Does car insurance cover DUI accidents?
Your car insurance will usually cover a DUI accident, but this isn't always the case. Your claim may be denied if your provider can show that you drove while intoxicated intentionally. Your car insurance rates will increase by a lot following a DUI accident, even if your policy covers it. It's to your advantage to never drive drunk or otherwise impaired because you could be denied coverage in the future.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Aug 14, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 14, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Car insurance may cover DUI accidents, but you may have to fight your insurance company for a payout if the DUI was intentional
- A DUI can result in a big increase in your car insurance premiums
- A DUI can also cause your insurer to cancel your policy
Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a DUI or other criminal activity? That depends on your insurance company. Some companies believe that causing an accident while under the influence is a deliberate act. If you cause an accident while driving drunk, your insurance company may refuse to pay for it.
Even if you don’t cause an accident, a DUI will make you a high-risk driver in the eyes of insurers. All of these issues will leave you wondering, will your insurance cover a DUI accident?
For drivers with DUIs, the best option is to shop around and compare car insurance providers. High-risk drivers may have to pay hundreds of dollars more for car insurance.
Does car insurance cover DUI accidents? Before you learn more, enter your ZIP code, you can get free quotes from multiple top car insurers right now.
Table of Contents
Will auto insurance cover DUI accidents?
Many drivers are shocked to find out that DUI accidents are covered by their insurer. In fact, your car insurance provider will cover it in the same way that they would cover an ordinary accident, up to the limits of your policy.
They’ll pay for the medical bills of anyone you hurt, as well as the price of fixing the other driver’s car (assuming you were at fault).
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Car Insurance Companies That Claim Your Accident Was Intentional
The reason insurance companies cover a DUI is because it is considered an accident: you didn’t plan to cause a collision while under the influence.
However, some insurance companies will try to deny your claim, by arguing that it was planned or intentional. If the insurance company can show that your accident was deliberate, they will not have to pay for it.
As the DUI will be noted on your insurance record, you may want to get new car insurance quotes.
What are the consequences of a DUI on my car insurance?
Even if your insurer pays out, you can still be subject to repercussions from a DUI. Denial and limitation of coverage after a DUI are common. Companies may refuse to renew your coverage.
You may be wondering, will a DUI be on my record forever? A DUI will typically stay on your insurance record for three to five years. If you’ve been ticketed for drinking and driving, it is in your best interest to find the best auto insurance after a DUI.
Now that you know more about if car insurance covers DUI accidents, enter your ZIP code right now, and free quotes from top companies in your area will be right at your fingertips.
Case Studies: Highlighting Car Insurance Coverage for DUI Accidents
Case Study 1: John’s Denied Claim With SafeGuard Insurance
John, a policyholder with SafeGuard Insurance, was involved in a DUI accident. Despite having comprehensive coverage, his claim was denied by SafeGuard Insurance. They argued that John intentionally drove while intoxicated, making the accident a deliberate act. John’s request for coverage was ultimately rejected, leaving him responsible for all damages and expenses.
Case Study 2: Sarah’s High-Risk Status With SecureDrive Insurance
Sarah, another policyholder, caused a DUI accident but had insurance coverage with SecureDrive Insurance. Although her insurer covered the accident, Sarah faced the consequences of being labeled a high-risk driver.
As a result, her insurance rates significantly increased with SecureDrive Insurance, making her premiums unaffordable. Sarah had to explore other insurance providers to find a policy that fits her budget.
Case Study 3: Mark’s Coverage Limitations With SureGuard Insurance
Mark, insured with SureGuard Insurance, was involved in a DUI accident. His insurer, SureGuard Insurance, covered the damages, but with limitations. The insurance company refused to renew his policy and provided him with limited coverage options due to his DUI record. Mark had to search for alternative insurers who were willing to provide coverage despite his past incident.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Does car insurance cover DUI accidents?
If you have more questions about car insurance and DUI accidents, here are the answers.
#1 – Do insurance companies cover DUI accidents when you only have basic insurance?
Yes, your liability coverage will cover you since liability insurance is a basic form of car insurance that is mandatory for everyone to have. It applies even if you are under the influence of alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance cover DUI accidents?
Generally, car insurance will cover DUI accidents, but there are exceptions. If it can be proven that you intentionally drove while intoxicated, your claim may be denied. It’s crucial to never drive drunk or impaired to avoid potential coverage denial in the future.
Will my car insurance rates increase after a DUI accident?
Yes, your car insurance rates are likely to increase significantly following a DUI accident, even if your policy covers it. Being involved in a DUI accident labels you as a high-risk driver in the eyes of insurers, leading to higher premiums. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers is advisable for drivers with DUI records.
Can car insurance companies deny coverage for DUI accidents?
While most car insurance companies cover DUI accidents as they are considered accidents, some may try to deny your claim by arguing that the accident was intentional. If an insurance company can establish that the accident was deliberate, they may refuse to pay for it. In such cases, seeking quotes from new car insurance providers is recommended.
What are the consequences of a DUI on my car insurance?
Even if your car insurance company pays out for a DUI accident, you may still face repercussions. Your coverage could be denied or limited by the insurance company. Additionally, a DUI typically stays on your insurance record for three to five years, potentially impacting your rates and coverage options. Finding the best auto insurance after a DUI is important.
Do insurance companies cover DUI accidents if I have basic insurance?
Yes, if you have liability insurance, which is a basic form of car insurance required by law, it will cover you even if you are under the influence of alcohol. Liability coverage applies to protect you financially if you cause damage or injuries to others while driving, regardless of your intoxication.
Are you looking for free insurance quotes?
Your one-stop online insurance guide. Get free quotes now!
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.