Yes, insurance may cover a DUI accident, but the extent of coverage depends on the driver’s individual policy and the specific circumstances of the crash. In many cases, insurers are required to pay for damages caused while driving under the influence; however, coverage is not guaranteed.
Even when claims are approved, drivers may still face serious financial consequences, including increased premiums, coverage reviews, or repayment through subrogation.
Understanding how DUI charges impact insurance coverage is essential for anyone involved in a drunk driving incident. Connecting with a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can help provide information on what drivers can expect from their insurance provider after an arrest and how criminal charges may affect future coverage.
How Insurance Works After a DUI Crash
If you’re involved in an accident while under the influence, your insurer may still be required to cover the damages, but that doesn’t mean the outcome is in your favor. In California, liability coverage usually pays for the other driver’s injuries and property damage. However, once a DUI is involved, the situation becomes more complicated.
From my experience working with thousands of people facing DUI charges, I know that even a standard insurance policy can come under review after a crash. Some insurers may try to deny certain parts of a claim based on policy exclusions, especially if criminal behavior is cited as the cause of the accident.
It’s also worth noting that if multiple vehicles or injured parties are involved, your insurer may attempt to minimize what they pay out. Even if they do cover the claim, they’re likely to reassess your risk profile immediately afterward—and that could affect your premiums and eligibility moving forward.
What Types of Coverage May Still Apply?
Although each case is different, here’s how insurance coverage often plays out after a DUI:
- Liability coverage: may cover damages and injuries you caused to others.
- Collision coverage: may help with the cost of repairing your own vehicle.
- Medical payments coverage: might still apply for your medical expenses or those of your passengers.
Keep in mind, though, that some policies include exclusions for criminal activity or impaired driving. That’s why it’s critical to have your policy reviewed as early as possible. We can help you get connected with someone who can do that.
In some cases, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage could also be impacted, especially if you’re involved in a multi-vehicle crash and the other party tries to claim damages from your insurer.
The legal and claims process becomes even more difficult when there are disputes over fault, coverage limits, or exclusions tied to your DUI arrest.
Why Subrogation Matters
Even when insurance pays out initially, your provider might come back later to recover the money through a process known as subrogation. I’ve seen this frequently happen in DUI cases where the damages are high. The insurance company pays the other party, then sues the policyholder to get reimbursed.
This can come as a surprise, especially if you thought the insurance company had already settled everything. It’s just one more reason to make sure you’re getting legal advice from someone who understands both sides of a DUI case.
In more serious DUI crashes—especially those involving injury or fatalities—the financial stakes grow significantly. Subrogation demands may run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and they could result in wage garnishments or asset seizures if not properly handled.
What a DUI Means for Your Insurance Rates
After a DUI conviction, it’s almost certain that your insurance premiums will go up—if your current provider doesn’t cancel your policy entirely. You might be required to file an SR-22 to show you meet California’s minimum insurance requirements, which usually leads to:
- Higher monthly costs: Rates can increase dramatically for years.
- Fewer coverage options: Many insurers won’t cover high-risk drivers.
- Mandatory filings: SR-22 certificates are a hassle and add cost.
Many people I speak with are surprised to learn that the insurance issues alone can cost more than the court fines. That’s why we recommend speaking with an attorney as soon as possible if you’re facing DUI charges and worried about insurance.
Once you’re labeled as a high-risk driver, restoring your driving privileges becomes more difficult and expensive. Insurance companies track DUI offenses closely, and it’s not uncommon to deal with surcharges, limited policy durations, and strict renewal conditions.
Criminal vs. Civil Consequences
It’s also important to understand that insurance doesn’t protect you from everything. If someone is seriously injured or killed in a DUI-related crash, you could face both criminal charges and a separate civil lawsuit. In these cases, insurance may cover part of the damages, but anything beyond your policy limits could become your personal responsibility.
We know how overwhelming that sounds, especially when you’re already facing a criminal charge. But you’re not alone. Civil claims can involve complex legal issues like ongoing medical care, lost wages, and emotional distress. These types of cases move separately from your criminal proceedings, and having the right legal support is key to managing both at the same time.
Here’s How We Can Help
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we’ve spent nearly two decades helping people handle the full impact of DUI charges—from the courtroom to the insurance aftermath. If you’ve been involved in a DUI-related accident and aren’t sure whether your insurance will cover the damages, you’re not alone.
We’re here to help connect you with an attorney who understands what you’re going through and can fight for the best possible outcome. Getting answers quickly can make all the difference.
Whether you’re concerned about subrogation, civil lawsuits, or keeping your driver’s license, we’ll help you take the next step toward protecting your future.
