Does Car Insurance Cover DUI Accidents in California?

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough on its own. But when you add in the complexity of a DUI charge, it can quickly become overwhelming. Will your car insurance still cover the accident if you were drunk? How much will your rates go up? What other penalties might you face?

These are all common questions for California drivers who have been involved in DUI accidents. The good news is that in most cases, your auto insurance policy will still provide coverage even if you were intoxicated However, the specifics depend on your insurance company, policy details, and state laws.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how DUI accidents affect your car insurance in California. We’ll cover:

• How insurance companies handle DUI accident claims
• What California laws say about DUI accident coverage
• How a DUI accident can impact your insurance rates
• Strategies for minimizing rate hikes after a DUI accident
• Other potential penalties for driving under the influence

How Insurance Companies Handle DUI Accident Claims

After any type of accident, the first step is to notify your insurance company and file a claim They will then investigate the details of the incident, including assigning fault and assessing damages

If it is determined that you were at-fault for the accident and were driving under the influence, your liability coverage will still pay for the other driver’s losses, up to your policy limits. This includes covering repairs to their vehicle, medical bills, and other damages like loss of income.

However, your own collision coverage – which covers repairs to your vehicle – may not apply if you violated the terms of your policy by driving drunk. Most policies state that insurance companies can deny collision claims in cases where the insured driver was intoxicated or impaired.

Some insurers may still agree to pay the claim after reviewing all the facts, but they are within their rights to deny it completely. This leaves you responsible for covering the costs to fix your own car after a DUI accident.

What California Laws Say About DUI Accident Coverage

While individual insurance companies set their own rules, there are also some statewide regulations in California that impact DUI accident claims:

• California is an “at-fault” state – This means the driver who caused the accident is liable for resulting damages. So even if you were drunk, as long as you weren’t at fault, the other driver’s insurance should cover your losses.

• DUI convictions can’t be used to deny claims – California law prohibits insurers from refusing to pay a claim solely because the driver was convicted of a DUI or other alcohol-related offense. Fault must still be determined.

• DUI can impact claims if it violates policy terms – As mentioned, insurers can deny collision coverage if driving drunk went against your policy provisions. But they can’t refuse to pay medical or liability claims required by state law.

• Low policy limits are risky – California only requires $5,000 in property damage liability insurance. If you cause major damages in a DUI accident, that may not be enough, leaving you responsible for the shortfall. Higher limits are wise.

So in essence, California restricts insurers from automatically denying DUI-related claims, but there is leeway to reject collision coverage based on policy violations. Liability coverage remains intact.

How a California DUI Accident Affects Your Insurance Rates

Even if your insurer covers the claim, being involved in a DUI accident will almost certainly still cause your rates to rise at renewal time. Insurance companies view drivers who operate vehicles while impaired as high-risk and will re-classify your policy accordingly.

A single DUI accident can cause your premium to spike 50% to 100% higher on average. However, the increase depends on factors like:

• Your prior driving record – Clean history vs. previous violations
• Number of past DUI incidents – First offense versus repeat offense
• Severity of damages and injuries in the accident
• Guidelines of your insurance company

Rates can potentially double or even triple if you had an especially serious DUI accident or have multiple prior DUI convictions.

And in the worst cases, your insurer may decide to drop your policy altogether, forcing you to seek coverage through high-risk plans like the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan which come with very expensive premiums.

Strategies to Minimize Rate Hikes After a California DUI Accident

While there’s no getting around the fact your auto insurance costs will go up after driving impaired, there are some steps you can take to reduce the magnitude of the increase:

• Enroll in DUI school – Many insurance companies will reduce the rate spike if you voluntarily complete DUI education classes even if not required by the court.

• Ramp up your voluntary excess – Opting for a higher excess can offset some of the premium increase.

• Review discounts – Double check with your insurer that you’re getting all available discounts, such as for being a homeowner or completing defensive driving.

• Drop comprehensive and collision (if car is paid off) – Removing these optional coverages lowers your overall bill.

• Shop around – Compare quotes from multiple insurers to see if another company offers a better rate. But make sure to disclose the DUI incident.

• Improve your credit – California insurers use credit-based scores in pricing. Boosting your credit could help secure a lower premium.

Other Potential California Penalties for Driving Under the Influence

Beyond increased auto insurance rates, being convicted of a DUI in California can bring additional consequences including:

• Up to 6 months jail time for a standard DUI conviction

• Fines and fees of $2,000 or more

• A suspended driver’s license for at least 6 months

• Mandatory DUI education program

• Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle

• Up to 3 years probation

• Community service

• Possible vehicle impoundment or forfeiture

And penalties grow more severe for repeat DUI offenses within a 10 year period. Simply put, it’s a dangerous decision that can create lasting financial and legal issues. Always arrange another transportation option like a taxi or rideshare if you’ve had too much to drink.

The Bottom Line

Driving under the influence opens up drivers to many serious risks that can have ongoing impacts for years. While car insurance will typically cover the accident itself and pay for the other driver’s damages, policyholders still face denial of collision coverage, steep rate hikes, and a host of other repercussions.

Protect yourself by being aware of California’s insurance and DUI laws, exploring tactics to keep premium increases manageable, and steering clear of impaired driving altogether whenever possible. Making smart choices behind the wheel today helps preserve your finances, driving record, and peace of mind over the long haul.