Effects Of DWI and DUI On Your Car Insurance

DUI and DWI have different meanings and usage depending on the state you’re in. Car insurance companies see you as a high-risk driver if you have any of these on your driving record.

Having a record of any of these offenses can significantly impact your car insurance premiums. Roadside Assistance sees DWI and DUI convictions as risky because they believe those drivers are more likely to cause accidents.

Driving while intoxicated is very unsafe and makes accidents more likely to happen. To account for this higher risk, insurance companies increase the price of insurance coverage. Just one DWI or DUI on your driving record can make your insurance cost a lot more. Having multiple DUI / DWI offenses can increase the cost and make it difficult to obtain insurance.

Effects On Your Car Insurance

The amount you pay for car insurance can change based on different things. Insurance companies use your age, credit score, and past claims to determine your insurance rate. But one of the most important factors that affect how much you pay for insurance is your driving record.

Tables show average yearly costs for minimum and full coverage auto insurance policies from popular Texas insurance companies. The tables also provide data on the average premiums for drivers who have experienced one DWI incident.

Insurance Full Coverage Rates in Texas

Insurance Minimum Coverage Rates in Texas

Know Between DWI & DUI Penalties

According to Texas Penal Code, the DUI and DWI charges in Texas depend on factors like age, license type, and the situation. These factors encompass passengers or involvement in accidents that result in death.

Here’s a short recap on DUI and DWI convictions you might face:

• Fines and extra charges (including court costs and lawyer fees).
• They might suspend or take away your driver’s license.
• You may have to do community service.
• Even your first offense could land you in jail.
• You might have to attend DWI education and intervention programs.
• Your car insurance might become more expensive, depending on your insurance provider.

DWI Penalties and Charges:

First Offense DWI:

• Fine: Up to $2,000.
• Jail Time: A minimum of 72 hours to a maximum of 180 days in county jail.
• When the court convicts someone of a DWI in Texas, it can take away their driver’s license for a period ranging from 90 days to 1 year, depending on the situation and any past DWI offenses they might have.
• You may need to do a DWI education program and put an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your car.

Second Offense DWI:

• Fine: Up to $4,000.
• Jail Time: A minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 1 year in county jail.
• When someone is convicted of a DWI in Texas, their driver’s license can be suspended for a period ranging from 180 days to 2 years, depending on the situation and any past DWI offenses they might have.
• IID Requirement: You must install an IID in your vehicle.

Third Offense DWI (Third-degree felony):

• Fine: Up to $10,000.
• Jail Time: A minimum of 2 years to a maximum of 10 years in state prison.
• The period of driver’s license suspension for DWI convictions in Texas ranges from 180 days to 2 years, contingent on the specific circumstances and any prior DWI convictions on the individual’s record.
• IID Requirement: You must install an IID in your vehicle.

Intoxication Assault (DWI with serious bodily injury to another person):

• Fine: Up to $10,000.
• Jail Time: A minimum of 2 years to a maximum of 10 years in state prison.

Intoxication Manslaughter (DWI causing the death of another person):

• Fine: Up to $10,000.
• Jail Time: A minimum of 2 years to a maximum of 20 years in state prison.

DUI Penalties and Charges: 

• License Suspension: For a first-time offense, a driver’s license suspension of 60 days. Subsequent offenses can lead to longer suspensions or revocations.
• Underage DUI offenders must do community service and attend alcohol education programs as part of their punishment.

Having your car insurance rates go up may not seem like a big problem compared to the possibility of your insurance company canceling your policy if you have a DWI or DUI on your driving record.

When you get a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) on your record, it means that you were caught operating a vehicle while being influenced by alcohol or drugs, which is against the law. This makes you a riskier driver in the eyes of the insurance company. They worry that you might be more likely to get into accidents, which could lead to expensive claims they have to pay.

DUIs and DWIs go on both your driving record and your criminal record. This demonstrates to the insurance company that you are willing to break the law and put their policyholders at risk. It also shows that you are willing to cause a significant accident or face a lawsuit for causing someone’s death. Insurance companies cancel the insurance of drunk drivers to protect their “good driver” group’s interests.

Arrested? Don’t Plea, Call Me!

When dealing with DWI and DUI charges, it’s important not to depend on luck. Facing a guilty verdict for DWI or DUI can feel devastating, especially when you must handle increased insurance expenses. But there are things you can do to reduce the impact.

DWI/DUI charges are expensive and take time to resolve. The local prosecutors try to get a conviction, and the Department of Public Safety lawyers work to suspend your driving privileges.

Dealing with both of these requires a strong defense. Handling a DWI/DUI case alone in Texas is not advisable. Seeking professional legal assistance is essential to navigate through the complexities of such cases effectively. It’s crucial to have an experienced and aggressive team to support you against the government.

Talking to a DWI/DUI attorney from Texas Criminal Defense Team can be helpful if you are facing these charges. A lawyer can find police mistakes, limiting evidence against you and weakening the prosecution’s case.