Cheap DUI Insurance in Texas Today
We can help you find affordable DWI or DUI insurance,
even with an SR‑22
Finding Low‑Cost DUI Insurance in Texas is Easy with Freeway
Being convicted of a DWI or DUI can be very traumatic and expensive. You’ve made a mistake – it happens. But you still need to drive to take your kids to school and to get yourself to work. In order to legally drive, you must have car insurance in the state of Texas. Don’t make matters worse by choosing to drive illegally.
Trying to find cheap car insurance after you’ve spent a fortune on court costs, fines, fees and an attorney may seem out of reach. But we can help you find insurance that will fit into your budget – even if you have a Texas SR‑22 requirement.
At Freeway Insurance, we are well equipped to help you find auto insurance you can afford. We can help you navigate through the process and ensure that you meet the insurance policy requirements set by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
How Much Does a DUI Cost in Texas?
After all costs have been added up, the average cost of car insurance and fees is between $12,000 and $25,000. Like the Texas advertising campaign says: DWI – you can’t afford it! These DWI/DUI costs include:
- Bail
- Towing/Impound Fees
- Attorney fees
- Fines
- DWI Classes
- License Reinstatement
- Increased Car Insurance
- Ignition Interlock Device
The Difference Between DUI and DWI in Texas
The Texas penal code differentiates between adults and minors who are caught driving impaired.
- A DWI Conviction (Driving While Intoxicated) is applied to drivers over the age of 21 who have a BAC > 0.08. This is a misdemeanor for the first two times (unless there are mitigating factors) and a felony after that.
- Drivers between the ages of 17 and 21 who are found to have any alcohol in their system may be charged with DWI by a minor.
- A DUI conviction (Driving Under the Influence) is used for drivers under the age of 17 with any alcohol in their system.
How Much is Insurance after a DUI or DWI in TX?
You can expect to see an average rate of increase at 74‑85% over the cost of regular car insurance even if you have a clean driving record.
After a DWI or DUI conviction, insurance costs will increase. Insurance companies will typically double or even triple insurance premiums. Some insurers will cancel your policy, considering you too risky to insure. In most cases, the state DMV insurance requirements include having a SR‑22 certificate on file. This is why many people refer to insurance for drivers after a DUI as SR-22 liability insurance.
At this point, you may be searching for Texas DWI/DUI insurance or SR-22 insurance in Texas.
How Long Will a DUI Affect My Car Insurance in Texas?
At the minimum, two years. That’s how long an SR‑22 stays on record in Texas. However, most auto insurers look back at least three years – and sometimes, for a high‑risk driver – five years. Keep in mind that in Texas, your DWI/DUI stays on your driving record for life.
Insurance providers who specialize in insuring high‑risk individuals, like those convicted of a DWI/DUI, may market DWI/DUI insurance as an accessible and affordable option for high‑risk drivers. Many newly established insurance providers offer this line of coverage to help drivers get back on the road and on with their lives, so make sure you do your research to find the best car insurance rates for you.
Or better yet, let Freeway’s bilingual and licensed agents do the research for. We’ll search many companies and come up with some options for you to choose from that you can afford.
Is DWI or DUI a Felony in Texas?
A DWI or DUI in Texas is a felony if it is your third or more, if there was a minor in the car or if you were involved in an accident that involved injury or death.
Know the Law about Texas DWI or DUI
- Adult drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or more are considered legally intoxicated and can be arrested for driving while intoxicated. Drivers under the age of 21 will be cited and possibly arrested for any amount of alcohol in their system.
- You have the right to refuse a BAC breath test. However, depending on the circumstances, a warrant may be obtained to force you to submit to either a breath test or a blood draw. Refusing to be tested may be used against you in court and may result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
- You have the right to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing with the DMV within 15 days of the receipt of suspension.
Getting Texas DUI Insurance or DWI Insurance in Texas
Texas drivers who have received a DWI/DUI will need to regain their license and find an insurance provider that covers those with DWI/DUI. Follow these steps to get back on the road.
- Obtain an SR‑22 — SR‑22s are completed through an insurer who is willing to assign you a policy. A Texas SR‑22 is a notification to the state DMV that you carry at least the minimum insurance.
