Does car insurance cover reckless driving?

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Car insurance typically covers damages from a reckless driving accident, but there are important exceptions.

Most standard auto policies will pay for property damage and injuries to other parties under your liability coverage, even if you were driving recklessly — this is because liability coverage is designed to protect victims, not just the at-fault driver. However, your insurer may deny coverage for your own vehicle if the damage stemmed from intentional, criminal, or grossly negligent behavior, and you can expect significant premium increases or non-renewal after a reckless driving conviction.

💡 Four steps to protect your finances before reckless driving costs you

A reckless driving accident can drain savings fast between premium hikes, deductibles, legal fees, and out-of-pocket repairs. Take these steps now, before anything happens:

Review your liability limits. State minimums rarely cover a serious accident, and you can be personally sued for the difference. Consider raising limits to at least 100/300/100.
Add an umbrella policy if you have meaningful assets. $1 million in extra liability coverage typically costs $150–$300 a year.
Build a deductible-sized emergency fund so a claim doesn’t put you in debt.
Know your policy exclusions by pulling your declarations page and searching for “intentional acts” and “criminal acts” language.

Spending an hour on these four steps now can save you tens of thousands later.

What counts as reckless driving?

Reckless driving is a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property — it’s a step above careless or negligent driving and is classified as a criminal misdemeanor in most states. Common behaviors that meet the legal definition include:

Excessive speeding (typically 20+ mph over the limit)
Street racing
Aggressive lane changing or weaving through traffic
Running red lights or stop signs intentionally
Tailgating at high speeds
Driving under the influence
Fleeing law enforcement

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), aggressive driving behaviors — many of which fall under reckless driving statutes — were a factor in 56% of fatal crashes in a multi-year study analyzing FARS data. Speeding alone accounts for approximately 18.5% of fatal crashes annually.

💡 Three things every driver should know before a reckless driving accident happens

Reckless driving sits in a gray zone where coverage isn’t guaranteed, so understanding your policy ahead of time is critical:

Liability coverage almost always pays out to the other party — even if you were driving recklessly — because state laws prioritize protecting victims.
Coverage for your own vehicle and injuries is where exclusions kick in, especially if criminal charges like DUI or street racing are involved.
Expect a 50–90% premium increase that lasts three to five years, even if your claim is paid.

Knowing these three rules now means no surprises later.

Will insurance pay if you cause a reckless driving accident?

In most cases, your liability coverage will still pay for the other party’s injuries and property damage, even after a reckless driving incident. Liability insurance is designed to protect third parties harmed by your driving, and most states require it to remain in force regardless of how the accident happened. However, here’s where it gets complicated:

Liability coverage. Typically pays out to victims, even after reckless driving
Collision coverage. May or may not pay for your own vehicle damage, depending on your policy and state
Comprehensive coverage. Generally not affected, since it covers non-collision events
Medical payments/PIP. Usually still covers your medical bills

If your behavior is classified as criminal or intentional — like a DUI causing injury, vehicular assault, or street racing — your insurer is far more likely to invoke an exclusion and deny your claim for damage to your own vehicle.

💡 The “intentional acts” exclusion is the wall most reckless driving claims hit

Insurance is designed to cover accidents — events you didn’t mean to cause. Once your conduct crosses into deliberate or criminal territory, you’re outside what your policy was built to protect. Drag racing isn’t an accident. Driving 100 mph in a 45 isn’t an accident. If a reckless driving citation comes with a criminal conviction attached, expect your insurer to scrutinize your claim carefully and potentially deny coverage for your own losses while still paying victims.

How much will your insurance go up after an at-fault accident?

A single at-fault accident raises the average annual premium by 55% to 64%, depending on the severity. Bodily injury accidents trigger the steepest increases — an average jump of $1,660 per year — while property damage accidents under $2,000 still drive premiums up by about $1,410 annually.

Even a fender-bender under $2,000 costs you more in insurance increases over the next three years than it would have to pay the damage out of pocket. A reckless driving conviction layered on top of an at-fault accident can push these increases even higher.

Here’s how accidents change your rates:

Type of accident	Average annual premium before accident	Average annual premium after accident	Percent increase	Annual cost increase
1 at-fault property damage accident under $2K	$2,578	$3,988	55%	$1,410
1 at-fault property damage accident over $2K	$2,578	$4,153	61%	$1,575
At-fault bodily injury accident	$2,578	$4,238	64%	$1,660

How much do premiums increase after an accident by company?

Insurers vary widely in how aggressively they raise rates after at-fault accidents. State Farm and Travelers tend to be the most forgiving, while Farmers and Allstate apply some of the steepest surcharges.

That said, the cheapest insurer for one driver may be the most expensive for another, since carriers weigh factors like your state, age, credit, vehicle, and driving history differently.

