Avoid Long-Term Financial Consequences With the Right Defense
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious criminal charge in Texas, and one that can follow a person long after they leave the courtroom. While jail time, fines, and license suspensions are often the most immediate concerns, one consequence many people underestimate is how a DWI conviction can affect car insurance rates.
In short, a DWI conviction in Texas almost always leads to significantly higher insurance premiums. The financial consequences can last for years, even for first-time offenders.
Understanding how and why insurance rates change after a DWI is important for anyone facing this charge. It highlights the broader impact of a conviction and reinforces the importance of securing an experienced DWI defense lawyer when the stakes are this high.
Why Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a DWI
Insurance companies base their premiums on risk. When someone is convicted of DWI, they are labeled a high-risk driver. From the insurer’s perspective, a person who drives while intoxicated is statistically more likely to cause an accident, which translates into more liability and higher payouts.
As a result, a DWI conviction can cause a driver’s insurance premiums to increase by 50% to 200% or more, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, insurance companies may cancel the policy altogether or choose not to renew it when it expires.
Even if coverage continues, the policyholder may be reclassified into a “non-standard” insurance market, where fewer companies offer coverage and costs are substantially higher.
SR-22 Requirement in Texas
One immediate effect of a DWI conviction is the requirement to file an SR-22 form with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Despite its name, an SR-22 is not insurance itself — it’s a certificate of financial responsibility that proves the driver is carrying the minimum required liability coverage.
This filing is mandatory for individuals with certain convictions, including those related to driving while intoxicated (DWI). Texas drivers must maintain an SR-22 on file for a period of two years from the date of conviction. Failing to do so can result in license suspension or delays in reinstatement.
Insurance companies typically charge an additional fee to file and maintain the SR-22. Some may not offer SR-22 filings at all, which means the driver must find a new insurer before being able to drive legally again.
How Long Do DWI Penalties Affect Insurance?
A single DWI conviction can affect car insurance rates in Texas for three to five years, depending on the insurer and the policy terms. However, some consequences last even longer.
For example:
- The SR-22 requirement remains in effect for a period of two years.
- Insurance underwriting reports (such as CLUE reports) may show a DWI-related rate increase for five years or more.
- Multiple convictions or enhanced charges, such as DWI with a child passenger or intoxication assault, may cause long-term classification as a high-risk driver.
Even after the rate increases begin to drop, drivers with a DWI conviction often face fewer coverage options, stricter policy conditions, and higher deductibles.
Other Financial Consequences of a DWI
The spike in insurance premiums is just one of many costs associated with a DWI conviction. While fines, court fees, and license reinstatement charges are commonly known, there are several other financial burdens that often accompany a DWI case.
Here are some of the costs Texas drivers may face after a conviction:
- License Reinstatement Fees: Required after a suspension, often including surcharge payments.
- DWI Education or Intervention Programs: Mandatory courses that come with registration fees.
- Ignition Interlock Device: In some cases, drivers are required to install and pay monthly fees for a breathalyzer system in their vehicle.
- Lost Wages: Time off work for court appearances, jail time, or license-related transportation issues.
- Transportation Alternatives: Rideshare, taxis, or public transit while a license is suspended.
Combined with increased insurance rates, the financial aftermath of a DWI conviction can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. These costs emphasize the importance of contesting the charge promptly and with the right legal representation.
Can Anything Be Done to Reduce the Insurance Impact?
Once a DWI conviction is on record, insurance consequences are difficult to avoid. However, the best strategy for protecting one’s record and finances is to avoid a conviction altogether.
An experienced DWI defense attorney can thoroughly evaluate the facts of the case, challenge improper traffic stops, question the accuracy of breath or blood tests, and negotiate for reduced charges or dismissals where possible. In some cases, a lawyer may be able to secure pretrial diversion or deferred adjudication, which can help protect a clean record and limit the impact on insurance.
Even when a conviction cannot be avoided, a strong legal strategy may help mitigate some of the long-term financial harm.
Contact A Texas DWI Defense Attorney in Austin Today
DWI charges in Texas aren’t just a legal problem — they’re a financial, personal, and reputational threat. Insurance companies are quick to penalize drivers with a DWI on their record, often for years after the case is closed.
That’s why it’s important to understand every consequence of a conviction — and take steps to protect your future.
At Botsford & Roark, we have been defending individuals against DWI and criminal charges in Austin and throughout Texas since 2007. Our attorneys understand how these cases impact more than just court outcomes, and they fight to protect what matters most.
Your reputation. Your future. Our fight. Don’t face a DWI charge alone. Contact us to schedule a free, private consultation with an Austin DWI lawyer who knows what it takes to get meaningful results for clients.
“Dude’s a shark.” — Aldashin, review for attorney Brian Roark, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