DUIs in Austin come with a wide range of penalties. These include fines, jail time, license suspension, and all sorts of effects on car insurance. At Stephen Bowling DWI and Defense Attorneys, we’ll study the details surrounding your DUI case in hopes of getting charges dropped or downgraded. Read on for more information about how receiving a DUI negatively affects your car insurance.
DUIs in Austin Lead to License Suspension
Before you even have to deal with increases in insurance, a DUI charge will lead to a license suspension. The amount of time the license is suspended depends on whether it is a first, second, or third offense. In Texas, a license will be suspended for at least 90 days following a DUI charge.
Car Insurance Premiums Increase
A DUI charge will automatically increase your monthly insurance premium. This can be very difficult for many people, as automobile insurance is already a costly monthly expense. The amount your insurance will increase depends on many factors, including your insurance company and your past record.
Points on Insurance
Insurance points are added to your driving record when incidents such as moving violations or DUIs occur in Austin. A DUI is considered a “major violation,” and the points last much longer than those for simpler traffic violations. More points lead to higher insurance premiums. Also, if you are applying for insurance, the company will look at how many points you have to determine whether they want to cover you and what your premium will be.
SR-22 Due to DUIs in Austin
Getting a DUI also may set off the requirement that you must file an SR-22. An SR-22 is an add-on to insurance policies for those who are considered to have high-risk insurance policies. Some states will not reinstate your driver’s license without an SR-22. The SR-22 is not a separate policy, but is evidence of a policy. If a driver stops paying their premiums, the SR-22 will be canceled.
DUIs in Austin come with harsh consequences. Once you are done dealing with a license suspension, then you will have to deal with increased insurance premiums, points on your insurance, and getting an SR-22. The path after a DUI is not easy. Fortunately, Stephen Bowling is here to help. We will comb through your case, searching for any pieces of evidence that will help during your trial. Our goal is to get your charges dropped or downgraded so that the penalties will be lessened. If you or someone you know has received a DUI, contact us today for more information about the process and how it can affect car insurance plans.
