Updated July 2026
What Is Ignition Interlock Coverage Insurance?
Ignition interlock coverage is an endorsement that reimburses the monthly lease, calibration service, and lockout fees for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. The device itself prevents your vehicle from starting if your breath alcohol concentration exceeds a preset limit — typically 0.025% BAC. Standard auto liability policies cover collision and injury claims but exclude device rental and service costs, which run $70–$150 per month depending on your provider and calibration frequency. This endorsement shifts those recurring costs to your insurer in exchange for a monthly premium add.
- You are enrolled in West Virginia's Test and Lock program for 165 days following a first-offense DUI. Your interlock provider charges $85/month for device rental plus $30 every 60 days for calibration visits. Over six months, your out-of-pocket device cost is $510 in rental fees plus $90 in calibration fees, totaling $600. With ignition interlock coverage at $12/month, you pay $72 in premiums and the insurer reimburses the $600 in device costs, netting you a $528 savings.
- You are required to maintain an interlock device for one year following a second DUI. Your device costs $110/month plus $35 per calibration visit every 60 days. Total device cost over 12 months: $1,320 in rental plus $210 in calibration, totaling $1,530. With coverage at $18/month, you pay $216 in premiums and recover $1,530 in device costs, netting a $1,314 savings. Without the endorsement, you pay the full $1,530 out-of-pocket while still carrying the required liability insurance.
- You miss a calibration appointment and your device enters lockout mode. Your provider charges a $75 lockout reset fee. Ignition interlock coverage does not reimburse this fee because it is classified as a violation penalty, not a routine device cost. You pay the $75 directly to the provider to restore device function and avoid further program violations.
Who Needs Ignition Interlock Coverage Insurance?
You should add ignition interlock coverage if you are enrolled in West Virginia's Test and Lock program or any court-ordered interlock program lasting more than 90 days and your device rental cost exceeds $70/month. The endorsement pays for itself when total device costs over the program term exceed the cumulative premium — typically after three to four months. If you are a repeat offender facing a 12-month or longer interlock requirement, this endorsement can save $1,000+ over the program term.
Calculate your total device cost over the full program term — monthly rental times number of months, plus calibration visits times visit fee. Compare that total to the endorsement premium over the same period. If device costs exceed endorsement premiums by $200 or more, add the coverage. If the margin is under $100, pay out-of-pocket and skip the endorsement.
How Much Does Ignition Interlock Coverage Insurance Cost?
Ignition interlock coverage adds $8–$20/month to your premium, or approximately $96–$240/year, depending on your device rental term and your insurer's endorsement pricing.
- Length of court-ordered interlock period — longer mandates increase total reimbursement exposure and raise premium.
- Device provider monthly rental rate — higher device costs increase the insurer's reimbursement liability.
- Calibration visit frequency — more frequent calibration requirements increase covered service costs.
- Your underlying liability premium — interlock coverage is priced as a percentage add to your base policy in some carrier models.
- State monitoring program structure — states with centralized monitoring and standardized device fees produce more predictable endorsement pricing.
- Prior interlock violations — missed calibrations or failed rolling retests can trigger higher endorsement premiums at renewal.