Reader’s Question:

I live in Texas and I was curious as to what are the different DWI laws applicable in my state. My boyfriend was convicted a DWI arrest and I want to know what are the penalties for a DWI arrest.

Hannah

Fort Worth, TX

In Texas, it is illegal to drive while intoxicated, it means that either your blood alcohol content is 0.08 or more or you are physically and mentally incapable because of the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is punishable by a minimum term of 72 hours in jail. This offense is a class B misdemeanor. Upon a second conviction is a class A misdemeanor, the penalty is increased to a minimum term of 30 days in jail. A third conviction is a felony of the third degree, punishable by a term of not less than two years, not more than ten years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.
Driving while intoxicated and causing someone “serious bodily harm” (meaning that there was a) a substantial risk of death, b) serious permanent disfigurement, or c) protracted loss/impairment of function of a body member or organ) is a third degree felony, punishable by a term of not less than two years, not more than ten years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.

Driving while intoxicated and causing the death of another is second degree felony, punishable by not less than two years, not more than 20 years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.
Driving while intoxicated with a minor (under the age of 15) in the car is termed a state jail felony, punishable by a term of not less than 180 days, not more than two years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.

Reader’s Question:

I received a OUIL almost 4 years ago in Michigan, I now live in Fort Worth, Texas and have had no traffic violations nor accidents since. Should I tell my conviction when applying for auto insurance?

Bill

Fort Worth, TX

OUIL means “operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor” and now has been renamed as OWI meaning “operating while intoxicated”.

Now that you are living in Fort Worth an insurance provider can still access your MI driving record so you will need to mention this old conviction if they asked for violations dating this far back on your auto insurance application. If you do not tell them and the insurance carrier finds out about this OUIL conviction then your quote would be incorrect and would need to be reevaluated including this offense. If you have already received your insurance policy and this infraction is later found out about by your insurance company then it could be said that you misrepresented your driving history which may be considered fraud in most states.

Q: I want the cheapest SR22 in Ft Worth TX, but I’m a teenager and new college student. What, oh what, am I to do?

A: Hey, the cheapest SR22 in Fort Worth TX may be a little out of your reach, but as a teen, especially a teen college student, you can still cheapen those numbers a little bit and save yourself some money. Where are you going to school, first of all? Are you from Ft Worth, or are you going to school elsewhere, or coming from elsewhere to go to school here? If your home and parents are at least a hundred miles away (unless you’re an international student or something), then you can keep your name on their policy and leave your vehicle with them so you can all save money and you can just take public transportation.

Also, keep up with your studies now that you’re in college. If you are enrolled full time and are able to pull in a B average in your classes, you can get the cheapest SR22 in TX for college students by showing your car insurance company your transcript and getting an additional discount for your good grades.

Q: When searching for car insurance, is the cheapest SR22 insurance quote always the best?

A: No. Like in all situations, cheapness and quality may magically coincide, but cheap doesn’t always fit into that category. If you want the cheapest SR22 insurance, you need to think of it on a relative level. You need the cheapest GOOD SR22 insurance, and that’s the attitude you need to have. You should be looking for one thing in auto insurance, and that is value. Value combines savings and quality for the best car insurance experience.

Now, what are the other factors you should consider when looking for the cheapest SR22 insurance with value? First of all, you want a car insurance company which has enough money to cover your claims, and also one which doesn’t drop the ball when it does so. You should also get with a company which has great customer service.

You will need kind, informative help to guide you through the claims process when you are stressed after an accident. Other things price wise such as discounts, ratings policies, and accident forgiveness should also be taken into the equation.

Q: I live in FT Worth TX, and I am in need of DMV SR22 filing, and my friend drives my car a lot. He doesn’t have the best driving record, but he has his own insurance policy. If he crashes my car, his insurance will cover it, right?

A: Nope. It sounds from your post that you’re completely aware that your friend is driving your car and aren’t making any moves to stop it, which means that you consent for him to drive your car. If you consent, then he’s covered. Even if you don’t physically open up your mouth and say, “hey, man, you can drive my car”, so long as he has reason to believed you would let him, your DMV SR22 filing company will cover him if he gets into an accident. Even if you withdraw consent, it’s very hard to prove that you did this if he is a friend of yours.

