Does auto insurance cover DUI accidents?
Your auto insurance company might cover DUI accidents, but it'll probably fight covering the accident if you caused it when driving while intoxicated. It's more likely that they'll pay for damages if someone else caused an accident while you were drunk driving. A DUI can raise your auto insurance rates by up to 127% and may stay on your record as long as 10 years.
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UPDATED: Jan 27, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 27, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto 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.
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Does car insurance cover DUI accidents? That depends on your insurer. If you cause an accident when you are driving drunk, there’s a chance it won’t be covered by your insurer.
Some auto insurance companies take the position that causing an accident while intoxicated is intentional, which voids your claim.
Even if you don’t cause an accident, getting a DUI will cause you to be labeled a high-risk driver by auto insurers. High-risk drivers could pay hundreds more for high-risk auto insurance.
If you have a DUI, the best way to get cheap auto insurance is to shop around. Enter your ZIP code into our free online quote comparison tool to compare rates and find the best deals on auto insurance today.
Will auto insurance cover DUI accidents?
Do car insurance companies cover DUI accidents? NOLO notes that some auto insurance companies make the argument that drunk-driving is intentional conduct.
This is important because, although insurance companies will usually cover damages caused by negligent conduct, they will argue that driving while intoxicated is intentional.
If that argument is accepted in court, they won’t cover your damages. Since you chose to get drunk and then drive, damages caused by you — either to other drivers, passengers, or your own damages— will not be covered.
If you weren’t at fault for the accident, it’s more likely your insurance company will cover damages that the other driver’s insurance doesn’t cover.
Avoiding these situations is important for all parties, but can be especially helpful for those who do not drink and drive. Be aware that at night there may be more drunk drivers, especially in the 10 worst cities for drunk driving.
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How high will my insurance rates rise after a DUI?
Even if you didn’t cause an accident when you got a DUI, that DUI will raise your auto insurance rates.
| Companies | Average Annual Rats with a Clean record | Average Annual Rates with One DUI |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $3,819.90 | $6,260.73 |
| American Family | $2,693.61 | $4,330.24 |
| Farmers | $3,460.60 | $4,718.75 |
| Geico | $2,145.96 | $4,875.87 |
| Liberty Mutual | $4,774.30 | $7,613.48 |
| Nationwide | $2,746.18 | $4,543.20 |
| Progressive | $3,393.09 | $3,969.65 |
| State Farm | $2,821.18 | $3,636.80 |
| Travelers | $3,447.69 | $5,741.40 |
| USAA | $1,933.68 | $3,506.03 |
DUIs are one of the major factors in insurance companies losing money. This is especially true in the worst states for drunk driving, where traffic deaths due to drunk driving can rise above 1,600 per year for an individual state. For that reason and because insurance companies will look at you as a riskier driver to insure, your rates will rise.
One DUI can actually raise your rates by 17 to 127% with major auto insurance companies and that’s even if they’ll cover you at all. If you are convicted of driving under the influence, you may be forced into the secondary, high-risk auto insurance marketplace.
Many states will suspend your license or give jail time, especially for multiple DUI offenses. (For more information, read our “How many points does it take to suspend a license in New York?“).
How far back do insurance companies check for DUI?
How far back do auto insurance companies look at your record? Most auto insurance companies look back three to five years to see what’s on your driving record, but it varies by state.
For DUIs, insurers may go back 10 years, and your record will go back further with the DMV though most insurers won’t go so far back.
Does GAP insurance cover DUI accidents?
What about GAP insurance? Will it cover damages in a DUI-related accident if drunk driving invalidates insurance?
GAP insurance is in place to cover the difference in how much your insurance company pays out and the amount you still owe on a totaled and leased vehicle. Vehicles depreciate over time, and your insurer goes by current value and not what you paid for the car.
GAP insurance does not cover damages caused by a DUI because your insurer will probably fight a claim entirely if it was caused while you were intoxicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance cover accidents caused by driving under the influence (DUI)?
In most cases, auto insurance policies provide coverage for accidents caused by driving under the influence (DUI). However, it’s important to note that insurance companies may handle these situations differently and may have specific terms and conditions regarding coverage for DUI accidents.
Will my auto insurance cover damages to my own vehicle if I was driving under the influence?
It depends on the terms and conditions of your specific auto insurance policy. In many cases, if you have collision or comprehensive coverage, your insurance may cover the damages to your vehicle, regardless of whether you were driving under the influence. However, it’s essential to review your policy or contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage.
Will auto insurance cover damages caused to other people’s property in a DUI accident?
Yes, auto insurance typically covers damages caused to other people’s property in a DUI accident. This coverage is known as property damage liability coverage, which is a standard component of most auto insurance policies. It helps pay for the costs of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
Does auto insurance cover injuries to other people involved in a DUI accident?
Yes, most auto insurance policies include bodily injury liability coverage, which covers injuries to other people involved in an accident caused by a DUI. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the injuries sustained by the affected parties.
What happens if I am found to be driving under the influence and my insurance policy does not cover DUI accidents?
If your auto insurance policy explicitly excludes coverage for DUI accidents, it means that any damages or injuries resulting from a DUI accident would not be covered. In such cases, you would be responsible for covering the costs out of pocket, including property damage, medical expenses, legal fees, and any other applicable damages. It’s crucial to review your policy and consult with your insurance provider to understand the extent of your coverage.
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Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.