Driving While Intoxicated

What Does Driving While Intoxicated Mean?

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a criminal offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, whether prescribed or not, beyond the legal limit set by state laws. In insurance terms, a person with a DWI conviction is classified as high-risk and generally faces higher auto insurance premiums. In most states, the conviction also requires the driver to file an SR-22 form as proof of financial responsibility before their license can be reinstated.

DWI is also referred to as driving under the influence (DUI), operating under the influence (OUI), drinking and driving, drunk driving, or driving over the prescribed limit. Though these terms are often used interchangeably, the legal distinction between OWI and DUI varies by state.

Insuranceopedia Explains Driving While Intoxicated

Damages incurred by an insured individual found guilty of DWI may or may not be covered by insurance. On one hand, if the insured driver has liability insurance, damages incurred by a third party are covered. Liability insurance protects the insured driver from having to pay for the medical expenses and property damage of the other driver or any third party. On the other hand, the insured’s auto insurance may not cover their expenses. In other words, a person driving while intoxicated may not be able to claim expenses such as legal fees, medical costs, or damage to their property. These incidents remain common across the country, as recent drunk driving statistics show, and that frequency is a major reason insurers charge so much more after a DWI.