What kind of punishments does the state of Texas impose on someone who got arrested for drunk driving? I want to help my brother out because he got charged a DUI and it’s his first time! Thanks!
Lenard

Houston, TX
Drivers in Houston would be well advised to be knowledgeable about the laws and punishments for a DUI or Driving Under the Influence offense in Texas. Anyone convicted of such an offense can expect heavy penalties including costly fines, license suspension, and can even be sentenced to prison. If you have been convicted of a DUI, a DUI auto insurance policy is quite necessary before you are allowed to drive again.

Here are some important details about DUI penalties in Texas: First offense gets $2,000 in fines, 72 hours to 180 days in prison, 90 days to one year license revocation and the need to install Interlock Ignition Devices on all vehicles owned at the offender’s expense. Second offense: $4,000 fine, 6 months to 1 year license revocation, and 30 days up to 1 year in prison. Third offense: $10,000 fine, 2 – 10 years imprisonment and 2 years license revocation.

Your auto insurance coverage can become very expensive after a DUI conviction. This is due to the high-risk associated with DUI offenders. But that doesn’t mean that affordable DUI auto insurance cannot be found, one would just have to know how and where to look for one.

Save yourself the time and trouble, and shop for the best-priced DUI auto insurance coverage available through the Internet. There are many dedicated online DUI and auto insurance specialists catering to the Houston market these days. Run free auto insurance quote checks and compare offers to quickly find the auto insurance policy that best fits your needs.

Getting the right kind of DUI auto insurance policy can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year. It only takes a few minutes of your time, and just a bit of effort, to accomplish this but the pay-off is definitely worth it.

I live in Houston TX and recently I was convicted of DUI. Now Im a bit worried with my auto insurance if they will increase my insurance rate. How much will it be?

Ricky

Houston TX

Houston drivers would be well advised to know how strict Texas laws are when it comes to DUI or Driving Under the Influence. Even stricter are the punishments faced by anyone proven to be driving drunk or under the influence of drugs. Fines can be very costly, license suspended, and the possibility of going to jail is very real, just for of a few bottles of suds. A DUI auto insurance policy is also essential once you are allowed to drive again after a DUI.

Let’s take a closer look at the penalties Texas has for DUI offenders: First-time offenders gets fined $2,000, jail time from 72 hours up to 180 days, 90 day – one year license suspension and you would need to install an Interlock Ignition Device on all of your vehicles at your own expense. 2nd offense: $4,000 fine, 30 days – 1 year in jail, license suspension for 6 months to a year. 3rd offense: $10,000 fine, 2 – 10 years in jail, and two years license revocation.

Life after a DUI can be very expensive, especially when it comes to auto insurance coverage. One can expect much higher rates and premiums if you have a DUI on your record, however, affordable DUI auto insurance coverage is still available, you just have to know how and where to look for them.

The Internet is one of the best, if not THE best, ways to maximize your chances of getting an affordable DUI auto insurance. Houston is a big market and there are many dedicated DUI and auto insurance providers and online insurance portals that caters to it. By running free auto insurance quote checks and comparing many different companies, you are sure to find an auto insurance policy that best suits your needs.

Remember, the right kind of DUI auto insurance can save you hundreds of dollars a year, if not more. It doesn’t take days or hours to find them, only minutes of your time and a small bit of effort. Done correctly, you are sure to find a quality auto insurance provider that doesn’t break your bank.

My friend here in Houston, Texas, occasionally borrows my car. Do you think I should add him under my car insurance policy?

Betty

Houston, TX

It is highly recommended that you do two things: add your friend under your auto insurance policy as an “occasional driver”, or have your friend get a Non-Owner’s insurance policy under his name. In any case, it would not be wise to allow your friend there in Houston (or anyone, for that matter) to drive your vehicle without adequate auto insurance coverage. Also, under the financial responsibility laws of Texas, anyone who drives a vehicle (not necessarily the owner alone) is responsible (and is required to) acquire appropriate financial coverage in the form of auto insurance. The purpose of this law is to make sure that anyone who causes injury or damage to others during a car accident is able to provide the necessary monetary compensation.

In case you’re wondering, a Non-Owners Auto Insurance usually only provides liability protection, meaning that it will only protect you or your friend from having to pay large sums of money when he caused a car accident while driving your vehicle. So if your vehicle is damaged or totaled, it will be under the discretion of your auto insurance provider whether to reimburse you or pay for repairs. Also make sure you have enough collision and comprehensive insurance coverage if you will have someone else you’re your vehicle. You don’t want to regret not taking these steps to protect you if your friend end’s up totaling your vehicle.