A DWI has many downstream effects, including uncomfortable questions whenever you apply for a job or try to rent an apartment. Another unforeseen consequence is a sudden spike in insurance premiums. Anyone who registers a vehicle in Texas should purchase liability insurance before heading to the DMV. If you drive without it, you are committing a traffic infraction.
Sadly, a DWI case makes a driver appear even riskier to insurance companies than before. Drunk drivers are prone to crashing and damaging their vehicles, to say nothing of injuring other people or causing property damage. If you pick up a DWI, what kind of increase can you expect to your premiums?
Expect a 50% Increase in the Cost of Car Insurance
According to Bankrate, the typical motorist in Texas pays $2,613 in car insurance premiums. After a DWI, however, that amount jumps to $3,901, an increase of almost 50%. The good news is that Texans will usually pay less than the national average for coverage. Still, a $1,000+ increase is a big bite out of anyone’s finances, especially with the cost of groceries and other necessities skyrocketing.
Depending on the facts, your premiums might jump even more. For example, this might not be your first DWI. Someone with multiple DWIs looks even riskier to an insurance company, so premiums could double.
Can You Lower Your Premiums?
You can try to shop around for insurance. Most of the major insurance companies operate in Texas, and you can use online search engines to compare rates. Some drivers have absolutely no choice but to begin shopping for new coverage because their current insurer cancels their policy.
Remember to give yourself plenty of time to shop around. You don’t want to drive without insurance, especially if your policy was canceled.
Consequences of Driving while Uninsured
Let’s say you can’t find new insurance in your price range. What happens if you drive without coverage and an officer stops you?
Under Section 601.191 of the Texas Transportation Code, driving without liability insurance is a misdemeanor with a maximum $350 fine for a first offense. If this is your second or subsequent offense, then the maximum fine is $1,000. All for driving without insurance! We won’t mention here the massive expense of a DWI conviction, which could cost you several thousand dollars in fees and fines.
Getting into an accident without insurance will cost you even more. You might be liable for the wreck, which means you could get sued personally and end up paying a settlement or even having liens placed on your property.
Facing Prosecution for a Drunk Driving Offense?
Speak with Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson Today!
Tad Nelson is an experienced DWI defense lawyer in Houston. He focuses on achieving positive case outcomes for his clients. You might not be able to control an increase in insurance premiums. But you can certainly control whether you are convicted of a DWI or end up in jail for months.
Contact our firm to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Houston DWI defense lawyer.
