Does Auto Insurance Cover Drunk Driving Accidents?

Driving under the influence can change everything in a moment. It brings legal trouble, financial stress, and a long list of questions about what happens next. One of the first questions people ask "Does auto insurance cover a drunk driving accident?" The short answer is yes in most cases. Insurance companies usually treat DUI crashes as negligence, not intentional harm. That means your policy can still pay for injuries and damages, depending on your coverage and state laws. At the same time, victims hit by a drunk driver often have strong rights to compensation, especially in no fault states like Michigan.

Alcohol related crashes remain a major issue in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 32 people are killed every day in crashes involving an impaired driver and alcohol related accidents create more than $44 billion in losses each year. Understanding how insurance responds in these moments can help you protect yourself and plan your next steps.

This guide walks through what your insurance may cover after a DUI crash, what happens if you were hit by a drunk driver, when claims can be denied, and how these accidents affect your future rates. It also outlines the steps you need to take to get compensation.

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 auto 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 intend 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.

How Does Comprehensive and Collision Insurance Help After DUI Accidents?

Comprehensive and collision insurance can play an important role after a DUI accident, especially when you are responsible for the crash. These coverages help pay for your own vehicle’s repair or replacement, which is something liability insurance will never cover for the at-fault driver.

Collision coverage pays for damage to your car when it hits another vehicle or object. So, if you cause a crash while driving under the influence, collision insurance may help cover the repair costs for your own vehicle, up to your policy limits. This can make a big difference because DUI accidents often cause heavy damage, and repair bills can get expensive very quickly.

Comprehensive insurance helps in a different way. It covers damage to your car from events that are not collisions. Examples include theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, or weather related losses. While comprehensive does not pay for the crash itself, it still remains active even if you have a DUI on your record. Many insurers do not remove comprehensive coverage immediately after a drunk driving incident, but they may raise your premiums at renewal.

Both collision and comprehensive are optional coverages, yet they provide financial protection when liability insurance will not support your own vehicle. However, every insurance company has its own rules for DUI accidents. Some insurers might pay for the damage and then pursue reimbursement from the drunk driver, while others may renew your policy with higher premiums or decline renewal altogether.

Learn more about different types of car insurance coverage.

Real-Life Example: “My car was totaled and I got a DUI, will insurance pay?”

A driver shared in a Reddit discussion thread that they crashed their car while driving under the influence and felt certain their insurance company would refuse the claim. They had full coverage, yet they feared the DUI would void everything.

After the crash, they filed the claim anyway. Their insurer reviewed the police report, inspected the vehicle, and eventually paid for the totaled car along with the property damage involved.

However, the story didn’t end there. Other insurance professionals in the same discussion explained what usually happens next. The claim may be paid, but the financial fallout can last for years.

One commenter shared that their own insurer covered a DUI accident nearly two decades earlier. The company repaired the damage, settled the claim, and then raised their premiums so steeply that they are still paying higher rates today.

Some users even mentioned being dropped by their insurer at renewal, leaving them to buy high-risk coverage at a much higher cost. This example shows how insurance often responds to DUI crashes. Your policy may still cover the damage, but the long-term impact on your premiums and future coverage can be significant. Keep reading this article as we discuss how much does car insurance rate might go up after a DUI.

When Can Insurance Deny or Limit a Claim After a DUI?

Insurance companies usually cover DUI accidents because most crashes caused by impaired drivers are considered negligent, not intentional. Still, there are situations where coverage may be limited or denied. These decisions often come down to how the accident occurred, what your policy says, and the evidence gathered after the crash.

Intentional Acts vs Negligent

Drunk Driving Most DUI crashes fall under negligence, meaning the driver did not intend to cause harm. In these situations, insurers are generally required to provide coverage. However, insurance companies can deny a claim if there is evidence of intentional behavior. This includes situations such as:

• Deliberately hitting another vehicle
• Causing damage on purpose
• Any act that shows clear intent to harm someone or something

Intentional harm is excluded in almost every auto policy, so insurers do not have to pay for those losses.

