Texas Car Insurance with a DUI

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

If you receive a DUI in Texas, your auto insurance is going to get more expensive — it's only a question of how large the penalty will be.


How will a DUI alter car insurance in Texas?


In Texas, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $762. That’s 44% less than the national average rate hike after a DUI.


CAR INSURANCE AFTER A DUI IN TEXAS — AVERAGE ANNUAL PENALTY
Location Avg. Annual Rate — without DUI Avg. Annual Rate — with DUI Avg. Increase After DUI
Texas $1,415 $2,178 +54%
United States $1,548 $2,556 +65%

Finding auto insurance in Texas with a DUI conviction


Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.


Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Texas

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Texas, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Texas, GEICO, advertises annual rates 16% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Texas is USAA, while the priciest firm is Allstate, with prices 71% above average.


CAR INSURANCE RATES WITH DUI IN TEXAS — BY INSURER
Insurance Company Avg. Annual Rate — After DUI
GEICO $1,831
USAA $1,842
State Farm $2,001

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Compare car insurance quotes online or reach out to an insurance agent to assess your choices and find a cost-effective policy.

Learn more about car insurance and DUI infractions.

Find DUI car insurance today!

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DWI penalties in Texas

There is no maximum DWI lookback period in Texas. Instead, all prior DWI convictions are taken into account when an impaired driver is sentenced for a DWI offense.

Penalties are enhanced when charged with DWI if a passenger under 15 years old is present.

First-time DWI offenses in Texas lead to:

  • Three to 180 days in jail
  • Up to $2,000 in fines
  • Loss of driver's license for up to a year
  • Possible requirement to attend a DWI Education Program
  • Possible requirement to install and use an ignition interlock device

A second DWI offense in Texas results in:

  • One month to one year in jail
  • Up to $4,000 in fines
  • Loss of driver's license for up to two years
  • Annual fee of $1,000 to $2,000 for three years to retain license
  • Possible requirement to attend a DWI Intervention Program
  • Possible requirement to install and use an IID

Third-time DWI offenders in Texas are subject to:

  • Two to 10 years in prison
  • $10,000 in fines
  • Loss of driver's license for up to two years
  • Annual fee of $1,000 to $2,000 for three years to retain license
  • Possible requirement to attend a DWI Intervention Program
  • Possible requirement to install and use an IID

DWI penalties for underage drinkers in Texas

Anyone under the age of 21 is considered a minor in Texas. Minors guilty of a DWI face penalties for repeated DWI offenses.

For a first-time underage DWI, offenders will:

  • Be fined up to $500
  • Perform 20 to 40 hours of community service
  • Receive a 30-day license suspension

A second underage DWI offense leads to:

  • Up to $500 in fines
  • 40 to 60 hours of community service
  • License suspension for 60 days

A third underage DWI offense in Texas results in:

  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • $500 to $2,000 in fines
  • License suspension for 180 days

Sources and references:

https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/traffic/safety/sober-safe/intoxication.html

https://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/automotive-law/dui.php

https://www.edgarsnyder.com/drunk-driving/driving-alcohol-laws/texas.html