Texas DWI and insurance: How much does a DWI raise your insurance?

Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in Texas?

With a clean driving history, car insurance in Texas averages $2,043. After a DWI, the rate increases to $3,246, which is $1,203 more.

Auto insurance companies substantially increase premiums when they classify you as a high-risk driver. If you accumulate multiple DWIs, average rates escalate drastically to $4,369.

How much does a DWI raise your insurance in Texas?

The most affordable insurer after a DWI is GEICO, offering average annual rates of $2,854. The second-lowest option is State Farm, which costs $200 more than GEICO. Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) provides the third-cheapest car insurance rates for drivers with a DWI.

Driving under the influence is not only dangerous but also costly. You'll deal with massive fines and higher car insurance premiums for several years. Each insurer evaluates a DWI differently and sets its own rates, so it's important to compare quotes from multiple companies.

This table displays average car insurance rates for a driver with a DWI in Texas.

Company	Annual premium for clean records	Annual premium after a DUI	Annual premium after multiple DUIs
GEICO	$1,644	$2,854	$3,585
State Farm	$1,956	$3,054	$3,642
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)	$1,983	$3,274	$4,689
Nationwide	$1,502	$3,331	$4,691
Progressive	$3,032	$3,565	$4,572
Allstate	$2,941	$4,611	$6,925
Farmers	$4,127	$6,828	$8,749
USAA	$1,812	$2,738	$3,709

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PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Texas?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Texas, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and DWI will stay on your record for 10 years.

If someone gets a DWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

In most situations, insurance follows the vehicle rather than the driver, so your auto insurance rates won't increase because the DWI will not show up on your driving record.

However, your premiums may increase if your vehicle is involved in a crash resulting from a DWI. Your car may also be held as a crime scene after the incident, which means you won't be able to access it until the police have cleared it.

How long does a DWI affect your insurance in Texas?

Even though a DWI may remain on your driving record for life, it won't affect your insurance rates forever. In Texas, a DWI impacts car insurance and stays on your record for 10 years. Your premiums should begin to decrease after a few years of keeping a clean driving record without further violations.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a DWI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers typically pay higher car insurance rates than older, more seasoned drivers because they have less driving experience. While a DWI increases costs for everyone, a teen's premiums climb even more after a conviction. The average car insurance rate for a teen with a DWI is $6,094.

These are the cheapest companies after a DWI by age:

For teens: State Farm is the cheapest at $6,094.
For young adults: GEICO offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $2,947.
For adults: GEICO, with an average rate of $2,854.
For seniors: GEICO has the most affordable average rate at $2,735.

This table shows how a DWI affects car insurance rates based on age group.

Company	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
State Farm	$4,806	$6,094	$1,288	27%
GEICO	$3,652	$6,221	$2,569	70%
Nationwide	$5,530	$7,842	$2,312	42%
Allstate	$5,539	$9,207	$3,668	66%
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)	$6,077	$9,950	$3,873	64%
Progressive	$11,667	$12,018	$351	3%
State Farm	$4,806	$6,094	$1,288	27%
GEICO	$3,652	$6,221	$2,569	70%
Nationwide	$5,530	$7,842	$2,312	42%
Allstate	$5,539	$9,207	$3,668	66%
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)	$6,077	$9,950	$3,873	64%
Progressive	$11,667	$12,018	$351	3%
USAA	$3,648	$7,249	$3,601	99%
USAA	$3,648	$7,249	$3,601	99%

How much does a DWI raise your insurance in your city?

The cheapest city in Texas for car insurance with a DWI is Bowie, while the most expensive city is Houston at an average of $3,692. Where you live affects car insurance rates, regardless of a DWI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic rates and more vehicle thefts pay higher insurance rates since their cars are more likely to be damaged. Those higher rates are then raised significantly with a DWI.

This table shows the average car insurance rates after a DWI by city. Comparing rates in both large cities and rural areas can help you see how your location affects your premiums.

