Does GEICO Insurance Cover DUI Accidents?

Driving under the influence of alcohol is irresponsible and illegal. If you cause an accident while intoxicated, you could face serious criminal charges, license suspension, and costly damage expenses.

A common question that comes up is – will your auto insurance still cover a crash if you were driving drunk? Specifically does GEICO provide coverage for accidents caused by impaired driving?

The answer is generally yes – GEICO will pay out claims for collisions that occur when you or another driver is under the influence. However, there are nuances in GEICO’s policies related to DUIs that impact how much coverage you’ll receive and whether you’ll retain your policy.

Below I’ll explain in detail how DUIs affect your GEICO insurance in terms of:

• Coverages applicable to DUI collisions
• Scope of damages covered
• Impact on your policy and premiums
• Steps to take if your car is hit by an impaired GEICO customer
• Navigating the claims process successfully
• Alternative options if GEICO drops you

Understanding exactly how GEICO handles drunk driving incidents is crucial to getting the coverage you need. Here’s a comprehensive guide to GEICO insurance and DUIs.

What GEICO Coverages Apply to DUI Crashes?

GEICO’s standard auto policies include these coverages relevant to drunk driving collisions:

• Liability – Covers injury/damage you cause others by driving impaired, up to policy limits
• Collision – Pays to repair/replace your car damaged in a DUI crash
• Comprehensive – Covers non-collision damage from DUIs (vandalism, theft, etc.)
• Uninsured Motorist – Protects you if hit by a drunk driver with no/inadequate insurance
• Medical Payments – Reimburses medical treatment for injuries to you or passengers up to policy max

So in short, GEICO’s regular policies will provide some protection when DUIs are involved, but specifics depend on fault, damages, and injuries.

What DUI-Related Damages Does GEICO Cover?

GEICO does extend liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury resulting from your drunk driving, up to policy limits. However, exclusions apply if you:

• Drive without a valid license
• Use your vehicle to commit an intentional criminal act
• Drive a non-owned car without permission
• Operate a commercial vehicle while intoxicated

GEICO also won’t pay beyond your coverage maximums. If damages exceed those limits, you may pay the difference out-of-pocket.

For damage to your own car, GEICO usually covers the repairs under collision insurance, regardless of fault. But they can potentially deny claims if they find evidence you purposefully wrecked your car while driving drunk.

How Does a DUI Affect Your GEICO Policy?

Causing a drunk driving accident will negatively impact your GEICO policy in the following ways:

• Premium hikes – Expect a steep increase, likely over 100%. GEICO deems DUIs high-risk.

• Policy cancellation – In many states, GEICO can immediately cancel your policy upon a DUI conviction.

• Difficulty finding new coverage – Having a DUI on your record makes it hard to shop for insurance if GEICO drops you.

• Restrictions – GEICO may require you install an ignition interlock device, complete alcohol education classes, or other restrictions.

The consequences vary based on your state’s regulations, but generally DUIs substantially increase costs and limit coverage options with GEICO going forward. Maintaining a clean driving history is key for affordable rates.

What To Do if Your Car is Damaged by a GEICO-Insured Drunk Driver

If an intoxicated driver with GEICO insurance hits your car, here are some tips for pursuing compensation:

• File a claim right away with proof of the other driver’s impairment
• Gather police reports, accident photos, repair estimates, and other evidence
• Negotiate firmly and understand your rights to loss of value and diminished value payments
• Consult an attorney if GEICO’s settlement offers seem inadequate

As the victim, you should receive reasonable compensation for damages caused by the negligent actions of a drunk driver insured by GEICO.

Maximizing Your GEICO Claim Payout After a DUI

If you have to file a GEICO claim following a drunk driving accident, keep these tips in mind:

• Thoroughly review your policy to understand applicable coverages and limitations
• Collect police reports, breathalyzer results, and accident scene evidence
• Get multiple repair estimates and medical evaluations to justify compensation demands
• Consider hiring a claims attorney to negotiate the maximum possible settlement from GEICO
• Don’t give up if your claim is initially denied – file an appeal providing additional proof

Understanding your policy and leveraging professional guidance can potentially help increase your payouts.

What if GEICO Drops Me After a DUI Conviction?

Finding affordable car insurance after a DUI is challenging. If GEICO cancels your policy, some alternatives to explore include:

• Non-standard insurers that cover high-risk drivers
• State-mandated assigned risk pool plans
• Discounts for installing an ignition interlock device
• Apps that track sober driving and provide insurance discounts

Shop around, because even if GEICO won’t insure you after a DUI, other insurance options exist to regain coverage. Just expect to pay significantly higher rates compared to before your drunk driving incident.

Key Takeaways

• GEICO does extend liability and collision coverage to accidents caused by drunk driving, within policy limits
• A DUI conviction often results in canceled or restricted GEICO policies plus much higher premiums
• As a DUI victim, collect thorough evidence to demand fair compensation from GEICO
• Consider legal guidance to maximize potential claim payouts after drunk driving incidents