MoneyGeek examined the best and cheapest car insurance companies in Texas to help you save money if you have a DUI. MoneyGeek found that Farmers provides the best full and minimum coverage policies, as well as the cheapest minimum coverage policies after a DUI. Meanwhile, Esurance is the cheapest provider of full coverage insurance policies in Texas after a DUI.
Getting Car Insurance in Texas After a DUI (2024)
If you've been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Texas, it's important to know that in many cases, insurance companies may refuse to insure you. Or, if an insurer does cover a DUI driver, premiums will be higher than those for non-DUI policyholders. When it comes to car insurance in Texas, non-DUI drivers pay an average annual cost of $1,277 for full coverage whereas DUI drivers pay $1,926.
Mark Fitzpatrick
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
Mark Fitzpatrick
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
Updated: August 20, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Best Companies for DUI Insurance in 2023
After a DUI, the average cost of car insurance in Texas increases by 50.76%. Full coverage policies for those without a DUI jump from $1,277 to $1,926, and minimum coverage policies increase from $643 to $988.
However, not all car insurance companies cover DUI drivers. While Texas requires car insurance, providers are not legally required to cover you after a DUI. If your auto insurance provider does decide to offer coverage, your rates will increase. Texas drivers with a DUI on their record also face penalties such as license suspensions, additional fees, and required classes.
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Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Texas After a DUI
After a DUI, the cheapest auto insurance provider differs by state. MoneyGeek found Progressive and State Farm to be the most affordable auto insurance companies for DUI offenders nationwide. Meanwhile, Esurance followed by Farmers is the least expensive auto insurer in Texas for drivers with a DUI.
Cheapest Companies for Full Coverage in Texas After a DUI
The following companies offer the most affordable full coverage auto insurance rates for DUI-convicted drivers:
- Esurance: $1,149
- Farmers: $1,207
Cheapest Car Insurance for Full Coverage After a DUI
1 | CompanyEsurance | Annual Premium$1,149 |
2 | CompanyFarmers | Annual Premium$1,207 |
3 | CompanyUSAA | Annual Premium$1,310 |
4 | CompanyState Farm | Annual Premium$1,550 |
5 | CompanyGEICO | Annual Premium$1,649 |
Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage in Texas After a DUI
MoneyGeek found the following insurance companies in Texas to provide the cheapest minimum coverage rates for DUI-convicted drivers:
- Farmers: $621
- Esurance: $656
Even though USAA came in second with at the rate of $655, we didn't include it on our list because of the company's limited availability; only military personnel and their families are eligible for USAA coverage.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Minimum Coverage After a DUI
Farmers | Minimum Annual Premium$621 |
USAA | Minimum Annual Premium$655 |
Esurance | Minimum Annual Premium$656 |
State Farm | Minimum Annual Premium$872 |
AAA | Minimum Annual Premium$880 |
Mercury | Minimum Annual Premium$924 |
GEICO | Minimum Annual Premium$925 |
Allstate | Minimum Annual Premium$958 |
Nationwide | Minimum Annual Premium$1,293 |
The General | Minimum Annual Premium$1,481 |
MetLife | Minimum Annual Premium$1,599 |
The most basic and cheapest coverage offered is minimum coverage. Texas law requires minimum insurance coverage of 30/60/25. Before selecting a plan, you should research how much auto insurance coverage you need in order to protect you financially when you submit claims. Buying more coverage may be more expensive, but you will pay less out of pocket if you make an insurance claim.
Top Car Insurance Companies in Texas After a DUI
MoneyGeek assessed Texas auto insurance carriers based on a variety of factors including affordability, customer satisfaction, financial stability and more to help you identify the top car insurance companies in Texas for DUI offenders.
MoneyGeek determined that Farmers is the top car insurance company for DUI-convicted Texas drivers for both full and minimum coverage.
Best Companies for Full Coverage in Texas After a DUI
According to MoneyGeek's rating methodology, Farmers and State Farm are the top two best insurance providers for DUI-convicted drivers.
5/5
Affordability
5/5
Financial Stability
4/5
User Satisfaction
4.5/5
Claims
Non-DUI drivers pay $924 for full coverage with State Farm, whereas DUI offenders pay $1,550. DUI offenders will incur a 67.7% increase in Farmers’ insurance premiums.
High-risk drivers can get affordable car insurance from State Farm, which ranks well in customer satisfaction, demonstrating that State Farm balances affordability with quality service. This provider doesn't offer accident forgiveness, new car replacement, gap insurance, deductible modification, or better car replacement coverage.
4.7/5
Affordability
4/5
Financial Stability
3.5/5
User Satisfaction
4/5
Claims
Non-DUI drivers pay $821 for full coverage with Farmers, whereas DUI offenders pay $1,207. DUI offenders will incur a 46.9% increase in Farmers’ insurance premiums.
Farmers is moderately priced for drivers who have been convicted of a traffic infraction. Farmer offers several unique add-on coverages such as original equipment manufacturer, custom parts and glass deductible modification. In addition, young drivers may find Farmers expensive.
Best Companies for Minimum Coverage in Texas After a DUI
Many drivers may not be adequately covered even if they meet the minimum insurance requirements. MoneyGeek assessed auto insurance carriers offering minimum coverage policies in Texas.
4/5
Stability
4/5
Satisfaction
4/5
Claims
5/5
Affordability
Non-DUI drivers pay $420 for minimum coverage with Farmers, whereas DUI-convicted drivers pay $621 for the same insurance. This is a difference of $201.
