Charged With DUI in Houston – Need SR22 Auto Insurance?
Reader’s Question:
I was charged with a DUI in Houston and I have had full coverage on my vehicle for 5 years and it was in effect on the day of the conviction. Am I required to get AR22 in conjunction with my current insurance policy I have, which I have never allowed to lapse?
Andrea
Houston, TX
If you are charged of the DUI and had your license suspended by the state of Texas for this offense then yes. Normally you would now be required to acquire and maintain a SR-22 as part of your driver’s license reinstatement process.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) states that a conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) typically results in a license suspension. The time period varies by court but may not exceed two years. A conviction of a DWI/DUI for an individual under the age of 21 will result in an automatic suspension for a year per Texas Transportation Code 521.344
Now, you will need to then maintain the SR-22 for the required period of time. If you are going to cancel it and the DPS received notification from the insurance provider that the policy was canceled, terminated, or lapsed, appropriate enforcement action may be taken. If the SR-22 is still required and there is no valid SR-22 on file, the driving privilege and vehicle registration will be suspended or revoked by the DPS.
To make sure if in your particular situation you will need to file a SR-22 if not, contact the Texas DPS directly.
Liability Only Car Insurance Will it Cover Hit and Run Accident?
Reader’s Question:
I got involved in a hit and run in Houston. I got the other person’s license plate number. I have the liability car insurance on my vehicle which will not cover a hit and run. How can I know out if the individual that hit me has car insurance or not?
Anna
Houston, TX
If you have not yet reported the hit and run you should do so as soon as possible by calling the Houston law enforcement agency so they can investigate. With the license plate number you have for the at-fault motorist in the hit and run, hopefully the police can track down the owner of the vehicle.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage will pay for your damage in a hit and-run accident only if the accident is reported to the police. Even if you don’t have this type of coverage it is likely if you find the at-fault car owner their insurance provider will require a police report on the accident.
If the motorist is found and the car owner takes responsibility then you should be able to place a claim with their insurance company. If instead the police are only able to find the owner of the car then you may need to check with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to see if they will release information on the person’s car insurance information that is on file with them.
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