Does auto insurance cover DUI accidents?

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.

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.

Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates After One DUI

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.