Learn What Your Car Insurance Will Cover After a DUI Accident
DUI insurance means navigating tighter underwriting rules, fewer carrier options, added state filings, and increased costs until you reestablish a clean driving record.
Key Takeaways:
- DUI insurance isn’t a separate policy; it refers to the higher premiums, stricter rules, and state filings that may be required after a conviction.
- Rates can rise 50–200% and remain elevated for three to five years, with costs varying widely by state and insurer.
- High-risk brokers specialize in DUI cases, helping drivers compare carriers, meet state requirements, and secure affordable coverage despite tougher underwriting.
A DUI accident can feel overwhelming. Between the legal process, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty, it’s normal to have questions about what happens next. One of the most common questions is simple but important: Will my car insurance cover this?
If you are in a car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, understanding your insurance coverage is critical. Your policy may exclude damage to your property if you were over the limit at the time of an at-fault accident.
This blog provides information about car insurance after a DUI. It is not legal advice. Always consult a qualified DUI attorney. If you have immediate questions about SR-22 insurance, call a Breathe Easy licensed insurance agent at (833) 786-0237.
Does Auto Insurance Cover DUI Car Accidents?
Insurance coverage after a DUI accident depends on fault, policy language, and state law.
Your carrier can exclude DUI accidents, leaving you responsible for your damages and medical costs. However, if you’re the victim of a DUI accident, the situation may be different. Policies vary, which is why reviewing your specific coverage matters.
Understanding your DUI car accident coverage is crucial to determining whether you have financial protection. In general, some standard auto insurance policies may not cover your injuries or damage to your vehicle if you cause an accident while intoxicated. Check your auto policy for exclusions or restrictions related to claims involving DUI charges.
What to Know Before Filing an Auto Insurance Claim After a DUI Accident
Early action matters. If you’re involved in a DUI-related car accident, contact your insurance carrier and a lawyer.
Consult Your Lawyer First
Before making any statements to your insurance provider, speak with an attorney who specializes in DUI-related accidents. Lawyers help you understand your rights and guide you on how to approach the insurance carrier without compromising your legal position. What you say can affect the outcome of your claim.
Stick to the Facts
When speaking with your insurance company, provide factual details of the accident. Apologies or speculation could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Tell the insurance company what happened without over-explaining or assuming fault for the incident.
Contact a Breathe Easy licensed agent at (833) 786-0237 to learn more about how insurance carriers work with drivers after a DUI-related accident.
Document the Claims Process
Keep a record of all interactions with your insurance provider, as well as any receipts, medical records, or repair bills related to the accident. Detailed documentation provides the necessary evidence to back up your claim, which could make it easier for your attorney to protect your interests in case of legal complications or disputes with the insurer.
What If You Are the Victim of a DUI Car Accident?
The at-fault driver's insurance typically provides coverage for victims of DUI-related car accidents. Compensation for victims may include the following, depending on your state laws:
- Medical bills for you and your passengers
- Car repairs
- Lost wages related to injuries
- Rehabilitation needs related to injuries
- Costs for hiring help for essential services you can't perform due to accident-related injuries
What if the driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your DUI-related damages? DUI-related victims may have coverage under their own insurance policy, specifically, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Speak to your attorney first and then notify your insurance carrier and follow the claims process carefully.
Next Steps for Your Insurance After a DUI Car Accident
Dealing with insurance is inevitable if you’re involved in a DUI accident. If you are at fault, insurance consequences often follow. These may include:
- Premium increases
- Policy non-renewal or cancellation
- New filing requirements such as SR-22 or FR-44 forms
If you were the victim in a DUI crash, your own auto insurance might be impacted, but not usually as harshly as the drunk driver’s.
- In many states, your carrier is not allowed to raise your rates just because you were in a not‑at‑fault crash, even if you file a claim.
- In other states, insurers can raise rates after any accident or claim, even when you weren’t at fault, because they see “any claim” as a sign of higher future risk.
What to Do If You Lose Your Car Insurance
If you lose your auto insurance coverage, you have options, including non-standard auto insurance plans or carriers that specialize in covering high-risk drivers. Insurance carriers consider drivers with a DUI on their record high-risk, which can lead to refusal of coverage or significantly higher premiums.
Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions specializes in helping drivers find insurance from DUI-forgiving carriers. Our licensed insurance agents can help you get back on the road legally. Contact us today to learn about your DUI insurance options.
Understanding the Importance of SR-22 Documentation
After license suspension due to a DUI, you may be required to have a valid SR-22 form on file to drive. Most states require SR-22 filing for three to five years after a DUI conviction. Failure to file the SR-22 can result in further legal and financial consequences, including extended license suspension. Breathe Easy licensed insurance agents can help you meet your SR-22 requirements, if required after a DUI conviction.
Let Us Help You Navigate the Insurance Process
At Breathe Easy Insurance, we specialize in helping you meet car insurance requirements after a DUI accident. If you’re in a DUI-related accident, reach out to us today. Breathe Easy helps drivers quickly find the coverage they need at a price they can afford.
Call Breathe Easy Insurance at (833) 786-0237 to speak with a licensed insurance agent today.
FAQs
Does full coverage insurance cover DUI accidents?
Full coverage insurance typically means you have collision and comprehensive damage, but your insurance carrier can specifically exclude DUI accidents. Coverage varies by policy and state. Breathe Easy licensed insurance agents help you understand your current coverage and your state's insurance requirements moving forward.
Does gap insurance cover DUI accidents?
This coverage doesn't cover personal injury or property damage after a DUI accident. Gap insurance typically covers the difference between the payoff amount to your lender on a leased or financed vehicle and its actual cash value if the car is a total loss in a covered accident.
Do insurance companies cover DUI accidents for the victim?
Yes, a DUI accident victim's insurance policy may cover damages under uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. People injured in a DUI-related crash may have access to coverage under the at-fault driver’s insurance.