Does Auto Insurance Cover Drunk Driving Accidents?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious issue that can lead to severe consequences, not just legally but also financially. However, one of the most common questions regarding this that many policyholders ask, “Does auto insurance cover drunk driving accidents?” It is essential to comprehend the answer as it affects your financial obligations and legal status.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 32 people in the United States are killed every day in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. These accidents also cause over $44 billion in damages annually. Insurance coverage in these situations can vary extensively based on several factors. This includes the type of insurance you have, state laws, and specific policy details. 
 
In this article, we’ll cover the following matters related to auto insurance drunk driving accidents: 

• What’s DUI and Its Consequences
• Does Auto Insurance Cover Drunk Driving Accidents? 
• Factors Affecting Car Insurance Coverage for Drunk Driving Accidents
• How Can I Get Compensation for Drunk and Drive Accidents
• Will My Car Insurance Rate Goes Up After Drunk Driving Accidents?
• The Bottom Line
• Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s DUI and Its Consequences? 

Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. It’s a serious offense with severe consequences. Legally, a DUI can lead to hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Therefore, for your safety and the safety of others, you should avoid driving after consuming any substances that impair your abilities. 
 
Besides, when it comes to insurance, a DUI can drastically impact your coverage and car insurance premiums. Most auto insurance policies technically cover accidents caused by drunk driving. However, the aftermath can be complicated. Some insurance companies might pay for property damage and medical bills caused by a drunk driver but could later ask for reimbursement from the drunk driver. 
 
Furthermore, a DUI on your record usually leads to higher premiums. Also, in severe cases, insurers might even cancel your policy. To protect your financial and legal state, it’s vital to be aware of these implications. 

Does Auto Insurance Cover Drunk Driving Accidents? 

Yes, auto insurance generally covers drunk driving accidents. In most cases, the liability insurance of the drunk driver (at-fault party) should cover all the damage. However, some people mistakenly think that insurance companies don't cover accidents caused by drunk driving because they believe these accidents are intentional, which isn’t true. Even if someone drives under the influence of alcohol, he/she never ever intends to get into a car crash. That’s why insurance providers must cover these accidents because they were unintentional. 
 
However, the coverage limit in such cases varies and depends on several factors. If you’re at fault in a DUI accident, your insurance may cover property damage, medical bills, and personal injury protection. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t face serious consequences. Insurance companies increase premiums or even cancel policies after a DUI. 
 
Besides, state laws and your specific policy also play a role in deciding the coverage. Some states have stricter regulations that can limit or deny coverage for drunk driving incidents. In such cases, consulting with a drunk-driving accident attorney might be necessary for some policyholders. However, to get clear information on your coverage and potential impacts, talk to your insurance provider as soon as the accident happens. If you need affordable full coverage auto insurance or any assistance, contact one of our local insurance agents at L.A. Insurance. 

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Coverage for Drunk Driving Accidents

Several factors affect car insurance coverage for drunk driving accidents. Let’s understand these factors to see how your insurance might respond in such situations. 
 
List of common factors that affect insurance coverage for impaired motorists: 

• State Laws
• Policy Details
• Fault
• Insurance Companies
• Insurance Coverage Type
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage 

State Laws 

Each state has its own unique regulations on insurance coverage for DUI accidents. Some states may mandate that insurers provide coverage while others might allow insurers to deny claims related to drunk driving. For instance, in California, if you cause a DUI accident, your insurance will cover the damages to the other party. However, your insurer may cancel your auto policy even after the claim is settled. If you’re living in Florida, your personal injury protection coverage will pay for your medical expenses up to a certain limit, regardless of fault. Because Florida is a no-fault state for auto insurance. But in case of accidents that happen under the influence of drugs/alcohol, insurers may have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault drunk driver. 

Policy Details

The specifics of your car insurance policy can influence the coverage. Policies differ in terms of what they cover. For example: there are some policies that might not cover damages if you are driving under the influence, while other policies might cover specific parts but with higher deductibles. So, you should review your insurance policy to understand what it offers. 

Fault 

So, does insurance cover you if you get in a car accident while drunk? As we said the answer depends on many factors and one of the determining factors is who is at fault in the drunk and driving accident. If you’re at fault in a DUI accident, your carrier will typically cover property damage and medical bills for the other party. However, your insurer may want compensation for these costs which is known as subrogation. 

