DUI Car Insurance in Texas — Affordable Coverage After a DUI

What Happens if I Get a DUI in Texas?

The State of Texas considers a driver to be intoxicated if the driver's blood alcohol level reaches 0.08 or higher. If you meet this criterion when pulled over by a police officer in the State of Texas, you will face severe penalties depending on whether the violation is a first or subsequent offense.

 • First Offense: You will pay up to a $2,000 fine, spend a mandatory minimum of 3 days or up to 180 days in jail, and lose your driver's license for up to a year.

 • Second Offense: You will pay up to a $4,000 fine, serve one month to one year of jail time, and lose your driver's license for up to two years.

 • Third Offense: You will pay a $10,000 fine, serve 2-10 years in prison, and lose your driver's license for up to two years.

In addition to these penalties, the State of Texas will assess additional fines of up to $6,000 once you are sentenced, as well as restoration fees to reinstate your driver's license.

Your punishment will be even more severe if you are driving with an open container driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs while driving with a child passenger.

The State of Texas takes drunk driving very seriously. It may require that you complete an alcohol education program, which is a 12-hour program for a first-time offender or a 32-hour program for a repeat DUI offender. In addition, you may have to install a device in your vehicle called an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). This device requires that you breathe into it before the vehicle's ignition can be turned on. If your blood alcohol limit exceeds the allowable amount, the car will not start.

How Long is a DUI Going to be on My Driving Record?

Drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are not practicing defensive driving, and they impact the safety of the public because they are driving while impaired. The risk of an impaired driver causing a severe accident that could result in injury or death for innocent people is high. In addition, an insurance claim that results from such an accident can have grave financial consequences for the people involved. This is why the State of Texas and auto insurance carriers penalize DUI drivers so heavily.

A DUI will impact your car insurance rates for up to five years or more on most car insurance policies. Car insurance companies all have an established "underwriting period," which is the period of time that they will charge you for a violation or accident after it occurs. Though a typical underwriting period is 3-5 years, some car insurance carriers will carry major violations like a DUI on your policy longer, especially if you have additional violations on your motor vehicle record.

How Does a DUI Affect Car Insurance?

Car insurance after a DUI can be tricky. Once your car insurance provider is notified of your DUI, you can expect your insurance premium to increase, or your company may even decide to cancel or non-renew your policy. Car Insurance companies do not take major violations like a DUI lightly, and only a handful of them offer coverage to drivers with a DUI on their driving record.

Car insurance companies assess your level of risk using your driving history and other things, such as the type of vehicle you drive, your annual mileage, your credit score, etc., before offering you a rate for your auto insurance. High-risk drivers like those with a DWI/DUI violation are drivers that a lot of insurance companies will not offer coverage to.

If an insurer does offer auto insurance coverage to a DWI/DUI driver, your rate will not be cheap. Every carrier is different, as are their rates for a DUI driver, but you can expect that your auto insurance rate will jump significantly.

After a DUI, the State of Texas may require that you obtain an SR-22 unless you have an acceptable car insurance policy in place with the minimum required liability limits required by the State of Texas when you receive the violation. 

Texas law requires drivers to carry at least 30/60/25 liability coverage. It means $30,000 of coverage per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. You are required to meet these minimum limits for driving legally. However, a minimum coverage may not fully protect you. 

For instance, if you cause an accident and exceed your limits, you must pay the remaining costs yourself. Here are a few ways to lower your car insurance premium after getting a DUI:

• Choose Better Protection

You can adjust deductibles to lower your premium and keep the coverage affordable. However, you should consider higher liability limits for better financial protection. 

If you finance or lease your car, then you need to carry full coverage. It includes comprehensive car insurance and collision insurance. These help to cover the damage to your vehicle. 

• Shop Smart After DUI

After a DUI, compare multiple insurers to find the best deal. 

At A-MAX Insurance, we can help you explore insurance after DUI options from multiple carriers. This can help you get the best affordable coverage that you need. 

• Balance Cost and Quality

Make sure that you are not just choosing an insurance policy based only on the price. You need to research each company carefully. The rates vary a lot, so select a provider that offers reliable support and meets the minimum requirements of Texas.

Why Choose A-MAX Insurance for Getting DUI Insurance in Texas?

Wondering where to get DUI Insurance in Texas? Finding the cheapest car insurance with a DUI should not be a challenge. At A-MAX Insurance, we specialize in helping Texas drivers secure affordable coverage regardless of their driving record.

We help you compare auto insurance options for high-risk drivers at multiple carriers to find you the most competitive rates and provide quick SR-22 filing options. 

FAQs About DUI Insurance in Texas

Q1: What are the consequences of getting a DUI in Texas?

A: If you are ticketed by a police officer in the State of Texas for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, you will face hefty penalties, including fines, suspension of your driving privileges, and possibly jail time.

Q2: How long will my DUI stay on my driving record?

A: A DUI violation will stay on your driving record for at least five years from the date you were ticketed or the date you were convicted.

Q3: Can I get cheap car insurance coverage after a DUI?

A: A DUI conviction will inevitably raise the cost of your auto liability insurance and may even result in the cancellation or non-renewal of your car insurance policy. Insurance after a DUI can be expensive, but A-MAX can help you find the cheapest car insurance companies that can offer you car insurance after a DUI.