Progressive insurance will cover a DUI
accident up to the limits of your existing insurance policy—even if you were at fault or facing a DUI charge after the collision. If you receive a DUI conviction, your annual insurance premium will increase. No one wants to envision being involved in a drunk driving accident, but they do happen—and car insurance
companies are prepared to handle them. If you have Progressive auto insurance and need to file a claim for a DUI motor vehicle accident, we’re here to help you understand the process. Here’s what you should know. Does Progressive insurance cover DUI accidents?
Yes. Even if your insurance coverage is just a basic liability policy
, Progressive will still cover an accident caused by a drunk driver. Just remember that liability insurance only reimburses the other party’s property damage
and bodily injury costs
—if you’re at fault for the accident, liability insurance won’t help you pay for any of your damages. If your car insurance coverage includes collision insurance
or you have full coverage
, Progressive offers assistance with paying for your personal injuries and vehicle damage—even if you were to blame for the crash. But, if you have a DUI conviction on your driving record due to the accident, you can most certainly expect your auto insurance rate to rise significantly. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Will your insurance rate go up after a DUI accident?
Absolutely. It doesn’t matter whether your car insurance policy is through Progressive, GEICO
, State Farm
, or any other auto insurance company—if you’re convicted of DUI, your car insurance rate will go up. Progressive reports that they typically raise rates by around 13% for a driver with a first-time DUI conviction. It’s common practice for your insurance rate to increase if you’re at fault for an accident, but if you caused an accident due to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the penalties are more severe. Not only could you be facing a felony charge, but after your claim is filed, it’s going to be a lot more expensive to maintain car insurance than it was before the incident.
Can you get Progressive insurance coverage after a DUI?
Progressive is known to be more forgiving about a DUI conviction than other insurers. While other insurers may refuse coverage to high-risk drivers
, Progressive will typically agree to insure motorists who’ve gotten a DUI. Depending on where you live, you may be required by the court to file an SR-22
certificate after the DUI accident. An SR-22 is a document your insurance company submits to the state that proves you are maintaining at least the legal minimum amount of car insurance required by state law. Usually, drivers must uphold an SR-22 filing for three years. Several insurance companies do not offer SR-22 insurance to their policyholders, and some may even drop customers who require this certificate. Luckily, Progressive will insure drivers who require an SR-22. If you’re an existing Progressive customer and require an SR-22 filing, you can begin the process through your online account
or call 866-749-7436 to speak with an agent. How long does a DUI stay on your driving record?
Once a DUI becomes part of your driving history, it follows you around for a while. In many states, your DUI violation stays on your driving record for three to five years—but this number can fluctuate quite a bit depending on the state.
For instance, a DUI in California will stay on your driving record for 10 years. In Maryland, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record for life, but only affects your driving record for three years. If you’re convicted of a DUI in New York, it remains on your record for a total of 15 years.
Keep in mind that even if a DUI mars your record for a long time, the best way to improve the situation is by not repeating the offense. Insurance companies utilize what is known as a lookback period, which means they only go so far back when they check your record—usually three to five years. If you prove you learned from your mistake by not receiving another DUI, your insurance rate will eventually be cheaper.
FAQ
No. Progressive won’t cancel your insurance because you got a DUI—but they will raise your premium. That being said, Progressive is known to be one of the most affordable insurance providers for drivers with a DUI violation on their record, along with State Farm and Erie
. 
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