A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is one of the most serious offenses you can commit behind the wheel. Beyond legal penalties like fines, license suspension, and jail time, a DUI can also have major consequences on your car insurance.
So the big question is:
Does car insurance cover accidents caused by a DUI?
The short answer: Yes, car insurance typically covers DUI-related accidents but there are serious consequences. You may be covered initially, but expect higher premiums, policy cancellation, and potential exclusions going forward.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What your insurance covers after a DUI
- When insurers might deny claims
- How a DUI affects your policy and premiums
- SR-22 and FR-44 filing requirements
- Tips for finding coverage after a DUI
- Real-life scenarios and FAQs
Let’s get into the details.
What Happens If You Crash While Driving Under the Influence?
If you cause an accident while intoxicated, several things happen quickly:
- You’ll be arrested and charged with DUI
- Your driver’s license may be suspended
- Your insurer is notified (especially if there’s a claim)
- Victims may sue for damages
- Your insurance policy will be reviewed or canceled at renewal
Does Car Insurance Cover You If You’re at Fault in a DUI Crash?
Yes, most policies will pay valid claims even if you were drunk
Auto insurance is a legal contract. If you cause an accident, your insurer is generally obligated to pay:
- Liability claims (damage or injury you caused to others)
- Collision claims (damage to your own car, if included)
- Medical payments (if you’re injured and have coverage)
But that doesn’t mean there are no consequences.
What Types of Coverage Apply After a DUI Accident?
Here’s a breakdown of how different coverage types respond:
| Coverage Type | Applies in DUI Case? | Notes |
| Liability (Bodily/Property) | Yes | Pays for injury and damage you cause to others |
| Collision | Yes (if included) | Pays for your vehicle repairs, minus deductible |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) | Sometimes | Covers medical expenses regardless of fault in some states |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Yes | Covers your injuries if required in your state |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | No | Not relevant if you’re the at-fault DUI driver |
Your insurer must honor these coverages but they may take legal steps afterward to recoup their losses from you.
When Can an Insurance Claim Be Denied After a DUI?
In rare cases, insurers may deny your claim under these circumstances:
1. Fraud or Misrepresentation
If you lie about how the accident happened or your alcohol consumption, your claim can be denied.
2. Exclusions in Your Policy
Some policies exclude “intentional acts” or “illegal use of a vehicle.” This is rare but possible. Always review your fine print.
3. Commercial or Unauthorized Use
If you were using your car for business or had unauthorized drivers behind the wheel, your insurer may deny coverage.
4. No Active Coverage
If your policy had lapsed, or if you weren’t listed as an approved driver, you won’t be covered regardless of DUI status.
What About the Other Driver’s Damages?
If someone else was hurt or their car was damaged, your liability coverage should still pay their claim.
But:
- You may be personally sued for additional damages
- If damages exceed your policy limits, you’ll be on the hook
Courts may award punitive damages for gross negligence (not covered by insurance)
Will Your Insurance Rates Go Up After a DUI?
Absolutely. A DUI is considered a high-risk violation and may:
- Increase premiums by 100% to 300%+
- Result in non-renewal or cancellation
- Require special coverage (SR-22 or FR-44) for reinstatement
According to the Insurance Information Institute, a DUI is one of the most expensive violations in terms of long-term insurance impact.
What Is an SR-22 or FR-44?
These are forms your insurer files with your state to prove you have active auto insurance:
- SR-22 – Most states
- FR-44 – Used in Florida and Virginia (higher coverage minimums)
You’ll need this to reinstate your license after a DUI, and not all insurers will provide SR-22/FR-44 support.
Can You Get Insurance After a DUI?
Yes, but it’s harder and more expensive.
Options:
- Your current insurer (if they don’t cancel your policy)
- Non-standard or high-risk insurance providers
- State-assigned risk pools
Challenges:
- Fewer insurers willing to take you
- Premiums can double or triple
- Must maintain SR-22 filing for 3–5 years (depending on your state)
Real-Life Scenario
Driver: Lucas, 28
Location: Houston, TX
Incident: DUI crash causing $14,000 in damage to two other vehicles
Insurance: Full coverage with $100,000 liability limit
Outcome:
- Insurer paid for others’ damage
- Lucas’s car was covered under collision
- Policy not renewed
- Forced to switch to high-risk insurer with SR-22
- Premium increased from $92/month to $315/month
Lucas said:
“It was a tough lesson. Insurance didn’t abandon me right away, but it got really expensive fast.”
What If You Injure Someone in a DUI Crash?
You may be covered up to your policy limits, but victims can sue for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Insurance does not cover punitive damages, and courts often impose them for DUI crashes.
This is why having higher liability limits (e.g., $250,000+) is smart even if you never plan on drinking and driving.
FAQs: DUI and Car Insurance Coverage
Yes, if you have collision coverage. But you must pay your deductible, and your insurer may not renew your policy.
Yes. Your liability insurance should pay for injuries and damages to others up to your policy limits.
Yes. Your insurer may cancel or refuse to renew your policy. You’ll need to find a high-risk provider.
An SR-22 is proof of insurance filed with the state. You may need it for 3–5 years, depending on your location and offense.
Yes. Expect to pay 2–3 times more than before. The increase can last for 3–7 years.
Final Thoughts
So, does car insurance cover DUI accidents?
Yes, in most cases if you have active, full coverage. But that doesn’t mean there are no consequences.
To recap:
- Your insurer usually pays claims after a DUI (including for others’ injuries)
- Premiums will skyrocket
- Policy may be canceled or non-renewed
- You may need SR-22/FR-44 to drive legally again
- Future coverage will be more expensive and harder to get
The best protection? Avoid driving under the influence.
But if you’re rebuilding your driving record and need reliable coverage, Alias Insurance can help you compare high-risk policies and SR-22-friendly insurers across the U.S.
