By Jeff Kennedy
If you were convicted of a DWI, your car insurance rate will increase. If you were not found guilty, or you ended up with reduced charges or probation, your rate will vary based on what shows on your record.
How Much Will Your Car Insurance Increase?
In Texas, a DWI or DUI will raise your car insurance premium substantially, with estimates ranging between 10% to almost 80%. Worse case scenario is your insurance company cancelling your policy.
Why? Look at it from the insurer’s perspective: If you hurt or kill someone because you were drinking and driving, the insurance company will be forced to pay a large settlement to whomever you harmed. When you get a DWI, the insurer sees all the risks associated with another potential DWI .
There are several factors car insurance companies take into consideration when they calculate a rate
- Driving Record
- City of residence
- Your Age
- Type of Coverage
- Your credit score.
How Long Will It Take Before My Rates Come Down Again?
After a DWI You Need A SR-22 Insurance Certificate
Texas state requires anyone convicted of a DWI to obtain a form which outlines financial responsibility called the SR-22. This is not a form of insurance, it is a certificate of financial responsibility that gets added to an auto insurance policy because you are now a high-risk driver. You can learn more here at the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Texas Department of Public Safety will use this certificate to verify you are insured, which is reported when you submit your SR-22 to an insurance company. If your SR-22 expired or somehow becomes invalid, the insurance company will report the status to the state of Texas.
Ways To Reduce The Impact On Insurance
Here are a few tips you can follow in order to reduce the amount of insurance you will pay after a DWI conviction.
- Shop Around: Get multiple estimates, from companies and use online services to help you shop around.
- Maintain a Clean Record: Keep your driving record clean, and do not get another DWI, You need to build a safer driving history.
- Defensive Driving Courses: Some companies will reduce your rates if you complete certain classes.
- Consult with an Attorney: Get your record sealed or expunged so the insurance companies can no longer see the DWI on your record.
Avoiding A Conviction Is The Only Way To Avoid Higher Rates
If you are facing a DWI right now, and you have not gone through all of the motions or plead guilty, you need to contact a criminal defense lawyer like Jeff C. Kennedy. He can help you negotiate down the charge to a lesser charge, get you probation and many other options are available. His goal is to help you avoid a conviction and that will help you avoid all of the consequences like increase insurance premiums, and the following:
- Loss of driving privileges
- Loss of job or difficulty finding a job
- Embarrassment
- Community service
- Fines and DWI-related expenses
- Possible >jail or prison time
- Probation
- Alcohol treatment classes
- >Ignition interlock device
Get in Contact with a Fort Worth DWI Attorney
Now you know how a Fort Worth DWI could affect your car insurance. It’s good that you understand these consequences because you probably want to make informed decisions about fighting a DWI charge. Contact a DWI attorney at >The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy> to learn about your defense options. Call 817-605-1010 or fill out the form below to reach us.