If you’ve been charged with a DWI in Texas, you should not take these charges lightly as this offense has far-reaching consequences. One significant and overlooked repercussion is the substantial increase in car insurance rates. Please continue reading as we explore how a DWI conviction can impact your car insurance rates in Texas and why connecting with an adept Dallas DWI Lawyer can help protect your interests.
What Are the Penalties for a DWI in Texas?
In Texas, you are legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or greater. However, you can face a DWI charge with any amount of alcohol in your system if a police officer determines it has impacted your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
The penalties for driving while intoxicated in Texas are severe. All DWI offenses carry jail time, including for first-time offenders. Upon a conviction, you may be subjected to a minimum of three days in jail with the potential for up to one year if charged with a Class A misdemeanor. You could also lose your driver’s license for up to one year and face fines of up to $4,000.
How Will a DWI Conviction Impact My Car Insurance Rates?
A DWI conviction carries severe consequences that extend beyond the immediate legal penalties. It’s important to understand that insurance companies view DWI convictions as major red flags that indicate a heightened risk of future accidents. As a result, they will raise your premiums significantly to offset this perceived risk. In some cases, the increase can be so dramatic that it can be unaffordable.
In Texas, there is no “look-back” period for driving while intoxicated. This means a conviction will stay on your record and will not be expunged. That said, a DWI conviction will continue to impact your insurance rates long after legal proceedings have concluded and your sentence is completed. Even if you manage to secure a new insurance provider, you will likely be classified as a high-risk driver, resulting in higher premiums than those with clean driving records. This financial burden can be long-lasting, adding to the already significant costs associated with a DWI conviction.
You should note that alongside increased insurance rates those convicted of a DWI are required to obtain SR-22 insurance. This is a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate, which verifies that you are maintaining motor vehicle liability insurance. Essentially, it demonstrates that you are carrying the minimum coverage required for motorists with DWIs. You are required to maintain this coverage for two years beginning from the date of the conviction. If it is terminated or lapses, you will lose your driving privileges.
Given the high stakes, it’s in your best interest to retain the legal services of an experienced lawyer from Spangler Law. We are prepared to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Connect with our firm today to learn more about what we can do for you during these tough times.
