Does Auto Insurance Cover Drunk Driving Accidents?

​Your auto insurance policy will pay for damages you cause in a car accident, up to the liability limits of your policy. If you cause an accident while driving drunk or drugged, your insurance company will not pay for damages caused by your negligence. 

However, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy, it may help cover damages exceeding your policy liability limits.

What is automobile liability insurance coverage?
Suppose your auto insurance policy covers damages beyond the limits of your insurance policy. In that case, it is not enough to pay for all the damages to the other vehicles in the accident. Auto liability insurance is how you can ensure that you will be covered for the full amount of damages. 

Most auto insurance companies have a set percentage of your policy premium that will be charged to pay for various fees and expenses associated with the occurrence of an accident.

What does uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage cover?
In most states, your auto insurance policy will cover some or all of the damages caused in an accident, up to your vehicle's liability limits. 

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage will cover up to your maximum liability limits for an accident, regardless of who caused the accident. If you are underinsured or uninsured, this coverage will kick in for certain types of accidents.

Typically, uninsured motorist coverage pays for only minor injuries, as well as for your vehicle's loss in an accident, unless it is your fault. Uninsured motorist coverage will not cover medical expenses, which can run into the thousands of dollars per incident.

What if I cause an accident while drunk or drugged?
You can receive only limited benefits if you cause an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you cause an accident while drunk or high, your car insurance company will cover any damage caused by your negligence to the extent it doesn't exceed your liability limits. 

But it won't pay for damages caused by your drinking or drug use, even if it's caused while you're driving.

How can I make sure my insurance covers me for this?
If you or a family member has a collision, make sure the insurer knows it. You should also contact your agent to confirm if you have coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists. If the insurance company does not cover you, consider filing a claim on your behalf.

At Appletree Insurance, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (603) 881-9900. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.