Does Car Insurance Cover Reckless Driving? What You Need to Know

The short answer is yes – if you have coverage, your auto insurer will pay for losses you cause through reckless driving, up to your policy limits However, expect consequences like sky-high rates or non-renewal after such a claim.

Let’s take a closer look at how reckless driving affects your car insurance, potential penalties, and steps to get the best coverage after this violation.

What is Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving refers to operating a vehicle in a way that shows disregard for safety and laws. It’s more severe than simple speeding Actions considered reckless driving include

• Excessive speeding (typically 30+ mph over the limit)
• Aggressive weaving through traffic
• Passing illegally
• Racing
• Failure to yield right of way
• Hit and run accidents
• Driving the wrong way on roads

Unlike a standard traffic violation, reckless driving is often charged as a misdemeanor criminal offense. Penalties vary by state but may include:

• Large fines ($200 to $1,000+)
• License suspension for 30 days or more
• Jail time in severe cases
• License points on driving record

Will Insurance Cover Reckless Driving Accidents?

If you cause an at-fault accident while driving recklessly your auto insurance will cover resulting damages like

• Property damage (to other vehicles, objects, buildings)
• Bodily injury (if others are injured)
• Collision damage to your own car

However, there are limitations:

• Coverage only applies up to your policy limits
• Claims will drive up your premium significantly
• You may face non-renewal after the incident

So while the insurer will pay legitimate claims within your coverage, expect to pay the price with higher rates or cancellation after a reckless driving incident. Some insurers may drop you immediately.

Why Do Insurers Cover Reckless Driving?

You might be wondering – if reckless driving is an intentional, illegal act, why do insurers pay claims resulting from it? There are a few reasons:

It’s Often Unintentional – When driving recklessly, you don’t intend to cause an accident. You simply drive carelessly without regard for safety. Insurance covers unintentional incidents.

You’re Covered for At-Fault Accidents – Collision and liability coverage protect you when you cause an accident, even if you’re at fault. Reckless driving is just one way of being at fault.

Claims are Within Policy Limits – Insurers have contractual obligations up to your coverage limits. As long as the damages fall within those limits, they must pay.

No Way to Prove Intent – Insurance companies can’t prove you intended to cause an accident while driving recklessly, as opposed to simply driving recklessly without intent to crash.

However, repeated reckless driving claims may lead an insurer to suspect fraud. Expect a thorough investigation and potential denial of coverage if intent seems evident.

How Reckless Driving Affects Your Insurance

Here are some ways a reckless driving incident can impact your car insurance:

• Premium increase – Expect a hefty rate hike, often 50% or more after a reckless driving claim.
• High-risk classification – You may be labeled a “high risk” driver, leading to expensive rates going forward.
• Policy non-renewal – Don’t be surprised if your insurer drops you at renewal time after the violation.
• Policy cancellation – In some cases, your insurer may terminate your policy immediately after a reckless driving incident.
• Driver exclusion – If other drivers are on your policy, insurers may exclude you from coverage after a reckless driving claim while allowing others to remain insured.

How to Get Affordable Coverage After Reckless Driving

If you face non-renewal or need new coverage after a reckless driving violation, here are some tips for securing an affordable car insurance policy:

• Compare high-risk insurers – Check companies that specialize in drivers with violations like DUI Insurance Agency or Direct Auto. Avoid mainstream insurers.
• Consider state programs – If eligible, assigned risk plans or state-specific high-risk pools can provide coverage those with serious offenses.
• Increase deductibles – Choosing higher deductibles reduces rates. Go for at least $500 or $1,000 deductibles.
• Limit your coverage – Dropping collision or comprehensive coverage can net savings. But weigh this carefully.
• Improve your driving record – Maintaining a clean record for 3-5 years can help lower rates over time. Take a defensive driving course.
• Shop around frequently – Compare rates from different high-risk carriers each renewal to find savings. Rates can vary widely.

The Takeaway

Reckless driving is a major violation that can wreak havoc on your auto insurance. While claims will be covered, expect severe rate hikes and possible policy termination. Maintaining a clean driving record for several years, taking a defensive driving course, and shopping high-risk market insurers can help lower rates after this offense. Above all, driving more carefully going forward is crucial to regaining affordable coverage.