to affect your auto insurance.

Learn More: How Auto Insurance Companies Check Driving Records

Get Affordable Auto Insurance with a Physical Control Violation

DUIs and physical control violations affect auto insurance rates, but it’s still possible to find cheap auto insurance when you comparison shop online. You can get free quotes from multiple insurers in your area with our comparison tool below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is physical control under the influence?

Physical control under the influence refers to being inside a vehicle while intoxicated. Factors such as proximity to the vehicle’s controls and intent to drive may determine whether a physical control charge applies.

Does a physical control violation affect auto insurance rates?

Yes, a physical control violation can increase your insurance rates up to 41% with points on your license. However, it is not as severe as a DUI conviction, which can raise rates up to 127%.

Is a physical control charge better than an OVI for auto insurance?

There is a difference between a physical control charge and an OVI. While both involve being intoxicated in or near a vehicle, an OVI is more similar to a DUI, indicating actual operation of the vehicle. Auto insurance rates may be affected differently based on the specific charge.

Can you be charged with a DUI if you’re just sleeping in your car?

Yes, in certain circumstances, such as having the keys in the ignition, you can be charged with a DUI even if you’re not actively driving the vehicle. Laws regarding this vary by jurisdiction.

Does a physical control violation show up on a background check for auto insurance?

Physical control violations may appear on your driving record, which is often considered during background checks for auto insurance. The duration that it remains on your record depends on the state, typically up to three years.

What are three factors that affect auto insurance rates?

Driver age, location, and driving record have the biggest impact on auto insurance rates.

What is one major cause of higher auto insurance rates?

Violations on your driving record, including speeding tickets, physical control violations, and DUIs, will raise your insurance rates more than other variables.

What are three things drivers should consider when choosing auto insurance after a physical control violation?

Drivers with physical control violations should look for high-risk auto insurance companies that specialize in DUI insurance and don’t check credit scores.

What can you do to make your auto insurance rates go down after a physical control violation?

Asking for discounts and maintaining a safe driving record can help reduce your auto insurance rates after a physical control charge or other moving violation.

Which gender pays more for auto insurance?

Men typically pay higher insurance rates than women.

More FAQs

Get a FREE Quote in Minutes

Insurance rates change constantly — we help you stay ahead by making it easy to compare top options and save.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate
NationwideLiberty MutualAllstateState Farm