Now, if he gets into a car accident in your car, and that accident is his fault? It’ll be on you to pay the deductible, and in the end if your policy increases then you will be the one paying more for your already expensive DMV SR22 filing. So, when you’re considering letting a friend with a bad driving record take a spin in your car, think again, because if anything happens, you will be the one suffering the consequences.

Q: How can I save money on my DWI SR22 insurance? I have so much time extra, I just need something to do!

A: Well, if you’re just hanging out waiting for your DWI SR22 insurance premium to be due, why don’t you put your brain to some use and take a defensive driving class? Unless your judge in your DWI class made you take one already, you could get some significant savings through your car insurance company by proving your responsibility and taking a defensive driving course, something from 5-10%.

Defensive driving is an excellent skill, as well. You may be able to prevent most at fault accidents by driving safely, but when it comes to other people hitting you, it’s out of your hands, right? Not really. If you practice defensive driving, you can learn the dangerous behaviors of your fellow drivers and learn how to react to them. By reacting correctly, in the end you are able to avoid situations in which another driver would have an advantage over you. By driving safely both around other drivers and in dangerous weather conditions, you can take control of your own circumstances and be sure of how safe you are.

Q: What will happen to me if I am pulled over by a police officer and I don’t have any SR22 financial responsibility proof?

A: My answer would vary depending on what you mean by not having any SR22 financial responsibility proof, since this could mean different things. If by not having proof you mean that you didn’t have your insurance card with you, then you might get in some temporary but solvable trouble. You’ll be issued a ticket, and your license may be suspended, but you can bring your insurance card to court and prove that you were insured to get rid of the ticket and do the same at the DPS to get your license restored without fees. It’s a hassle, but you should always bring your insurance card with you to avoid these things.

Now, if you mean that you don’t have any SR22 financial responsibility proof as in you don’t have an SR22 at all, then you’re in big trouble. You’ll have your license suspended for a certain period again, and you’ll have to pay your ticket, fees and fines to reinstate your license, and probably a certain amount to the DPS each year to keep it.

Q: Are there any specific cars which have low cost SR22 premiums?

A: Actually, there are. With environmental concerns becoming stronger everyday, car insurance companies are jumping on the bandwagon to save the earth, and many are now offering car insurance discounts on Low cost SR22 insurance for drivers who own hybrid or otherwise advanced fuel type vehicles, such as the cars which use ethanol.

Many cars are also taking other measures to give incentives to save the environment. Some companies, for example, offer discounts for drivers who spend a lot of their driving time in carpools and also in buses. If you drive in your own car less and in mass transportation more, then you are being more environmentally friendly, and so you end up saving money on your car insurance as well. It’s a win win.

By the way, for some drivers of hybrid vehicles who bought their cars on a certain date, it may be possible for them to get an income tax credit. Look into it!

Q: I got into an accident and totaled my car, but my SR22 auto insurance certificate policy wouldn’t replace my brand new stereo. What’s up with that?

A: Well, your SR22 auto insurance certificate company would only have covered your stereo if it had been installed on your car when you bought it. Since it wasn’t, it was considered something in your car more than something which was a part of your car. Because of this, if you had wanted it to get replaced in the event of an accident, you would have filed a claim with your homeowners or renters insurance rather than your car insurance, because these policies cover any items in your car.

Now, if you have any expensive additions such as sound systems, it may be a good idea for you to get your SR22 auto insurance certificate filed with a company which actually does insure these things, because cars which have been modified tend to be worth a lot and need more protection. Such protection costs more, but probably less than your stereo, which is now probably gone forever. If you intend to pimp your new ride, make sure you find a company which will value it.

Q: How am I able to file a SR22 DoI complaint over a claim with my car insurance company which they are not handling well? I live in FT Worth, and work in Dallas TX

A: If you are having troubles with your car insurance company, then before you file an SR22 DoI, you need to make sure you go through all of the methods of abitration and mediation detailed in your policy before you go to the FT Worth TX Department of Insurance, because filing a complaint should be a last resort.

It’s very easy to submit a SR22 DoI complaint, and you can even do so by filling out a form online at the Texas Department of Insurance website. However, if you have any documents to prove your complaint, you will need to either send it through the mail or fax it in.

It’s best if you do have supporting documents, because it helps the SR22 DoI be able to investigate your complaint and have more proof. Whenever you file a claim with your car insurance company, make sure you are keeping track of everything as you go along.