will auto insurance pay for death of driver or others if the driver is intoxicated and has no license?

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Asked January 21, 2016

1 Answer


In Illinois and other states in U.S driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated/impaired (DWI) is a serious offense. It is even much worse when an intoxicated driver causes an accident those results to death to himself or also to other passengers. When it comes to insurance compensations, very few insurance companies in Illinois have policies covering deaths by drunk driving. For those insurance companies that cover drunk driving deaths, they have very strict terms and conditions covering compensations to deaths caused by drunk driving.

The insurance company will compensate the driver and the passengers according to the policies taken on the vehicle. Drivers under 21 years old and drivers tasked with driving school buses are required to be alcohol-free when driving; having 0.00% alcohol in their system. If this two groups of people cause an accident that results in their deaths or the deaths of their passengers the insurance company is not liable to pay the compensation to either the driver or the passenger. This is because insurance policies don't cover illegal activities, and it is illegal for under 21 years drivers and school bus drivers to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Terms and conditions of insurance policies get tougher for those drivers who have been found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol before. Due to the high risk of developing a calamity there, insurance premiums are always increased to cover the high risk. Those drivers that have caused accidents before while driving under the influence of alcohol run even higher risks of causing accidents again. Thus, their premium charges are even higher to compensate for the higher risk the pose. Under this circumstance, where premiums for a policy taken have been hiked due to the risk posed by the driver, the insurance company is liable to pay compensation for the deaths of the driver and passengers whenever an accident occurs.

You should also note that not all policies cover passengers. Also, insurance policies for commercial and private vehicles vary. This may also determine if compensation is paid to passengers or not.

Answered January 25, 2016 by kai127

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