How a DWI Affects Auto Insurance Rates in Longview, Texas

If you’ve been arrested or convicted for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, the consequences don’t end in the courtroom. One of the most lasting effects is the dramatic increase in your auto insurance premiums. Even a first-time DWI can send your rates skyrocketing—and in some cases, your insurer may drop you entirely.

At The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C., we help clients not only fight the DWI charge itself, but also understand the broader consequences that come with it—especially when it comes to auto insurance and long-term financial impact.

Why Insurance Companies Raise Rates After a DWI

Auto insurance companies use risk assessment to set your premiums. A DWI conviction (or even arrest in some cases) immediately classifies you as high-risk, which results in:

• Higher monthly premiums

• Loss of “good driver” discounts

• Additional policy restrictions

• Requirement to carry SR-22 insurance

Depending on the insurer, your rates could double or even triple after a DWI.

How Long Will the Rate Increase Last?

A DWI typically remains on your Texas driving record for life, but most insurers only look back 3 to 5 years when setting rates. However, if you are required to file an SR-22, that can last 2 to 5 years, depending on the court order and DPS requirements.

During that time, you’ll be required to maintain continuous insurance without lapse—and the policy must be from a company that provides high-risk coverage.

What Is SR-22 Insurance?

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance but rather a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to prove that you’re carrying the required minimum coverage.

Texas typically requires an SR-22 for:

• DWI convictions

• Refusal to submit to a breath or blood test

• Driving without insurance

• License suspensions related to alcohol or drug offenses

If your policy lapses during the SR-22 period, DPS will be notified immediately, and your driver’s license may be suspended again.

Can You Switch Insurance Companies After a DWI?

Yes—but it becomes more difficult. Many standard insurance carriers either:

• Refuse to issue policies to DWI offenders

• Quote unaffordable premiums

• Require full annual payment up front

You may need to switch to a non-standard or high-risk insurer, which often provides fewer benefits at a higher cost.

How We Help Protect Your Record and Insurance Costs

The best way to prevent insurance rate hikes after a DWI is to avoid a conviction. At The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C., we explore every opportunity to:

• Dismiss or reduce your charges

• Challenge evidence from breath or blood tests

• Negotiate for non-DWI resolutions (e.g., reckless driving, obstruction of highway)

• Delay or avoid license suspensions that trigger SR-22 filings

Even if you’re convicted, we work to minimize the damage by helping you comply with SR-22 requirements and explore expunction or sealing options when eligible.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For Your Free Consultation

A DWI conviction can do more than damage your reputation—it can affect your finances for years by increasing your auto insurance rates and forcing you into high-risk coverage. At The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C., we’re here to help you avoid or reduce those consequences with experienced, aggressive legal representation.

Call us today at (903) 753-7499 for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your case and what we can do to protect your license, your record, and your wallet.