# Auto Insurance and DWI Convictions | TadLaw **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. The Domino Effect of a DWI Conviction 2. The Insurance Equation: Risk, Policy, and Cost 3. The SR-22 4. We Navigate the Legal System with Ease 5. Experienced Houston DWI Lawyers 6. Your Five-Star Criminal Defense Team 7. A DWI Charge Doesn’t Have to Wreck Your Future If you’re facing criminal charges for DWI in Houston, the long term implications can extend beyond your stints at the courthouse. An often underestimated repercussion of a DWI conviction is the significant spike in auto insurance rates. Let’s review how and why this occurs. In Texas, a DWI conviction is serious business. Texas Penal Code Section 49.04 defines a DWI offense as when a person is found operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. If you’re ever on the wrong side of this statute, securing legal representation is ideal. ## The Domino Effect of a DWI Conviction When you’re convicted of a DWI in Texas, you aren’t just facing legal penalties; there are civil implications. Aside from the suspension of your Texas Driver License, fines, and enhanced renewal fees, increased auto insurance rates are also among the negative implications of a conviction for Driving While Intoxicated. These higher rates don’t just spike for a month or two. They can haunt your finances for years. We’re talking potentially thousands of extra dollars annually. It’s not a slap on the wrist; it’s a financial reckoning that many aren’t prepared for. Imagine funneling that money into a retirement account or a child’s college fund instead. ## The Insurance Equation: Risk, Policy, and Cost To insurance companies, a DWI conviction flags you as a high-risk driver. Insurers operate under a model where they assess the risk level of a policyholder and adjust their premium rates accordingly. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, a DWI conviction is a significant red flag which always leads to higher premiums. In some cases, your insurer may even cancel your policy. For a free legal consultation, call [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) today ## The SR-22 In Texas, after a DWI conviction, you’re often required to obtain an SR-22 from your insurance company. This is not an insurance policy in itself, but a form that proves to the Texas Department of Public Safety that you have liability coverage. Your insurer will know about your DWI conviction due to this SR-22 requirement, and let’s be candid, they won’t be thrilled to send that form. ## We Navigate the Legal System with Ease Given the complexities of fighting a drunk driving charge, it’s imperative to have an experienced DWI attorney on your case. Tad Nelson, a Board Certified Criminal Law Attorney as certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, is more than equipped to help you fight the charge. ![Attorney Tad Nelson, Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Attorney-Tad-Nelson-Board-Certified-in-Criminal-Law.webp) ## Experienced Houston DWI Lawyers ### Attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock When you’re represented by Attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re hiring a true fighter. With Tad’s history as a former Assistant Galveston County District Attorney (1991-1995) and a defense lawyer since 1991, coupled with Amber’s acumen, you’re getting a combined powerhouse of fierce legal representation powered by educated lawyers. We don’t see our clients as case numbers. From the moment you visit our law firm, you’ll be treated like family. We provide 100% confidential and free initial consultations. With flexible payment options and affordable legal fees, quality legal representation is accessible to you. ## Your Five-Star Criminal Defense Team Don’t just take our word for it—consider the multitude of five-star reviews from our clients on Google. These commendations are not mere words; they are testaments to the relentless dedication we’ve demonstrated to our clients. With no complaints or disciplinary records with the State Bar of Texas, you can assured you’re working with professionals than have integrity. [Click to contact](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) our dwi lawyer today ## A DWI Charge Doesn’t Have to Wreck Your Future ### We’ll Help You Fight Back If you have questions or need to meet with a lawyer, give us a call at [**281-280-0100**](tel:2815022122). We take phone calls 24/7. Schedule your appointment today. Call or text [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) or fill out our [Free Case Evaluation Form](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) to get started DWI Blog Posts: [DWI Blood Testing and Texas Law DWI In a recent post, we discussed the exigent circumstances exception for warrantless blood-alcohol testing currently being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court....](https://tadlaw.com/blog/dwi-blood-testing-and-texas-law/) [Texas Ceremony Honors DWI Officers DWI Texas readers who question whether local authorities are investing more time and money into drunk driving enforcement efforts need only read about...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/texas-ceremony-honors-dwi-officers/) [Texas District Attorney Arrested for DWI DWI Government or public figures implicated in a scandal may take a variety of approaches. Some may deny all charges, while others offer...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/texas-district-attorney-arrested-for-dwi/) [DA Serves Half of DWI Sentence DWI This blog has profiled some of the penalties brought by Texas enforcement officials against individuals accused of driving while intoxicated, as well...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/da-serves-half-of-dwi-sentence/) --- Source: https://tadlaw.com/blog/auto-insurance-and-dwi-convictions/