- Enroll in DWI school — DWI school benefits are state‑dependent. If allowed, completing a sanctioned course can reduce your points. Many states do not allow taking a class to minimize penalties and points from DWI/DUI convictions.
- Obtain affordable auto coverage — A requirement of the SR‑22, finding an affordable insurer is possible. However, your new premiums could be much higher, as much as 80%‑100% higher.
- Install an ignition interlock device in your car — Many states require that you install an ignition interlock device to ensure you only operate your vehicle while sober.
When You’re Pulled Over for a DWI or DUI in Texas
When you’re pulled over, police will follow a standard procedure to determine if you’re driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The Police Stop You — Initially, when pulled over, police will have stopped you for suspicious driving, like swerving, or because you’ve violated some traffic rule, like a busted taillight. If they pulled you over with no reasonable cause, you could bring a motion to suppress, which may result in the case being thrown out.
- The Police Approach — As the police approach your car, they will make observations. They will note the vehicle’s conditions, smells emanating from it, and the driver and passengers’ behavior. They will ask you for your license and insurance, and they will also ask other questions to determine if you’ve had any drinks. They are determining your state and whether they should search your car.
- Vehicle Search — If the police smell drugs or alcohol, they have the right to inspect your vehicle, including the trunk and glove box.
- Standardized FST Battery (Field Sobriety Tests) — At this point, if the police suspect drunk driving, they will ask the driver to perform some basic field sobriety tests: horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk and turn, and one‑leg standing. Research suggests that these three FSTs are enough to determine when someone is above a BAC of 0.01%.
- Breathalyzer Test — If the officer is sufficiently convinced that the driver is intoxicated, they will facilitate a breathalyzer test. You do not have to submit to this test, but if you do not, you will probably have your driver’s license suspended under “implied consent” laws. If you are arrested, a warrant may be executed to force you to take a BAC breath test or blood draw. In many states, refusing the breathalyzer test can mean license suspension or arrest.
- Arrest, Detention, Release — At this point, you can be arrested for DWI if you are over 21 and DUI if you are under 21. You will be charged immediately and taken to jail. Your license will be suspended, and you will be provided a temporary one. Your car will be impounded. Then you will stay in jail until released by court order or bailed out.
Penalties for DWI in Texas
Penalties for driving under the influence in Texas are steep. If convicted, you may face fees, fines, jail time, license suspension, and probation. It’s important to note that a DWI/DUI charge associated with injury or death can elevate your offense to a felony, resulting in more significant penalties, extended jail or prison time, and the creation of a criminal record as a high-risk driver.
Driving Under the Influence Under 21
Texas is a zero‑tolerance state, and if you are under 21 and found driving with a BAC of 0.01%, you can be convicted of a DWI or DUI. First‑time offenders will at minimum have their license suspended for up to a year plus a $500 fine. As BAC increases above certain limits, 0.05% and 0.08%, penalties become more severe. They can result in an adult misdemeanor DWI charge, up to 6 months in jail, fines, and be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID). Subsequently, further offenses can lead to more significant penalties.
Driving While Intoxicated Over 21
Those over the age of 21 will be charged with DWI and the following penalties apply.
| Texas DWI Offenses | Penalties |
|---|---|
| 1st DWI offense (misdemeanor) | Jail: 72 hours to 12 months jail |
| 2nd DWI offense (misdemeanor) | Jail: 30 days to 1 year in jail |
| 3rd DWI offense (felony) | Jail: 2-10 year in jail |
| DWI with Child Passenger (felony) |
Jail: 180 days to 2 years state prison |
| 1st Offense Refuse Sobriety Test | License: suspended 180 days |
| 2nd Offense Refuse Sobriety Test | License: suspended two years |
Have a DWI or DUI in Texas? Get a Low‑Cost Car Insurance Quote for Texas Today!
Don’t get held responsible for substantial out‑of‑pocket medical expenses and car repair bills that often result from driving without insurance. A quality policy from Freeway is an inexpensive way to protect yourself from any unexpected expenses that would drain your bank account. Get started with a quote online, visit us at a Texas office near you, or call an insurance agent at 800‑777‑5620 for more information.