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Will a DWI affect my vehicle insurance?

On Behalf of | DUI/DWI |

Insurance is one of the biggest expenses that motorists face; especially young ones. Insurers set their premiums based on several factors such as age, experience and the vehicle you drive.

Something that can make your premiums increase is if you are convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI). A report by Bankrate.com found the average cost of car insurance in Texas pre-DWI was $2,613 and the average for the state after a DWI was $1,288 higher, at $3,901. Most people are going to find that a significant increase to deal with. They will have to cut back on other spending to keep their vehicle on the road legally.

If the DWI conviction came on the back of a crash – and the police will often test drivers for alcohol after a crash – the insurance might rise even more, because the crash would affect any no-claims bonus the driver had built up.

You might not even need vehicle insurance for a while

DWI convictions carry several penalties, one of which may be a license suspension. Most motorists are going to find being unable to drive their vehicle a major inconvenience. It could even affect their income if they rely on the car for work, and hence their ability to pay the insurance once the suspension expires.

Increases and suspensions are not foregone conclusions

What you need to remember if the police stop you and charge you with DWI is that there might be a way to contest the charge. If you can beat the charge you should not have to worry about insurance increases or license suspensions (unless you were involved in a crash where both could still result). Appropriate legal guidance can help you understand all your options.

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