Do auto insurance companies drug test? (2024)
While insurance companies won't drug test potential customers, a positive drug test result after an accident can bring about negative consequences, which may include denial of future coverage or higher rates.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 20, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 20, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Insurance companies don’t require a drug test for a client to obtain auto insurance. An insurer for an automobile policy will also never request a drug test when you file a claim. So if you were worried, and asking questions such as, “Does Esurance drug test potential customers?” or “Does USAA drug test for car insurance?” the answers will be that you don’t have to have a drug test done.
If after obtaining insurance you are in an auto accident or there is a suspicion you are under the influence of a drug during a traffic stop, law enforcement could request that you take a drug test. Those results could then be shared with your insurance company. Depending upon the results, you could find yourself facing a steep increase in rates or shopping for a new insurer.
- Law enforcement can request a drug test following an accident
- Testing positive on a drug test administered by law enforcement could cause changes to your insurance policy
- Insurance companies can use information obtained through a drug test to determine whether or not to pay out on a claim
Auto Insurance Companies Don’t Require a Drug Test
Your insurance company will not require you to take a drug test to purchase a car insurance policy. An insurance company will also never require a drug test if you are involved in an accident.
When is a drug test required after an accident? If you’re in an auto accident and driving under the influence is suspected, then law enforcement may request or require a drug test, depending upon the situation. The information regarding the accident and the results of any tests performed can then become available to the insurance company.
Research post-accident drug testing laws by state to learn more about when a drug test is required.
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What happens when an insurance company receives drug test information?
You are under no obligation to report any traffic violations to your insurance company. Even if you don’t report a DUI traffic stop or accident to your insurance company, the insurance company will eventually find out.
During your insurance renewal period, your auto insurance company checks your driving record for any new infractions that might cause revisions to your policy rates. Between renewal periods, anytime you are cited for a traffic violation or are involved in an accident, your insurance company may not receive the information right away but will see it at some point.
If you test positive for being under the influence of non-prescription drugs, alcohol, or even prescription drugs that are known to hinder your ability to operate a vehicle, and you are convicted, your insurance company could terminate your policy effective immediately or it could choose to not renew your policy, denying you further auto insurance from that company.
If the insurance company chooses not to terminate your policy, it could increase your rates by as much as 25% or more due to you being a high-risk driver.
What are my options for insurance following a DUI?
It’s a fact that alcohol and other substances hinder your ability to operate a motor vehicle. Not only do you pose a danger to yourself and anyone riding in the car with you, but you risk the lives of the people sharing the road with you. You also run the risk of not being able to find cheap auto insurance after a DUI.
When you are caught driving under the influence, several things could happen:
- Your car insurance company could terminate your policy.
- If your policy isn’t terminated, your rates will most definitely increase.
- If there was an accident, your insurance company could deny your claim.
- You’ll have to appear in court and could be ordered to serve jail time, pay fines, participate in mandatory classes, or all three.
If you are involved in an accident, and it is determined you were under the influence of a substance, your insurance rates won’t be your only concern. You will also have to contend with the court of law.
If your insurance company chooses to continue to cover you at a higher rate, you could be in for a long wait before your rates go back down. Depending on the state you live in, a DUI could stay on your record for between three and five years. Even when the DUI falls off your driving record, it could still haunt you through your criminal record for the remainder of your life.
You may have no choice but to change insurance companies. Some insurance companies are more willing to insure high-risk drivers who have a past DUI. The more DUIs you have, the harder it will be to find a company willing to insure you. Taking safe driving courses could help lower your rates, but the only sure option you have is time. During that time, change your habits so your driving record stays clean.
Can an insurance company deny accident coverage?
When you purchase an automobile insurance policy, you sign an agreement with the insurance company that includes many provisions. One of those provisions could be the denial of coverage if you cause an accident while under the influence of a substance. So, if you failed a drug test after a car accident, your claim could get denied.
Most insurance companies will cover a DUI accident. According to Law Insider, depending upon the circumstances surrounding your accident, the state in which you reside, and the company with whom you have coverage, it could view driving under the influence as intentional misconduct.
In most cases, your insurance company should cover your claim, but if your company denies your claim following a DUI accident, you may want to hire an attorney. An attorney can help convince the insurance company to cover your claim, but this could be a fruitless and costly endeavor.
Without insurance, you could be personally liable for any costs associated with damages to your vehicle, and anyone else involved in the accident. You would also be liable for any medical expenses incurred for yourself and others involved in the accident you caused.
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Do I have to submit to a field sobriety test or other drug tests?
Field sobriety tests are different than drug tests. Unlike drug tests, field sobriety tests are not definitive. The officer could ask you to perform a task, such as touching your finger to your nose, or they could use a preliminary alcohol screening device to test for the presence of alcohol.
You are within your right to refuse any test requested by law enforcement. However, in many states, part of your contract for obtaining your license to operate a vehicle requires you to submit to these tests when requested.
Insurance and Drug Tests: Keep Your Record Clean
If you’ve been wondering, “Does Main Street America Group drug test?” or “Does Sentry Insurance drug test?” the answer is that insurance applicants won’t have to undergo a drug test, though most insurers require one as part of the job hiring process.
The best approach for avoiding DUIs and DUI-related accidents is never to drink alcohol or use drugs before taking control of a car. Always check the warning labels on any new medicines you are prescribed. The associated risks of driving impaired simply aren’t worth it.
If you do use a substance and get caught, or worse, cause an accident, the resulting penalties from your insurance company, as well as the law, can be life-changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do auto insurance companies drug test?
Auto insurance companies generally do not conduct drug tests for their policyholders. Insurance companies typically focus on assessing risk factors related to driving history, vehicle information, and personal details.
