Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a DUI or other criminal activity?

If you have damage to your vehicle related to a DUI or other criminal activity, you may wonder if your car insurance coverage will pay for it. This situation can be worrying, as much money may be at stake.

Does car insurance cover damage caused by a DUI or other criminal activity? We understand your concerns and have answered some of your questions below.

Car Insurance Coverage for Damage Caused by a DUI

Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a driver driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol? In most cases, insurance companies will pay for damages where the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The outcome will depend on whether you have full coverage car insurance in place, including liability, collision, or comprehensive cover.

These companies will also cover damage if you were engaged in some other criminal activity if the incident was accidental.

Insurance Coverage When Driving Under the Influence

If you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol when you caused an accident, the insurance company would not automatically reject the case. In most situations, they will accept that you didn’t intend to get into an accident.

Your liability coverage will help pay for damages to a third party, but you will need collision coverage car insurance to pay for damages to your vehicle.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage caused by an uninsured driver if I have collision coverage?

Insurance Coverage Against Other Drivers Under the Influence

How you claim will depend on whether you live in a no-fault or an at-fault state. In the former, you may need to read an expert guide on how to file a car insurance claim with your own company, while in the latter, you will turn to the impaired driver’s insurance company.

If they didn’t have any coverage, you’d need uninsured motorist coverage car insurance on your policy or would need to sue the other driver in a civil case.

Liability Insurance when Driving Under the Influence

You still need to prove that the other driver was negligent and that this negligence led to your damage. However, if the authorities successfully charge them with a DUI or involvement in another criminal case, this is typically sufficient to prove that they were negligent and liable.

If you (or a separate party) were primarily responsible for the accident, the impaired driver is not automatically liable simply because they were under the influence.

Case Studies: Exploring Car Insurance Coverage on Damages Caused by DUI and Criminal Activity

Case Study 1: DUI Accident Coverage

John Smith, while under the influence of alcohol, caused an accident that resulted in significant damage to his own car and injuries to the other driver. John is wondering if his car insurance will cover the damages caused by his DUI.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage to my own car if I am at fault in an accident?

It is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your car insurance policy. Engaging in criminal activities such as DUI can have significant legal consequences and may also impact your insurance coverage.

Case Study 2: Stolen Vehicle During Criminal Activity

Sarah Thompson’s car was stolen while it was parked outside a nightclub. It was later discovered that the thief used her car to commit a robbery. Sarah wants to know if her car insurance will cover the damages caused during the criminal activity.

While comprehensive car insurance may cover theft, it typically does not extend to damages caused during criminal activities involving the stolen vehicle. Reporting the theft promptly to the police and cooperating with them is crucial in such situations.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover a stolen car?

Case Study 3: Vandalism and Criminal Damage

Michael Johnson parked his car in a public parking lot and returned to find it vandalized with graffiti and several broken windows. He suspects that the damage was caused during a criminal activity nearby and wants to know if his car insurance will cover the repairs.

While comprehensive car insurance often covers damages caused by vandalism, it may exclude coverage if the vehicle was involved in or parked during a criminal activity. Collecting evidence and filing a police report are vital steps to ensure a smoother claims process in cases of vandalism or criminal damage.

Car Insurance If a DUI Caused Damage: The Bottom Line

Most insurance companies will consider a damage claim even though the policyholder was driving under the influence or engaged in criminal activity if the incident was accidental.

If you were to blame, your liability coverage would pay for damages to other vehicles or property, while your collision coverage would pay for damage to your vehicle. If someone else were to blame, you’d turn to your insurance company (in a no-fault state) or the other driver’s company otherwise.