car insurance in Texas
Reader’s Question:
How far can an insurance company go back to check the driving record for DUI or DWI in Texas?
Jared
Thank you for asking Jared.
The Texas Department of Public Safety states that traffic violations appear on a driver record for a period of five years with the exception of serious offenses.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance also that a clean driving record can save you money. If you got involved in an accidents or tickets on your driving record, It will likely be placed in a nonstandard company, which charges higher insurance rates.
Additionally, insurance providers can add penalties – called surcharges – to your insurance premium for serious driving offenses, like DWI, DUI, and accidents resulting in property damage of $1,000 or more. Surcharges are mandatory for rate-regulated providers and remain on your premium for 3 years.
So since the DWI will stay on a individual’s TX driving record indefinitely the surcharge given to a motorist for this violation remains normally for 3 years. Typically, the longest amount of time a carrier will go back is 10 years, but that is rare. Five years is the average period of time that companies review the record.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
TX cheap car insurance
Reader’s Question:
I just want to know if its cheaper to insure two wheel drive truck that the four wheel drive. I live in Texas.
Tim
Thank you for asking Tim.
Guidelines and rating systems of insurance carriers varies. Generally a two wheel drive truck’s insurance rates will be cheaper than a four wheel drive truck. This is because of the fact that normally a four wheel drive motor vehicle cost more and its parts if damaged can be more expensive to repair.
Your location may also make a difference on the cost of insurance for a 4 wheel drive truck. Since you live in Texas, auto insurance for this type of truck may not be much more than a two wheel drive truck since four wheel trucks are so prevalent that parts and mechanics for them are easier to find then say if you live in New Jersey.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
auto insurance Texas
Reader’s Question:
I want to know how I will be able to get a copy my points in my driving record. I live in TX.
Mitch
Thank you for asking Mitch.
I would suggest that you contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to get a copy of your driving history which should show the traffic violations you have been convicted of and the points you have accumulated on your driving record.
You may also call the Driver Records Bureau at 512-424-2600 for inquiries about how you can get a copy of your driver record. Normally they cannot give you information about your points total over the phone because there is a fee that you will need to pay that is associated with acquiring your driving record.
According to the DPS website, to get information regarding your convictions, a copy of your driving history may be purchased by completing an application form that is available on their website and mailing it to the Department with the appropriate fee, or visiting their online service.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Texas auto insurance
Reader’s Question:
I just want to know if unsafe vehicle citation is considered a violation? Will points be assessed? I live in Texas.
Gene
Thank you for asking Gene.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety chart of moving infractions, motor vehicle without required equipment or in not safe condition as a moving infraction that will have driver responsibility points assessed to the individual’s drivers license if they are convicted of this violation. Driving a not safe car is also listed as a moving violation in which points are assigned.
A citation in Texas though for specific defective equipment on a vehicle would be a non-moving violation. For instance defective head lamps, tail lights, etc would be considered an equipment ticket for a non-moving violation. It is still on the discretion of the police officer or court to decide if a defective equipment ticket will be a fix-it ticket or not.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
car insurance in Texas
Reader’s Question:
I received a citation in Washington but I want to fight it in court so my insurance rate will not go up. What do I need to do?
Julie
Thank you for asking Julie.
An individual found to have committed a traffic violation shall be assessed a monetary penalty that is ordered by the Washington supreme court. According to the current monetary schedule no penalty for traffic violations shall exceed $250.
If you want to fight the citation in court you may need to contact the entity listed on the back of the ticket and get information on how to do so. You might be able to reduce or dismiss the charge by taking traffic school.
According to the Washington Department of Insurance, insurance carriers can charge a surcharge to motorist convicted of serious moving violations so if the traffic violation ends up making it onto your driving record then it is likely that your insurance rates could go up , depending on your insurance company’s rating system.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Texas sr22 insurance
Reader’s Question:
What happens if I cancel the last three months of my required period to carry the sr22? I live in Texas
Jack
Thank you for asking Jack.
The Texas statute TRC CH. 601.340 a Safety Responsibility Law or Evidence of Financial Responsibility Law, provides information for those whose driver license or privilege has been suspended or revoked.
For you to be able to restore your driving privileges, individuals are mandated to file and maintain an insurance in the form of an SR-22 or financial responsibility certificate , original pink copy, with the Department. SR-22 insurance is required for a period of two (2) years from date of conviction.
There is also a required reinstatement fee with the SR-22. Within the two-year period, if the DMV receives notice from the insurance provider that insurance coverage has been canceled or terminated, suspension action will be taken.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
