Dealing with Higher Auto Insurance Premiums After a DWI
At The Law Offices of Jason Trumpler, P.C., we always take great care with regard to helping our clients through all phases of the legal process. This includes the aftermath of a DWI case and how to move forward. This approach makes us one of the the leading DWI defense law firms in Austin.
After a drunk driving charge, you can take a major hit when it comes to your auto insurance rates. Let's take a moment to go over changes to car insurance after a drunk driving charge.
How Auto Insurance Premiums Are Affected by a DWI
After a drunk driving conviction, many people experience a rise in their auto insurance premiums. When determining the cost of car insurance, companies will have to assess the risk of the driver. A drunk driving charge on your record means that you are a much higher risk of causing auto accidents.
Looking at statistics, it's estimated that roughly 30 people die every day as a result of an alcohol-related accident. According to numbers from the Centers fro Disease Control (CDC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 31 percent of auto collisions in the year 2013 involved alcohol in some way, causing the deaths of 10,076 people. The cost of alcohol-related accidents each year totals north of $59 billion.
How much will my auto insurance premiums be raised?
The risk that a driver poses will have to take into account a number of factors, such as the nature of the drunk driving conviction, the circumstances of the case, previous traffic violations, and so forth. Your credit score, occupation, age, location, and type of car can also have an impact on your auto insurance premiums.
While there is no average number for this, people who have a drunk driving charge on their record can expect their insurance premiums to increase by hundreds of dollars.
Can I drive legally without auto insurance in Texas?
No.
Auto insurance is required in order to operate a vehicle in the state of Texas.
SR-22: Forms to File After a DWI
An SR-22 form is a document that is used to verify that a person does in fact have auto insurance. The "SR" stands for "safety responsibility." The SR-22 is not an insurance policy itself, but it is evidence that an insurance policy is in place. The form is typically prepared by an insurance company and then filed with the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The SR-22 is generally required when a person is attempting to reinstate their driver's license, which is common following a drunk driving charge or other kinds of criminal conviction related to a motor vehicle.
How a DWI Attorney Can Help in These Cases
A drunk driving charge can have many different impacts on your life and your livelihood. Knowing how to proceed following an arrest or DWI charge can be difficult and overwhelming given everything else that may be on your plate. That's where having skilled attorneys on your side can make all the difference. By working with our legal team, you receive all the information that you need to make smart choices moving forward after your DWI charge.
Speak with a Skilled Drunk Driving Attorney
For more information about your legal options following a drunk driving charge, it's important that you contact a drunk driving defense attorney today. We at The Law Offices of Jason Trumpler, P.C. will work with you in your time of legal need, discussing all options in full detail.