Insurance Companies 

Insurance companies are independent financial entities. They have their own policies regarding DUI accidents. For instance, some insurance providers may increase your car insurance premiums after a DUI accident while others might just cancel your policy after paying out for all the coverage. However, insurers might not do it after one or two incidents. 

Insurance Coverage Type 

The DUI accident coverage limit also depends on the type of coverage you have. Liability auto insurance is mandatory for almost all the states in the United States. Besides, there are collisions, and comprehensive coverage that impacts what is covered in DUI accidents. Liability car insurance pays for the damages to others on behalf of you when you cause an accident. Collision covers your own vehicle. Comprehensive car insurance coverage is optional, and it helps you financially for non-collision events. This coverage might also get affected as a consequence of DUI car crash.

Personal Injury Protection 

In no-fault states, personal injury protection may cover your medical bills no matter who is at fault. However, in the case of drunk driving accidents, each insurance company and state might have specific exclusions. For instance: New York is a no-fault insurance state. This means the insureds are generally compensated by the insurer regardless of who caused the accidents or damage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage 

Uninsured motorist coverage typically covers injuries to the driver and occupants of the vehicle. This includes medical expenses and damages, even if the driver was found drunk at the time of the accident. To get the benefits of this coverage, however, the other party must be at least partially at fault for the accident. So, if you’re involved in a DUI accident with an uninsured drunk driver, this coverage can help you. For instance, if you live in Georgia and an uninsured drunk motorist hits you, this coverage can cover the costs up to your policy limits.

How Can I Get Compensation for Drunk and Drive Accidents 

To get compensation for drunk driving accidents, you can take the following steps:

1. File an Insurance claim: After the drunk driving accident, you should immediately file a claim with your auto insurance company.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect evidence at the scene including photos, contact information of witnesses, and a copy of the police report. Also, it would be helpful if you could find out if the other driver has auto insurance or not.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical help even for minor injuries. Because medical records are important for documenting injuries and related costs.
4. Consult a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: An attorney expert in drunk driving insurance cases can help you with the legal process and stand for you as a legal representative at the court if necessary.
5. Determine Fault and Liability: Establishing fault is important. If the drunk driver is found to be at fault, their liability insurance should cover the initial damages. However, if they are uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage can be of help in recovering compensation.
6. Calculate Damages: Work with your lawyer to calculate all damages, including hospital bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
7. File a Lawsuit If Necessary: If insurance settlements are insufficient or denied, you may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Legal representation in such a situation is vital to ensure your rights.

Will My Insurance Rate Goes Up After Drunk Driving Accidents?

Your car insurance rate is more likely to go up significantly after a drunk driving accident. This happens because when you’re involved in a DUI accident, the insurance company considers you a high-risk driver. It means there is a higher chance of another accident occurring to you. For this reason, insurance companies often increase your premiums unless you’re eligible for accident forgiveness. But how much does car insurance go up after an accident? Well, the exact amount of the increased premium may depend on various factors such as the insurer’s policy, your driving records, state laws, and so on. Some states may have strict penalties like insurance hikes for DUI convictions. If you have a DUI ticket and are looking for cheap car insurance with DUI, you can count L.A. Insurance, the most trusted and affordable insurance agency near you.

The Bottom Line

Hope you got the answer to “Does auto insurance cover drunk driving accidents?” To sum up, auto insurance covers drunk driving accidents, but the coverage limit depends on your policy, state laws, the type of coverage you own, and so on. Typically, if an at-fault drunk driver has liability coverage, it will help you pay for damages caused by the accident. But if you’re at fault, you have to be responsible for your own repair or medical costs. However, this can vary because of the presence of both at-fault and no-fault insurance states. Also, expect an increased insurance premium or even policy cancellation following a DUI accident. So, consult with your insurance company as well as with an auto insurance attorney if necessary. 

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] 

Does Insurance Cover You If You Were Drunk? 

Ans: Yes, insurance may cover the damages that happened from drunk driving accidents. This falls under DUI accident. Your insurance company or the other party’s insurers will pay out for the damage depending on who is at fault. However, coverage varies by state and policy, and you should expect higher premiums after a DUI accident.

How Long Does a Dui Affect Your Insurance in Texas?

Ans: In Texas, a DUI conviction can significantly impact your auto insurance rates. After a DUI ticket, you can expect your insurance premium to double or even triple. This increase typically lasts for approximately 5 to 10 years. However, it depends on the insurance company’s policies, and how far back they check your driving license.