However, it’s important to note that insurance companies may consider factors such as DUI convictions or other criminal offenses related to substance abuse when determining premiums or coverage eligibility.
Do insurance jobs drug test? Insurers will likely require drug testing for job applicants and employees.
Do insurance companies drug test for employment?
A top question readers ask is, “Do insurance companies drug test employees?” Yes, many car insurance companies conduct pre-employment, random, and post-incident drug tests.
Do insurance adjusters get drug tested? Yes, insurance adjusters will likely need to undergo a drug test, but it depends on their employer’s policy.
Do insurance agents get drug tested? Insurance agents could also be required to take a drug test, thought it varies by company practices.
Do auto insurance companies drug test when filing a claim?
No, you won’t need to undergo an insurance company drug test when filing a claim. The claims process is primarily focused on assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident, such as the cause of the accident and the extent of the damage or injuries. However, if the insurance company suspects fraud or illegal activities related to the claim, they may investigate further, which could potentially involve drug testing.
Can an auto insurance company deny a claim based on drug use? In general, auto insurance companies cannot outright deny a claim solely based on drug use. However, if drug use is directly linked to the cause of the accident or the policyholder was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident, the insurance company may have grounds to deny the claim or reduce the coverage provided.
Are there any situations where drug testing may be required by auto insurance companies?
While drug testing is not a standard practice for auto insurance companies, there are a few situations where it may be required or relevant:
- DUI/DWI Convictions: If you have a history of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), the insurance company may take that into consideration when determining premiums or coverage. In such cases, you may be required to provide proof of completion of a substance abuse program or other rehabilitation efforts.
- Commercial Auto Insurance: If you’re applying for commercial auto insurance, such as coverage for a fleet of vehicles or as a commercial driver, the insurance company may have different requirements. Some commercial policies may include drug testing as part of their underwriting process or ongoing safety protocols.
- Specific Policy Provisions: In rare cases, certain insurance policies may have specific provisions that allow the insurer to request drug testing if they suspect substance abuse as a contributing factor in an accident or claim. Such provisions would typically be explicitly stated in the policy contract.
Can drug use affect my auto insurance rates?
Drug use itself does not directly impact auto insurance rates. Insurance companies primarily consider factors such as driving history, age, location, vehicle type, and claims history when calculating premiums. However, if drug use leads to impaired driving or other risky behaviors, it can have severe consequences.
Can auto insurance companies access my medical records or conduct medical tests?
Auto insurance companies typically do not have access to your full medical records or conduct medical tests as part of the standard insurance application or claims process. They primarily focus on information directly related to driving history, vehicle details, and personal information.
Does State Farm drug test?
You might be wondering, “Does StateFarm drug test?” While State Farm won’t drug test car insurance applicants, it does conduct drug screenings as part of the hiring process.
What type of drug test does State Farm use? Usually, State Farm uses urine tests as part of the hiring process.
Do you get drug tested after a car accident?
Are you drug tested after a car accident? Yes, after you wreck a car, a drug test may be administered, particularly if the accident resulted in serious injuries and property damage.
Does Allstate drug test for employment?
You may wonder, “Does Allstate drug test remote workers and agents?” Yes, Allstate drug tests remote workers and insurance agents alike as part of the hiring process.
Does Geico drug test for weed?
Does Geico drug test for marijuana? Geico does drug test for marijuana as part of the hiring process like most other insurers, regardless of a state’s legal status.
Do life insurance companies drug test?
You may be wondering, “Do life insurance companies test for drugs?” Yes, you’ll likely need to undergo a drug test during the underwriting process of a life insurance application.
What kind of drug test do insurance companies use? Tests from life insurers could include a blood and urine test for nicotine and drugs.
Do life insurance companies test for THC?
Yes, most drug tests administered by life insurers test for THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. Testing positive for marijuana could impact your coverage eligibility.
Do hospitals drug test after car accidents in Texas?
Yes, you may be drug tested by a hospital in Texas after a serious car accident with significant injuries or fatalities.
Can you still get workers comp if you fail a drug test in Texas? If it’s found that the drug use caused the accident, it could cause your claim to get denied.
What tests are done after a car accident in a Texas hospital? Hospitals in Texas may perform various tests to evaluate injuries, such as X-rays, MRIs, blood tests, and ultrasounds.
What does post-accident drug testing mean?
A post-accident drug test is generally administered after an accident on the road or in the workplace to see if drugs contributed to the accident.
Is post-accident drug testing legal? Yes, getting a drug test after a car accident at work or on the road is legal.
Does insurance cover drug tests?
You may be wondering, “Does insurance cover a drug test?” Whether health insurance covers drug tests depends on various factors, such as the reason for the test, test type, and the individual’s coverage. Often, insurance covers drug tests for diagnostic or medical reasons, but not for employment or legal reasons.
This may lead you to ask, “When does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover a drug test?” Blue Cross may cover drug tests if they’re medically necessary.
Do health insurance companies drug test? Generally, health insurers don’t drug test policyholders, but it might be required as part of the pre-employment screening process.
Does Progressive drug test?
Does Progressive Insurance drug test? Progressive may drug test employees as part of the pre-screening process.
Does Liberty Mutual drug test?
Yes, applicants for Liberty Mutual jobs may undergo a drug test as part of the hiring process.
Does Erie Insurance drug test?
Erie Insurance does drug test for job applicants.
Does National General Insurance drug test?
Yes, you’ll likely undergo a drug test as part of the hiring process with National General.
Does Instacart drug test?
No, Instacart drivers or shoppers don’t have to take a drug test.
Does Uber drug test? Yes, Uber may require a drug screening as part of the applicant’s background check, but it varies by local regulations.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.