City	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Austin	$1,930	$3,071	$1,141	59%
Beaumont	$2,149	$3,434	$1,285	60%
Bishop	$1,925	$3,103	$1,178	61%
Bowie	$1,831	$2,914	$1,083	59%
Crystal City	$1,950	$3,068	$1,118	57%
Cypress	$2,062	$3,262	$1,200	58%
Dallas	$2,278	$3,608	$1,330	58%
Fort Worth	$2,030	$3,230	$1,200	59%
Frisco	$1,909	$3,068	$1,159	61%
Higgins	$2,004	$3,146	$1,142	57%
Houston	$2,317	$3,692	$1,375	59%
Irving	$2,153	$3,435	$1,282	60%
Kermit	$2,093	$3,305	$1,212	58%
Plano	$1,994	$3,203	$1,209	61%
San Antonio	$2,181	$3,470	$1,289	59%
Zavalla	$1,949	$3,090	$1,141	59%
Austin	$1,930	$3,071	$1,141	59%
Beaumont	$2,149	$3,434	$1,285	60%
Bishop	$1,925	$3,103	$1,178	61%
Bowie	$1,831	$2,914	$1,083	59%
Crystal City	$1,950	$3,068	$1,118	57%
Cypress	$2,062	$3,262	$1,200	58%
Dallas	$2,278	$3,608	$1,330	58%
Fort Worth	$2,030	$3,230	$1,200	59%
Frisco	$1,909	$3,068	$1,159	61%
Higgins	$2,004	$3,146	$1,142	57%
Houston	$2,317	$3,692	$1,375	59%
Irving	$2,153	$3,435	$1,282	60%
Kermit	$2,093	$3,305	$1,212	58%
Plano	$1,994	$3,203	$1,209	61%
San Antonio	$2,181	$3,470	$1,289	59%
Zavalla	$1,949	$3,090	$1,141	59%

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How to get car insurance after a DWI in Texas

Insurers will consider you a high-risk driver after a DWI, but you can still get car insurance. Finding the right coverage after a DWI conviction may take some extra effort.

If you already have car insurance and receive a DWI, your insurer will likely keep your policy active. However, your premiums will rise when it's time to renew.

If you need car insurance after a DWI or want to find the lowest rates, shop around for coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable policy in Texas since each insurer offers different rates after a DWI.

Texas DWI insurance requirements and penalties

A DWI in Texas means you must meet specific high-risk driver requirements. In Texas, this includes obtaining an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form your insurer submits to the state to verify that you carry at least the minimum car insurance required by law. While the SR-22 itself doesn't increase your rates, the offense that led to it does.

A DWI can lead to fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment and even jail time. Multiple offenses carry even harsher penalties. You may also have to pay attorney fees, towing charges and impound costs.

The table below highlights Texas DWI laws and the penalties for both first-time and repeat offenses.

Increased penalty for high BAC	Administrative license suspension after a first offense	Limited driving privileges during suspension	Ignition interlocks	Open container laws	Repeat offender laws
0.15	90 days for BAC 0.8 or greater, 180 days for refusal	Yes	Mandatory for repeat convictions and first time offenders with BAC greater than 0.15	Yes	Yes
0.15	90 days for BAC 0.8 or greater, 180 days for refusal	Yes	Mandatory for repeat convictions and first time offenders with BAC greater than 0.15	Yes	Yes

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*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DWI does your insurance go down?

A DWI impacts car insurance rates for at least three years, although the exact duration depends on the state. In some places, such as California, a DWI can influence your rates for up to 10 years.

Drivers in Texas can expect elevated car insurance rates after a DWI and expect it to stay on their record for 10 years.

Tips to save money after a DWI

A DWI can cost you thousands in fines, fees, and higher car insurance premiums. Fortunately, you can still take steps to reduce your rates after a DWI.

Ways Texas drivers can reduce car insurance costs after a DWI include:

Raising your deductible to lower your premium
Checking for discounts, such as multi-policy savings or vehicle safety feature discounts
Maintaining a clean driving record moving forward
Completing a defensive driving course
Working to improve your credit score
Comparing quotes from several insurers

Methodology

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
40-year-old driver
Honda Accord LX
Good credit
A clean driving record
12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

One and two DWI convictions
Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

Texas DWI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a DWI?

DWIs can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, depending on your state. Typically, a DWI stops affecting car insurance rates in three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a DWI in Texas?

Most insurers won't drop you after one DWI, but rates will increase significantly. However, multiple DWIs may cause your insurer to refuse coverage. The more risk you pose, the more challenging it is to get car insurance.