Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in Texas?
Yes. If you get a DWI in Texas, your car insurance rates will go up because insurers see you as a higher risk. If you have a clean record, the average rate is $3,106. After one DWI, the average rate jumps to $5,137, an increase of $2,031.
Car insurance companies charge much higher rates if you are proven to be a risky driver. If you have multiple DWIs, average rates dramatically increase to $6,762.
How much does a DWI raise your insurance in Texas?
The cheapest insurer after a DWI is Progressive, with rates averaging $3,680. The next cheapest insurer is State Farm, a difference of $253 from Progressive. GEICO has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a DWI.
Not only is driving under the influence dangerous, but it's also expensive. You'll face hefty fines and increased car insurance rates for years. However, every company weighs a DWI differently and offers different rates, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential.
This table shows average car insurance rates after a DWI in Texas.
| Company | Annual premium for clean records | Annual premium after a DUI | Annual premium after multiple DUIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $3,105 | $3,680 | $4,664 |
| State Farm | $2,445 | $3,933 | $4,737 |
| GEICO | $2,625 | $4,741 | $6,010 |
| Allstate | $4,484 | $7,078 | $10,674 |
| Farmers | $6,136 | $8,289 | $9,046 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $3,398 | $8,732 | $13,625 |
| USAA | $2,076 | $4,017 | $4,808 |
People ask
What happens when you get a DWI in Texas?
If you're convicted of a DWI in Texas, the consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, and car insurance rates will increase for Lifetime.
If someone gets a DWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?
If someone else gets a DWI while driving your car, it goes on their record, not yours. However, your insurance could still be affected if they cause an accident and you file a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. or if they regularly drive your vehicle but weren't listed on the policy.
Your insurance covers your car when someone else drives it with your permission, but violations like DWIs stay with the driver who committed them.
Additionally, your car can be declared a crime scene after an accident, so you won't have access to your vehicle until the police are ready.
How long does a DWI affect your insurance in Texas?
A DWI affects your car insurance rates in Texas for about Lifetime. However, the DWI may stay on your official driving record longer. Your rates will start to go down after a few years if you avoid new violations and keep continuous coverage.
Insurance companies check your driving record when setting your rates. Each company has its own rules for how long it considers a DWI.
If you keep a clean record, your rates should gradually decrease. Still, the exact timing depends on your insurer, state rules, and your overall driving history.
People ask
Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DWI?
It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DWI, 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 DWI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates..
How much does a DWI raise insurance by age group?
Younger drivers pay higher insurance rates than mature drivers since they lack experience behind the wheel. While a DWI increases rates significantly, younger drivers' car insurance rates skyrocket after a conviction. The average cost of car insurance for a teen with a DWI is $8,048.
These are the cheapest companies after a DWI by age:
- For teens: State Farm is the cheapest at $8,048.
- For young adults: State Farm offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $4,329.
- For adults: Progressive, with an average rate of $3,680.
- For seniors: Progressive has the most affordable average rate at $3,068.
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 | $6,244 | $8,048 | $1,804 | 29% |
| GEICO | $6,341 | $11,065 | $4,724 | 74% |
| Progressive | $14,775 | $15,273 | $498 | 3% |
| Allstate | $9,144 | $15,274 | $6,130 | 67% |
| Farmers | $18,050 | $21,909 | $3,859 | 21% |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $9,022 | $23,190 | $14,168 | 157% |
| USAA | $5,664 | $8,884 | $3,220 | 57% |
How much does a DWI raise your insurance in your city?
A DWI will affect your insurance differently depending on your city in Texas. Corpus Christi has the lowest average rate, while Dallas has the highest at $5,652, largely due to local risk factors. Insurers consider traffic levels, accident frequency, theft rates, weather risks and repair costs when setting premiums.
This table shows average DWI car insurance rates by city. Compare rates in large cities to rural areas to see how your location impacts rates.
| City | Annual premium for clean record | Annual premium after a DUI | Dollar increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corpus Christi | $2,929 | $4,846 | $1,917 | 65% |
| San Antonio | $2,986 | $4,908 | $1,922 | 64% |
| Plano | $2,982 | $4,922 | $1,940 | 65% |
| Lubbock | $3,066 | $5,001 | $1,935 | 63% |
| Fort Worth | $3,049 | $5,027 | $1,978 | 65% |
| Arlington | $3,049 | $5,044 | $1,995 | 65% |
| Austin | $3,088 | $5,103 | $2,015 | 65% |
| El Paso | $3,191 | $5,358 | $2,167 | 68% |
| Houston | $3,333 | $5,479 | $2,146 | 64% |
| Dallas | $3,426 | $5,652 | $2,226 | 65% |
How to get car insurance after a DWI in Texas
Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver, but you can still get car insurance after a DWI in Texas. You can stay with your current insurer or look for companies that cover high-risk drivers. Start by checking if you need to file any state forms, then compare quotes from several insurers.
If you have car insurance and get a DWI, your insurer will probably continue to offer coverage. However, your rates will increase on renewal.
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 requirements for high-risk drivers. In Texas, you will need an SR-22. A DWI can lead to fines, a driver's license suspension, car impoundment, and jail time. Multiple offenses have more severe penalties. Additionally, you may have to pay lawyer fees, towing charges, and impound fees.
The table below indicates Texas DWI laws and penalties based on first and subsequent offenses.
| Increased penalty for high BAC | 0.15 |
| Administrative license suspension after a first offense | 90 days for BAC 0.8 or greater, 180 days for refusal |
| Limited driving privileges during suspension | Yes |
| Ignition interlocks | Mandatory for repeat convictions and first time offenders with BAC greater than 0.15 |
| Open container laws | Yes |
| Repeat offender laws | Yes |
*BAC is blood alcohol concentration
How long after a DWI does your insurance go down?
A DWI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, but it may be longer depending on the carrierAn insurance carrier is the company that provides your car insurance policy and pays claims.. Rates may decline at each renewal after the DWI, as long as you have no additional violations.
Keeping continuous coverage and avoiding further violations will help your rates improve over time.
Even after your insurer stops factoring in the DWI, it may still appear on your driving record.
Review your policy and compare quotes at each renewal to find better rates over time.
Tips to save money after a DWI
You can save money after a DWI by actively managing your policy and improving your risk profile. The most effective ways include comparing quotes from multiple insurers, increasing your deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim., maintaining a clean driving record, and taking advantage of available discounts.
While your rates will remain higher for a period, these steps can significantly reduce how much you pay over time.
- Raise your deductible to lower rates
- Look for car insurance discounts, like multi-policy and vehicle safety feature savings
- Keep your driving record clean going forward
- Take a defensive driving course
- Improve your credit score
- Compare rates from multiple companies
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., through our data partner, Quadrant Information Services. National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.
Base rate averages are based on our full coverage data setand the following parameters:
- 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:
- Ages ranging from 16 to 75
- Rates after a DWI
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.
Do you need an SR-22 after a DWI in Texas?
Yes, you need an SR-22 after a DWI in Texas to prove that you carry the state's minimum required insurance coverage. Your insurance company files the form on your behalf. While the filing fee is small, your overall insurance rates will likely increase significantly due to the DWI conviction.
Can you get full coverage car insurance after a DWI?
Yes, you can get full coverage car insurance after a DWI, but it will generally cost more, and fewer insurers may be willing to offer it. Full coverage includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Comparing quotes from several companies can help you find the best coverage at a more affordable rate.
Compare Texas DUI car insurance rates with other states
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