Are You Covered in the Event of a DUI-Related Auto Accident?
When you are out on the road, it is crucial to make sure that you have the right kind of car insurance coverage to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an accident. But what happens if an accident occurs while you are Driving Under the Influence (DUI)? Are you covered in such an event?
The short answer is it depends. Typically, many traditional auto insurance policies exclude coverage for damages caused while driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. So, if youre involved in a crash while intoxicated, the damages would not likely be covered by your car insurance policy. In order to be sure, we recommend that you contact your car insurance provider to discuss the specifics of your coverage as your particular car insurance policy may exclude any damages caused while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
So, whats the best course of action if you find yourself in this difficult situation? Well, one of the best ways to protect yourself against a DUI-related auto accident is to invest in comprehensive car insurance coverage. This type of coverage will protect against a variety of risks and events that are otherwise not covered by traditional liability-only policies. Comprehensive car insurance typically provides the most comprehensive coverage and can include collision, fire, theft, or vandalism. Furthermore, comprehensive car insurance may provide coverage in the case of a DUI-related accident when traditional auto insurance policies may not.
Furthermore, it is important to remember the other consequences of a DUI-related auto accident. Even if you are separately insured, DUI charges are still very serious and can carry hefty fines and other serious legal penalties. Thats why it is critical to not get behind the wheel after drinking. Not only could your car insurance policy not cover such an accident, but you could end up in jail, lose your license, and can face other extreme repercussions.
If youre worried about the possibility of a DUI-related auto accident, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your passengers. First and foremost, you should never drink or drive. There is simply too much at risk to make this a viable option. Beyond just avoiding drinking and driving, you should also consider taking an Uber, Lyft, or other similar service when you know youll be drinking. These services are always the safest option.
Beyond this, it is essential to verify the coverage offered by your existing car insurance policy, and consider an upgrade to a comprehensive policy. This can provide you with the peace of mind knowing that you are covered in the event of a DUI-related auto accident.
It is also important to remember that often traditional auto liability policies wont cover a car if you are pulled over and convicted of driving under the influence. This could result in your car insurance company dropping your policy, leaving you unable to drive legally. So, it is essential to be certain of your car insurance coverage before you get behind the wheel, no matter your level of sobriety.
When it comes to driving under the influence, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, if youre ever in a situation where drinking is a possibility, the best plan is to always plan ahead and not get behind the wheel. However, if you do find yourself in a situation where an auto accident is a possibility, the importance of having comprehensive car insurance cannot be overstated.
Additionally, if you do find yourself in a DUI-related car accident, you should always contact a lawyer. This can help to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you are properly serving the consequences of the incident. Furthermore, by enlisting the help of a lawyer, you can better understand the insurance companys stance on the situation and be better able to understand what coverage may exist, and how to apply for the applicable coverage.
Not having adequate car insurance coverage before a DUI-related auto accident can be disastrous. If you are facing charges and are looking for ways to ensure you are adequately covered, it is important to contact your car insurance provider to determine the scope of coverage under your particular policy. Furthermore, if you are unable to find acceptable coverage, you should consider upgrading to comprehensive car insurance. This will give you a greater peace of mind that you and your passengers are protected in the event of a DUI-related auto accident.
Ultimately, while you can certainly take measures to try to protect yourself in advance, it is always best to avoid drinking and driving altogether. There is simply too much at stake and DUI charges come with serious, and sometimes deadly, consequences. So, the best advice is to always plan ahead, and drive safely.