{"id":8390,"date":"2023-04-28T08:00:51","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T08:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/altrainsurance.com\/?p=8390"},"modified":"2024-05-07T11:50:07","modified_gmt":"2024-05-07T11:50:07","slug":"does-insurance-cover-drunk-driving-accidents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/altrainsurance.com\/es\/does-insurance-cover-drunk-driving-accidents\/","title":{"rendered":"How Drunk Driving Affects Your Insurance Coverage & Rates"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drunk driving is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for your driving record, your criminal record, and your wallet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,142 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2019, accounting for 28 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the human cost isn\u2019t the only price you pay for drunk driving. You also face legal penalties, which could include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), you may be wondering how it will affect your auto insurance. Keep reading to learn how a DUI conviction can impact your car insurance coverage and rates.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damages to Others Are Covered<\/h2>\n

In most states, including California, your insurance company is required to cover any damages or injuries you cause while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as long as you have liability insurance. This means if you hit another car or a pedestrian or damage someone’s property, your insurance will pay for the other involved parties\u2019 medical bills and repairs, up to your policy limits.<\/span><\/p>\n

While liability insurance covers the damages and injuries you cause to others while driving drunk, it doesn\u2019t cover your own losses. If you want to be reimbursed for your medical expenses or vehicle repairs after a DUI accident, you\u2019ll need other types of coverage, such as personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments (MedPay), collision, or comprehensive.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, even if you have these coverages, your insurer may not pay for your claims if they can prove you were grossly negligent or reckless when driving under the influence. For example, if you were speeding excessively, running red lights, or driving on the wrong side of the road while drunk, your insurer may argue you intentionally put yourself and others in danger and therefore forfeit your right to coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your Coverage May Be Canceled or Restricted<\/h2>\n

In addition to causing you to have to pay higher rates, a DUI conviction can also affect your car insurance coverage in California. Depending on the severity of the offense and the policy of your insurance company, you may face one of the following scenarios:<\/span><\/p>\n