Reader’s Question:

My younger brother, Billy, got arrested for drunk driving in Texas. He got off with a 24-hour community service as he was only a first-time offender. However, I want to know what he’ll have to face next if he gets arrested for the second time, and if it would affect my automobile insurance rates since he usually borrows my car.

Rex

Amarillo, TX

Well, Rex, your brother may not have a clear idea of the severity of what he did. If he gets arrested for a second time in six years, he will be facing a Class A Misdemeanor. A Class A Misdemeanor will translate to anywhere between 72 hours to one year jail time, depending on the recommendations of the assessor’s office. I suppose that will be pretty long for people spending time in jail for the first time. Rex, I’m just painting a picture for your brother here.

Apart from doing time, he will also be made to pay fines for drunk driving. For second time offenders, a fine not exceeding $4,000 is usually meted out. On top of the regular fines, the State of Texas will also impose an add-on charge of around $1,500 per year for a period of two years. If your BAC level is found to be double or more than double the legal limit, then the corresponding surcharge will be $2,000.

Your automobile insurance rates will significantly increase if your brother gets arrested for the same offense again. It will be your responsibility to control your brother because you own the car. If your brother accidentally injures someone while driving your car, your automobile insurance will have to shoulder the expenses. So Rex, if you don’t want to pay higher automobile insurance premiums, don’t let your brother borrow your car. If he can’t avoid drinking, then just ask him to have you pick him up instead.

Tags: auto insurance premium, car insurance rate, drunk driving insurance, DUI, DUI insurance