Summary: Getting a DUI in Texas can be a hassle that raises your insurance rates for up to 5 years or more. Besides paying more as Texas DUI insurance rates go up, there are fines and penalties to face. The safest thing to do is always to drive sober. If you are convicted of a DWI, you’ll have limited choices as some companies won’t insure you. Comparing auto insurance companies is essential to find the right coverage and to avoid overpaying for protection. Estimated Read Time: 4 mins
Table of Contents:
- Costs Beyond Insurance in Texas After DUI
- Finding Auto Insurance After DUI in Texas
- Get Quotes for the Cheapest Insurance DUI SR22 in Texas
A DUI conviction in Texas affects your car insurance for at least five years and can be longer, leading to complications years down the line.
Your car insurance rates will depend on many different factors, however, insurance companies raise rates after receiving a DUI, which elevates your premium.
Furthermore, some companies may refuse to insure you after a DWI, which can limit your options for coverage and access to affordable auto insurance.
A DUI stays on your criminal and driving records permanently in Texas, even if dismissed, but certain cases can be removed with an expunction.
The expunction process deletes all records of qualifying DUI cases, allowing you to deny the offense in job interviews and preventing employers from accessing the record.
Costs Beyond Insurance in Texas After DUI
Getting Texas car insurance with a DUI means paying higher rates but your expenses don’t end there. The Lone Star State punishes drivers with penalties for driving while intoxicated.
Drivers who receive multiple DUIs are going to face even worse penalties than for a first offense and if you have more than one or a conviction while a child is in the vehicle, these misdemeanor charges may be elevated to felonies.
Below is a breakdown of the penalties drivers face in Texas for a DUI. Keep in mind that these fines do not include the state fine of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 which is provided during sentencing or the legal fees you may need to cover:
First Offense
You’ll face a fine of as much as $2,000, will spend up to 180 days in jail if convicted with three days mandatory, and can lose your license for a year.
Second Offense
You’ll face up to a $4,000 fine, a month to a year in jail if convicted, and can lose your license for two years.
Third Offense
The third time you receive a DUI, you will also face a $10,000 fine, two to ten years imprisonment, and the loss of your license for up to two years.
DUI With a Child Passenger
Driving under the influence with a child under the age of 15 tacks on a child endangerment charge that brings an additional $10,000 fine, jail time up to two years, and an additional loss of your driver’s license for 180 days.
Open Container Penalties
If you have an open container of alcohol in your car, you can face a fine of as much as $500. This is considered a Class C misdemeanor and is a crime regardless of whether or not you are driving impaired.
Underage DWI Penalties
If you are under the age of 21, you’re considered a minor in Texas when it comes to DWIs.
Driving while intoxicated and being underage is a great way to increase already typically high auto insurance and should be avoided to save money and lives.
Here are the penalties minors face for DUIs, which differ from those who are of legal drinking age:
- Your first offense carries a fine of up to $500, 20 to 40 community service hours, and a 30-day suspended license.
- Your second DUI offense carries a fine of up to $500, 40 to 60 community service hours, and a 60-day suspended license.
- Your third DWI carries a fine of $500 to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a suspended license for 180 days.
Finding Auto Insurance After DUI in Texas
Finding affordable auto insurance after a DUI isn’t easy as a DUI often causes a bigger premium increase than any other road violation, including an at-fault accident or reckless driving.
In Texas, it’s important to compare insurance options carefully after a DUI, as premiums can vary widely by insurer.
An SR-22 form proves you have the required insurance coverage for any accident and many occupational licenses in DWI cases depend on a valid SR-22, which drivers must carry at all times.
Even if your options are limited, comparing carriers is the best way to save money and find a company offering coverage for your vehicle.
Every company is going to rate you differently as a driver. There are many factors each carrier will look at and each company does it differently.
If you are convicted of a DUI, working with a top-rated insurance broker can help you access multiple carriers and rates easily to find the best coverage at the lowest cost.
Get Quotes for the Cheapest Insurance DUI SR22 in Texas
If you need coverage after a DUI, we can help. Get a quote by using the free tool at the top of the page, contact us online, or give us a call at 800-875-4711 to get quotes from multiple top-rated carriers offering the cheapest insurance near you.
Sources:
1. Impaired driving and penalties – DUI/DWI, TxDOT. Accessed June 2024. https://www.txdot.gov/safety/driving-laws/impaired-driving.html https://versustexas.com/blog/crash-statistics-in-texas/