Will Car Insurance Pay for a Car Totaled in a DUI Accident?

Insurance Companies Can Deny Coverage for a DUI Accident

Insurance companies in California are primarily concerned with their bottom line. This means they want to deny claims as often as possible. However, these companies usually cover damages caused by people who acted in a reckless or negligent way.

This means insurance companies usually cover damage as long as someone did not intentionally cause an accident. However, insurance companies will deny coverage for intentional acts that led to damage. Some companies argue DUI accidents are intentional.

For example, an insurance company can argue that a driver intentionally:

• Drank alcohol OR
• Got drunk AND
• Drove while they knew they were drunk

The company can argue that reasonable people understand the hazards of driving drunk. Therefore, they can claim that drunk driving is an intentionally dangerous act. Some insurance companies will win this argument. They do not have to cover a driver’s losses if that driver intentionally caused an accident.

For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723

Changes to Insurance Rates After a DUI Accident in California

Not all insurance companies deny coverage after a DUI accident involving drugs or alcohol California.

However, even if the insurance company provides compensation, a DUI accident can still have lasting effects. Most insurance companies will raise a driver’s rates after a DUI accident.

Note that insurance companies in California cannot raise a driver’s rates mid-term. This means that the company has to wait until a driver’s current policy expires before raising their rates. The company will keep track of an accident and raise rates when possible

Additionally, some insurance companies in California will cancel an insurance policy after a DUI accident. Companies have to wait until the current term expires to cancel a driver’s insurance. Some people plan ahead after an accident.

You can get help understanding insurance companies after a DUI accident involving drugs or alcohol by contacting the Simmrin Law Group.

Our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles know how to handle insurance agents. We’ll answer all of your questions when you call (310) 896-2723.

SR-22 Insurance and DUI Accidents in California

People sometimes need to request an SR-22 insurance form following a DUI accident in Los Angeles. SR-22 forms serve to verify that a driver has the minimum amount of auto insurance required by the state.

Note that drivers need to carry at least:

• $15,000 per individual for liability coverage
• $30,000 total liability coverage
• $5,000 property damage coverage

Drivers have to request an SR-22 form from their insurance company. Requesting this form usually indicates that a driver is “high-risk.”

Insurance companies often raise their rates for high-risk drivers, even if the driver did not cause an accident.

Note that not all drivers have to request an SR-22 form. However, drivers often have to provide this form if the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suspended their license after a DUI accident.

Other Results of a DUI Accident in Los Angeles

Drivers can face increased insurance rates after an accident involving drugs or alcohol in Los Angeles. However, this is not the only possible result of a DUI accident.

Drivers can also face charges under Vehicle Code (VEH) §23153. A DUI causing injury is treated very seriously in our area. Drivers can end up dealing with:

• Fines of up to $5,000
• Prison time of up to four years

The court can also revoke a driver’s license after a DUI accident. Make sure you are ready to handle these charges by contacting our team for assistance.

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Find Out if Car Insurance Pays for a Car Totaled in a DUI Accident

Car insurance will sometimes pay for a car totaled in a DUI accident. However, insurance companies sometimes try to deny coverage for DUI accidents.

The Simmrin Law Group can help you handle insurance agents after an accident involving drugs or alcohol. Our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles are here to help in this situation. Just call (310) 896-2723. You can also fill out our online contact form.

We’ll review your unique needs with a free consultation.