Policy Exclusions and Non-Standard Policies

Your policy plays a major role in determining what gets paid after a DUI accident. Some policies especially non-standard or high-risk options have stricter terms. Common limitations include:

• Exclusions that limit coverage if the driver was impaired
• Minimum liability limits that may not fully cover the damage
• No coverage for your own vehicle if physical damage is excluded
• Situations where the insurer pays the claim, then seeks reimbursement from the at-fault driver

These rules vary by insurer, so reviewing your policy helps you understand what protections you actually have.

Common Issues That Cause Delays or Denials

DUI accidents often trigger more detailed investigations. This extra scrutiny can slow down or complicate the claims process. Some common issues include:

• Missing documents, such as police reports or medical records
• Conflicting statements from drivers or witnesses
• Disputes over how the crash happened
• Questions about whether the injuries or damage were pre-existing
• Problems with the policy itself, like late payments or a recent car insurance lapse

Delays don’t always mean the claim will be denied. They simply show how carefully insurers examine DUI cases. Clear documentation and prompt reporting can help move the claim forward and reduce complications along the way

Learn more: What to Do When Auto Insurance Denies Claim?

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 auto 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 in almost all 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 your behalf 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 a 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 Driving 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.
8. Learn more: How to file a claim after a car accident?

Will My Insurance Rate Go Up After Drunk Driving Accidents?

A DUI accident almost always leads to higher insurance rates. Once you’re involved in a drunk driving crash, insurers classify you as a high-risk driver because the chances of another claim increase.

As a result, your premiums can rise sharply at your next renewal unless your policy includes accident forgiveness. How much your rate goes up after an accident can vary, but national data gives a clear idea of what most drivers experience:

• Many auto insurers raise premiums between 40% and 70% after a DUI conviction.
• Some studies show an average increase of about 65% nationwide, depending on the state and the insurance company.
• In certain states, premiums can even double after a DUI, especially when the driver caused a serious accident or required an SR-22 filing.
• A DUI often stays on your record for three to five years, though states like California keep it for ten years, which keeps rates elevated longer.
• Some insurers may pay the DUI claim but then non-renew your policy, forcing you to move to a high-risk carrier with higher prices.

If you have a DUI ticket and are looking for cheap car insurance with DUI, you can contact 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.

Learn more about drunk driving accidents in Michigan.

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.

What Happens If the Drunk Driver Has No Insurance?

Ans: If a drunk driver has no insurance, you can still recover compensation through your own policy. Your uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage, depending on your limits. In no fault states, your PIP benefits may also apply. If losses exceed your coverage, you may pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver, although collecting can be difficult.

Does Insurance Cover You If You Were Drunk and At Fault?

Ans: Yes, insurance may still cover you if you were drunk and caused the accident. Most DUI crashes are treated as negligence, so liability coverage usually pays for the other party’s injuries and property damage. Your own vehicle may be covered if you carry collision. However, you should expect higher premiums, possible non-renewal, and closer review of your future claims.

Does insurance cover passengers if the driver was drunk?

Ans: Passengers are usually covered, even when the driver was impaired. Liability coverage can pay for their medical bills and other losses, and personal injury protection may apply in no fault states. Coverage depends on your policy and state rules, but passengers generally have the right to make a claim for their injuries after a DUI accident.

How long does a DUI affect insurance in Michigan and other states?

Ans: A DUI in Michigan stays on your driving record for life, though first-time offenses may be expunged after 5 years. Insurance companies typically raise premiums for 3–5 years nationwide, but the exact duration depends on state laws and insurer policies.

Will Auto Insurance Cover Me If a DUI Happens on Private Property?

Ans: Yes, auto insurance generally applies even if a DUI-related accident occurs on private property, but coverage is limited. Liability coverage may still pay for damages to others, while your own damages may be excluded. Insurers often deny or restrict claims when intoxication is involved, and future premiums will almost certainly rise. Learn more: Does Car Insurance Cover Accidents on Private Property