MoneyGeek’s data shows that Farmers is a below-average insurer for some drivers based on several categories. However, its high ratings in complaints and stability were two of the insurer's strengths, while other metrics including customer satisfaction, affordability and discounts were not.
5/5
Stability
4/5
Satisfaction
5/5
Claims
4/5
Affordability
State Farm's minimum coverage for DUI convictions in Texas costs $872. You'll pay $495 for the same coverage if you don't have a DUI. Annual rates for this carrier will increase by 76% for drivers with a DUI on their driving record.
High-risk drivers can get affordable car insurance from State Farm, which ranks well in customer satisfaction, demonstrating that State Farm balances affordability with quality service. This provider doesn't offer accident forgiveness, new car replacement, gap insurance, deductible modification or better car replacement coverage.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Texas After a DUI?
In Texas, the average cost of car insurance for DUI offenders is $1,926, showing premium rates of 50.76% higher than non-DUI drivers. Some car insurance companies may deny DUI-convicted drivers coverage. Companies that do cover DUI drivers may demand a higher rate since DUI offenders are considered high-risk drivers who are more likely to submit a claim.
How long does a DUI affect the cost of your car insurance?
The state of Texas has a lifetime look-back period. A look-back period determines how long a DUI charge and conviction remain on a driver's record. Because Texas has a lifetime look-back term, if you are found driving under the influence after a prior DUI conviction, you may face increased.
Full Coverage
$1,277Full Coverage
$1,926This is 51% more expensive.
DUI-convicted drivers in Texas are classified as high-risk by car insurance providers, resulting in a high insurance rate. To get an idea of how much your vehicle insurance would cost if you were convicted of DUI, use the MoneyGeek calculator below to get tailored insurance quotes.
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Rates updated:
Oct 14, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
The following are some of the extra financial implications of being a DUI offender:
- Fines, court and attorneys' fees: DUI convicts are required to pay a variety of fees, including bail, legal fees, court charges and fines.
- Towing/impound fee: If you are arrested for DUI, you must pay for towing as well as a DUI impound charge. The cost of towing and impounding your automobile varies based on where you dwell.
- Drug education and treatment: It is possible that a first-time DUI offender will be legally bound to participate in drug education and rehabilitation.
- DMV reinstatement fee: DUI offenders must complete the DMV reinstatement process and pay a reinstatement fee in order to regain their driving privileges.
Getting Car Insurance in Texas After a DUI
Getting insurance after a DUI might be difficult due to insurers' unwillingness to cover you. Because many car insurance companies are private businesses, they may refuse coverage to drivers they deem risky. This risk may grow with a state's look-back time and a DUI conviction in Texas stays on your record for life.
After a DUI, your insurance rates will almost certainly increase, costing you more money. It is best to compare quotes from many providers to get the best deal.
DUI drivers in Texas are required to get SR-22 insurance. The SR-22 form is often referred to as a certificate of insurance or a financial responsibility form. Most state DMV offices need car liability insurance documentation for DUI drivers' insurance policies.
Texas DUI Laws
DUI offenders in Texas face a variety of consequences, including fines, jail time, court expenses, probation and evaluation fees, depending on the severity of their violation.
Driving with a BAC at or above 0.08% is considered a DUI
DUI laws in Texas prohibit all drivers from driving a car with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08% or above. Even if you are under this limit but can't drive safely, you might still be penalized. It is illegal for Texas drivers under the age of 21 to drive with any measurable level of alcohol in their bodies.
Driving with a BAC of .15% will result in increased penalties
If a driver’s BAC is more than .15%, the court must mandate the installation of ignition interlock devices on all owned motor vehicles for a period of one year after the time of license suspension.
90–180 days administrative license suspension on first offense
First-time DUI offenders in Texas risk a 90-day administrative license suspension if .08% BAC or above is detected, and a 180-day suspension if they refuse to take the test. This implies that the driver's license will be suspended immediately, with the duration of the suspension determined by the severity of the offense.
Ignition interlocks
Ignition interlocks are mandatory for repeat DUI offenders in Texas.
Open container laws
In Texas, it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol while you are driving a vehicle.
Repeat offender laws
Repeat offenders in Texas are subject to more extensive punishments for DUIs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Your DUI insurance requirements will determine the best DUI auto insurance provider for you. MoneyGeek covers the most frequently asked questions to identify the most suitable carrier for you.
While auto insurance is required in Texas, insurance companies are not required by law to cover DUI drivers. If you have a DUI conviction in Texas, your car insurance carrier may refuse to cover you, or your rates may rise.
In Texas, rates increase by 50.8% following a DUI. Drivers without a DUI pay an average of $1,277 per year, whereas DUI offenders pay an average of $1,926 annually.
The cheapest full coverage car insurance policies after DUI in Texas are from Esurance while Farmers offers the cheapest minimum coverage policy.
A DUI conviction will stay on your record for life and make affect your rates for several years.
In order to get the best deal on auto insurance with a DUI, MoneyGeek recommends that you shop around and compare rates from several carriers.
Methodology
To determine the top companies for individuals with DUIs in Texas, MoneyGeek analyzed each company’s financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims and affordability based on data obtained from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. The rates above are based on a 40-year-old male with and without a DUI driving a 2010 Toyota Camry LE with 12K annual mileage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
sources
- GHSA. "GHSA State Laws." Accessed April 26, 2022.
- Driving Laws. "Texas DUI." Accessed April 26, 2022.
- NCSL. "Increased Penalties for High Blood Alcohol Content." Accessed April 26, 2022.
- Responsibility Org. "Texas Lookback Period." Accessed April 26, 2022.