Here’s how the major carriers compare:

Company	Average annual premium before an accident	Average annual premium after one at-fault accident	Average annual premium after two at-fault accidents
Allstate	$3,159	$5,589	$7,572
Amica	$2,769	$4,308	$5,509
Farmers	$3,207	$5,823	$9,221
GEICO	$2,159	$3,872	$5,908
Nationwide	$2,524	$4,359	$6,204
Progressive	$2,569	$4,061	$5,582
State Farm	$2,875	$3,634	$4,431
Travelers	$1,962	$2,823	$3,924
USAA*	$1,628	$2,490	$4,233

*USAA is only available to military community members and their families.

💡 The same driver can get wildly different quotes — always compare at least three

Insurers use proprietary algorithms to weigh your driving record, and the difference between the cheapest and most expensive quote for the same driver can be thousands of dollars per year. Don’t just renew with your current carrier out of habit, especially after an accident or violation. Pull quotes from at least three to five companies — including a mix of major insurers and high-risk specialists — before committing to a policy. Comparison shopping every six to twelve months is one of the few levers you fully control when it comes to your insurance costs.

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How long does reckless driving stay on your record?

A reckless driving conviction typically affects your insurance rates for three to five years, though the violation itself can stay on your driving record longer depending on your state. Some states, including Virginia and California, treat reckless driving as a misdemeanor that can remain on your criminal record indefinitely without expungement.

The III notes that driving history is one of the primary factors in determining your auto insurance premium, alongside vehicle use, location, age, gender, credit, and coverage type. While you can’t change most of those factors, you do have control over your driving record — making it the single most actionable lever for keeping your premiums down.

What if your insurer refuses to renew your policy?

After a reckless driving conviction or multiple at-fault accidents, your insurer may classify you as high-risk and choose not to renew your policy. If that happens, you have a few options:

Shop high-risk insurers. Companies like The General, Dairyland, and Bristol West specialize in non-standard policies for drivers with violations
Look into your state’s high-risk pool. Most states have an assigned-risk plan that guarantees coverage for drivers who can’t get insured elsewhere
File an SR-22 if required. A reckless driving conviction often comes with an SR-22 requirement, which is a certificate of financial responsibility your insurer files with the state

Expect to pay significantly more for coverage in any of these scenarios — sometimes two to three times your previous premium.

💡 An SR-22 isn’t a separate insurance policy — it’s a filing on top of one

Many drivers misunderstand SR-22s and think they need to buy a special policy. An SR-22 is simply a form your insurance company files with your state confirming you carry the legally required minimum coverage. You’ll need to find an insurer willing to file it on your behalf, and you’ll typically need to maintain it for three years. Not every insurer offers SR-22 filings, so confirm before you buy.

How to lower your insurance after a reckless driving conviction

While you can’t erase a reckless driving citation from your record, there are concrete steps to soften its impact on your premium:

Take a defensive driving course. Many insurers offer 5–15% discounts for completion, and some states reduce points on your license
Raise your deductible. Increasing your collision and comprehensive deductibles from $500 to $1,000 can cut your premium by 15–30%
Bundle policies. Combining auto with home, renters, or umbrella insurance typically yields a 5–25% discount
Improve your credit. Most states allow insurers to use credit-based insurance scores, and a higher score lowers your rate
Drive less. Low-mileage discounts can apply if you drive under a certain annual threshold
Wait it out. Most violations stop affecting your rate after three to five years — keep a clean record during that window and your premium will gradually decline

Frequently asked questions

Does liability insurance cover reckless driving?

In most cases, yes — liability coverage typically pays for damages to the other driver’s vehicle and injuries, even if you were driving recklessly. The exception is if your conduct was deemed intentional or criminal, in which case your insurer may invoke a policy exclusion.

Will my collision coverage pay for my own car after reckless driving?

It depends on the circumstances. If the reckless driving citation includes a criminal element like DUI or street racing, your insurer is likely to deny the claim for your vehicle. For lesser reckless driving offenses tied to a true accident, collision coverage usually still applies.

Can my insurance be canceled mid-policy after a reckless driving conviction?

Most states limit when insurers can cancel mid-policy, but they can refuse to renew at the end of your term. A reckless driving conviction is one of the most common reasons for non-renewal.

How much does reckless driving raise insurance on average?

Industry data suggests a reckless driving conviction increases premiums by roughly 50–90% nationally, though some states see increases over 200%. The exact amount depends on your insurer, state, and overall driving history.

Does a reckless driving charge that gets reduced still affect my insurance?

If the charge is reduced to a lesser offense like careless driving or a basic speeding ticket, you’ll still likely see a premium increase — but a much smaller one than a full reckless driving conviction would trigger. This is why fighting the charge is often worthwhile.

Sources

Insurance Information Institute. “Facts + Statistics: Aggressive Driving.” Accessed April 2026.
Insurance Information Institute. “Reckless Behavior on the Roads Is Dangerous and Can Mean Higher Auto Insurance Rates.” Accessed April 2026.

Alisha Ambre

Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.

On this page

What counts as reckless driving?
Will insurance pay if you cause a reckless driving accident?
How much will your insurance go up after an at-fault accident?
How long does reckless driving stay on your record?
What if your insurer refuses to renew your policy?
How to lower your insurance after a reckless driving conviction
Frequently asked questions
Sources