For How Long Can Your DWI Case Affect Your Auto Insurance?

DWI charges can affect your insurance rates in several ways. They could result in higher premiums and an increase in the deductible, leading to cancellation or denial of your insurance. Understanding how these changes will impact you is an essential step for anyone charged with DWI violations.

It is important to note that your insurance company won’t automatically raise your rates, cancel your policy, or deny you coverage due to DWI charges. However, there are ways in which these charges could negatively impact you.

Effects of a DWI on Auto Insurance 

A DWI charge can result in a permanent suspension of your license in Dallas. If the judge orders you to pay a hefty fine and complete other requirements, the court order may permanently suspend your license after serving a specific period. This could mean you cannot re-apply and drive for many years.

The suspension of your license can strongly impact the car insurance policy, given that you will not be driving any vehicle on the road. For instance, if you have an auto insurance policy with a $100,000 in liability limits and are charged with DWI and are given a period of suspension, your insurance company may decide to cancel the policy.

It will be considered a preexisting condition as an order from a judge has already triggered it. Therefore, if your policy is canceled due to this incident, it will not be reissued for many years.

Impact of DUI/DWI on Costs and Coverage

There can also be a negative impact on your insurance policy because of the terms and conditions of your policy. For example, if you have been found guilty of DWI, it can lead to a higher deductible that you will also have to pay. With a DWI on record, the company may decide you are unsuitable for purchasing their insurance due to your past court charges.

In other words, if you have been charged with DWI in the past, then it could mean that you will receive a lower rate or premium for your coverage, and it is possible that an increased deductible could be included as well. Additionally, your insurance policy can end up being canceled, and the company will no longer insure you if you have lost your license.

How Long Does DUI Last?

If this is your first time receiving a DWI offense, the record can remain on your driving record for five years. However, some states require that you disclose this information to insurance carriers immediately upon conviction. In addition, it is essential to remember that you will also have to meet several other requirements before your license can be reinstated.

Do you have to disclose a DUI charge when applying for car insurance?

Law does not require you to disclose that you were charged with a DWI/DUI, but it would be wise to do so. A denied insurance claim due to a DWI charge could very well mean that you will suffer a higher penalty fee if your claim is denied.

The penalty fee could be as high as $1000.00 or more than the amount you would have had to pay out in the first place.

Photo by Benjamin Child on Unsplash

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