DWI Insurance Consequences

Understanding how DWI convictions affect auto insurance rates, coverage options, and SR-22 requirements in Texas.

Immediate Insurance Impact

Most insurance companies will cancel your policy within 30 days of a DWI conviction. You'll need to find new coverage immediately to maintain legal driving status.

SR-22 Insurance Requirements

What is SR-22?

SR-22 is not insurance itself, but a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry the minimum required auto insurance.

SR-22 Features:
  • Filed directly with Texas DPS by insurer
  • Required for license reinstatement
  • Must maintain continuously
  • Lapses result in immediate license suspension
  • Required for 2 years minimum
  • Costs $15-25 filing fee annually
SR-22 Requirements
Texas Minimum Coverage:
  • Bodily Injury: $30,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury: $60,000 per accident
  • Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
Recommended Higher Limits:
  • 100/300/100 coverage levels
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage
  • Uninsured motorist protection
  • Higher limits for asset protection

Insurance Rate Increases

Time Period Rate Increase Average Annual Cost Notes
Years 1-2 150-300% increase $2,500-$4,500 Highest impact period
Years 3-5 100-200% increase $2,000-$3,500 Gradual improvement
Years 6-10 50-100% increase $1,500-$2,500 Significant improvement
10+ Years 0-25% increase $800-$1,500 Near normal rates
*Rates vary by company, location, and individual factors

Finding Insurance After DWI

High-Risk Insurance Companies
Companies That Accept DWI Drivers:
  • The General
  • SafeAuto
  • Progressive
  • Acceptance Insurance
  • Dairyland Insurance
  • Bristol West
  • National General
  • Titan Insurance
Note: Availability and rates vary by location and individual circumstances.
Shopping Tips
Getting the Best Rates:
  • Get quotes from multiple companies
  • Consider higher deductibles to lower premiums
  • Ask about defensive driving discounts
  • Bundle with other insurance types
  • Maintain continuous coverage
  • Improve credit score
  • Consider usage-based insurance programs
  • Work with specialized brokers

Factors Affecting Insurance Rates

Personal Factors
  • Age and gender
  • Driving experience
  • Credit score
  • Marital status
  • Employment status
  • Education level
  • Previous insurance history
  • Vehicle type and value
DWI-Specific Factors
  • BAC level at arrest
  • Number of prior offenses
  • Accident involvement
  • Property damage amount
  • Injury to others
  • Refusal to test
  • Time since conviction
  • Completion of treatment programs
Geographic Factors
  • State insurance laws
  • Local crime rates
  • Traffic density
  • Weather patterns
  • Court system severity
  • Available coverage options
  • Competition among insurers
  • State insurance regulations

Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance

When You Don't Own a Vehicle:

If you don't own a car but need SR-22 filing to maintain or reinstate your license, non-owner insurance provides the required coverage.

Benefits:
  • Less expensive than standard policy
  • Maintains license status
  • Provides coverage when driving borrowed cars
  • Prevents gaps in insurance history
  • Easy to obtain
Limitations:
  • No coverage for owned vehicles
  • Secondary coverage only
  • Limited comprehensive/collision options
  • May not cover rental cars
  • Some restrictions on vehicle types

Impact on Other Insurance Types

Limited Impact: DWI convictions generally don't affect existing life insurance policies, but may increase premiums for new policies or during renewal periods. Some insurers may require medical exams or substance abuse assessments.

Generally No Impact: DWI convictions typically don't affect health insurance coverage or premiums. However, substance abuse treatment may be subject to different coverage rules or prior authorization requirements.

Potential Impact: New disability insurance applications may be affected, especially if alcohol abuse is considered a factor. Existing policies generally remain unaffected unless alcohol-related disability occurs.

Money-Saving Strategies

Immediate Actions
  • Shop with multiple high-risk insurers
  • Consider higher deductibles
  • Drop collision coverage on older vehicles
  • Take defensive driving courses
  • Improve credit score
  • Bundle with other insurance policies
  • Pay premiums in full vs monthly
  • Maintain continuous coverage
Long-term Strategies
  • Complete alcohol treatment programs
  • Install ignition interlock (if required)
  • Maintain clean driving record
  • Consider usage-based insurance
  • Build positive insurance history
  • Drive less expensive vehicles
  • Move to lower-cost insurance areas
  • Wait for conviction to age off record

Need Help with DWI Insurance Issues?

Understanding insurance requirements and finding affordable coverage after DWI can be complex. Get professional guidance to protect your driving privileges.

Get Attorney Referral Post-Conviction Guide