State Farm Insurance and DUI Accidents: What You Need to Know

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If you're involved in a DUI accident and have State Farm insurance, you're likely wondering what's covered and what's not. State Farm insurance does cover accidents caused by driving under the influence, but there may be limitations to your coverage.

State Farm's policies typically have a clause that excludes coverage for damages caused by operating a vehicle while intoxicated. This means that if you're convicted of a DUI and your insurance company finds out, they may deny your claim or increase your premiums.

If you're involved in a DUI accident, you'll need to report it to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. State Farm's policies require you to notify them within a certain timeframe, usually 30 days, or your claim may be denied.

DUI Accident Insurance Coverage

Having a DUI on your record can significantly impact your car insurance coverage and costs. Generally, you can expect to pay more for car insurance once you have a DUI on your record, with increases ranging from 28% to 51%.

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A DUI conviction can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, although some states keep them on your record for life. This can make it difficult to get new coverage, and you may have trouble finding an insurer that will take you on.

In every state except New Hampshire, you'll need to meet minimum liability coverage requirements after a DUI conviction. This includes bodily injury liability per person, bodily injury liability per accident, and property damage liability. You'll typically need at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage.

You may also need to provide an SR-22 certificate, which serves as proof of minimum liability insurance coverage. This is typically required if you've been convicted of a DUI/DWI, have numerous moving violations on your driving record, or have had your driver's license suspended or revoked.

Here are the minimum liability coverage requirements by state:

Note that these requirements may vary depending on your state and specific situation. It's essential to check with your state's insurance department for the most up-to-date information.

Insurance Rates and DUI

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If you're involved in a DUI accident, your automobile insurance rates will likely increase after the incident. Most people see their rates go up by 28% to 51% after a DUI conviction, depending on their insurer.

A DUI conviction can remain on your driving record for up to 10 years, though some states keep them on your record for life. This can have a lingering effect on your insurance costs.

You may risk losing your employment if you're convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, especially if your job involves driving or operating heavy machinery. It can be challenging to obtain jobs with a DUI conviction on your record.

Your automobile insurance policy may not cover punitive damages if you're a defendant in a civil lawsuit. You may be personally liable for any punitive damages award.

Here are some common consequences associated with a DUI conviction:

  • Paying for punitive damages
  • Loss of employment
  • Ignition interlock device installation
  • Jail sentence
  • Losing your driving privileges

The amount your car insurance will go up after a DUI will depend on your insurer, but for the biggest name insurance companies, the increase can range from 28% to 51%.

SR-22 Coverage and Requirements

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State Farm offers SR-22 insurance to drivers classified as "high-risk" by their state, which typically includes those with a DUI conviction. This type of insurance is required in many states to reinstate a suspended or revoked driver's license.

To obtain SR-22 coverage, you'll need to have minimum liability insurance in place, which varies by state but typically includes $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage.

If you're required to have SR-22 coverage, you can purchase it through your car insurance company, but you'll need to meet the state's minimum liability coverage requirements first.

A DUI conviction can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, depending on your state, which can affect your ability to get new insurance coverage.

Here are the typical requirements for SR-22 coverage:

  • You've been convicted of a DUI/DWI
  • You have numerous moving violations on your driving record
  • Your driver's license has been suspended or revoked

Keep in mind that states have different guidelines for how long you need to keep SR-22 coverage on your insurance, so it's essential to check with your state's insurance department for specific requirements.

If you allow your SR-22 certificate to lapse or cancel it while it's still required, your driver's license could be suspended, so be sure to keep it up to date.

DUI and Insurance Records

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A DUI can significantly impact your insurance rates, and it's essential to understand how long this effect can last. A DUI affects insurance rates for 3-10 years, depending on the driver’s state and insurance company.

Most insurance companies look back 3-5 years for infractions on a driving record, but some may consider older offenses. Insurance companies in California can't offer a good driver discount for 10 years after a DUI.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many accidents before State Farm cancels you?

State Farm may cancel your policy if you have three or more claims, or if you have a history of serious traffic offenses. The likelihood of cancellation also depends on the severity and cost of your accidents.

Vanessa Schmidt

Lead Writer

Vanessa Schmidt is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her expertise has led to the creation of articles on a wide range of topics, including Wells Fargo credit card information, where she provides readers with valuable insights and practical advice.

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