If you caused a car crash while driving under the influence, you may wonder: “Will my insurance cover my Colorado DUI accident?” The answer depends on the coverage in your insurance policy. However, you should also be aware of how your policy might change after this incident.
Either way, you’ll need legal representation. Read on to learn what our criminal defense attorney in Greeley, CO, has to say.
What Your Insurance Covers After an At-Fault DUI Accident
Different coverage types pay for different damages after a DUI accident.
Liability Insurance Covers the Other Driver’s Damages
In Colorado, every driver is legally required to carry liability insurance. This pays for the other driver’s injury costs and property damage after a crash you cause.
Under Colorado’s financial responsibility laws, the minimum liability requirements are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
- $15,000 for property damage per accident
You likely carry at least this minimum coverage. If not, you will receive additional citations for driving uninsured.
Your liability policy can pay for the other driver’s damages after the crash. If their damages exceed your coverage, they may seek additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Your insurer would represent you in this case.
Collision Coverage Can Pay for Your Vehicle Damage
If you are wondering whether your insurance will cover your Colorado DUI accident damages, the answer depends on the additional coverage in your auto policy.
Collision coverage is an optional add-on to your policy. It pays for damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another car or an object, such as a guardrail.
If you carried this coverage at the time of the crash, you may be able to pay for your vehicle repairs through it. You will first need to pay the deductible, which is the fee you are responsible for, before your policy kicks in. Then, you can file a claim up to your coverage limits.
MedPay Can Cover Your Injury Expenses
MedPay is another optional coverage in Colorado. Insurers automatically add $5,000 of MedPay to all auto policies, but policyholders can remove it if desired.
This add-on pays for medical expenses you incur in a car accident. It can cover expenses like ambulance rides, hospital stays, medications, and therapy directly related to your crash injuries.
Your Policy May Change As a Result of the DUI
Along with asking, “Will my insurance cover my Colorado DUI accident?” you should also question how a DUI may affect your coverage moving forward. The answer depends on your provider’s guidelines, but you can expect any of the following:
- Premium increase: Your premium typically rises when you are responsible for a collision that leads to a claim on your policy. But this increase is even more significant when you are charged with driving under the influence.
- Policy cancellation: Many companies resort to canceling your policy after you cause a DUI accident.
- SR-22 certificate requirement: You may be legally required to purchase insurance with an SR-22 certificate if you want to reinstate your license after a DUI. This certificate proves that you carry the minimum liability insurance.
- High-risk driver classification: As you seek a new policy, you may receive a high-risk driver classification, making it more challenging to secure coverage at a reasonable rate.
Our Legal Team Is Here To Answer All of Your Questions
You probably have countless questions swirling in your mind after being charged with driving under the influence. “Will my insurance cover my Colorado DUI accident?” is just one concern of many during the aftermath of your arrest.
At Grant & Associates Law Firm, P.C., our criminal defense attorneys can help you navigate this overwhelming process. Contact us today at 970-356-5666 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.