Falling asleep behind the wheel of a car is a very serious risk. In some situations, it can lead to wrecks, significant damage or even the death of another person. Most often, your auto insurance covers the damage you cause to other people. Yet, there are some limits. Why you fell asleep could be a key factor in determining if the policy pays out.
Why Did You Fall Asleep Behind the Wheel?
Was it just a long day at work and you dozed off? Were you drinking and driving? Or, perhaps you have a medical condition such as narcolepsy that causes you to fall asleep often. In all situations, your insurer wants to know why you fell asleep at the wheel.
In most situations, the policy’s liability insurance covers losses to another person’s belongings. For example, it may cover damage to another driver’s car if you hit that driver after falling asleep. It may also pay for your damage if the incident was accidental and you could not avoid it.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent About Your Health
When you obtain auto insurance, your agent asks you about any reasons that you may be a high-risk driver. If you have a medical condition that may cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel, be sure to tell the agent. In some cases, your car insurance policy is void if you fail to disclose this type of information. Insurance companies need to know if you have any condition that makes you a high-risk driver. This may include narcolepsy but also conditions like sleep apnea.
It Was Just an Accident
In some situations, an incident like this occurs as a result of an accident. You just did not sleep well. You worked long hours. You just doze off. When this occurs, your policy is still likely to provide coverage to you. However, if you were driving under the influence, your insurance likely won’t cover the damage. If you received a ticket for reckless driving, your insurance company may not pay out. In other words, you could have prevented this accident had you acted responsibly.
The key is to be sure you have the right amount of auto insurance in place. And, let your agent know about any risk factors that apply to you. This can help ensure your car insurance remains in place even if you do have an incident like this.
FAQ’s About You Fell Asleep Behind the Wheel – Will Auto Insurance Cover Your Losses?
What happens if I fall asleep while driving and get into an accident?
If you fall asleep while driving and get into an accident, your auto insurance policy may cover some or all of your losses depending on the policy you have.
Does auto insurance cover accidents caused by falling asleep behind the wheel?
Yes, most auto insurance policies will cover accidents caused by falling asleep behind the wheel. However, it’s important to check your policy to see what is covered.
What types of losses are covered by auto insurance if I fall asleep while driving?
Auto insurance may cover damages to your vehicle, medical expenses, and liability for damages to other people’s property or injuries.
Will my auto insurance rates increase if I fall asleep while driving and get into an accident?
It’s possible that your auto insurance rates may increase if you fall asleep while driving and get into an accident. This will depend on the policy and the insurance company.
What should I do if I fall asleep while driving and get into an accident?
If you fall asleep while driving and get into an accident, you should immediately seek medical attention if needed and report the accident to your insurance company.
Are there any exclusions in auto insurance policies for accidents caused by falling asleep while driving?
Some auto insurance policies may have exclusions for accidents caused by falling asleep while driving. It’s important to check your policy to see what is covered.
Can I be denied coverage for an accident if I fall asleep while driving?
It’s possible that your auto insurance company may deny coverage for an accident if you fall asleep while driving, especially if it was due to negligence such as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How can I prevent falling asleep while driving?
To prevent falling asleep while driving, make sure to get enough sleep before driving, take breaks during long drives, and avoid driving during times when you would normally be sleeping.
What should I do if I feel drowsy while driving?
If you feel drowsy while driving, pull over to a safe location and take a nap or switch drivers if possible.
Is it illegal to fall asleep while driving?
Falling asleep while driving is not illegal, but it can be dangerous and result in an accident. It’s important to take precautions to prevent drowsy driving.
Does collision coverage adequately address damages from falling asleep while driving?
Collision coverage can help cover damages to your car if you fall asleep behind the wheel and cause an accident. While it can provide financial assistance to repair or replace your vehicle, it is important to remember that the limits of your policy will affect the extent of the coverage. Additionally, bear in mind that this type of coverage does not cover damages to other vehicles or property involved in the accident.
How do comprehensive insurance policies handle drowsy driving accidents?
Comprehensive coverage is not specifically designed to handle accidents caused by falling asleep while driving. Comprehensive policies cover damages resulting from events such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and animal collisions, among other things. While it may not directly address the issue of drowsy driving accidents, it can still provide protection for your vehicle against a wide range of potential damages unrelated to collisions.
Are medical expenses covered by insurance after a drowsy driving incident?
Medical expenses may be covered by your auto insurance policy in the event of an accident resulting from falling asleep behind the wheel. The extent of the coverage generally depends on the specific terms of your policy. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), if included in your policy, can provide financial assistance in covering your medical bills. However, it is essential to understand the limits and exclusions of your policy to ensure you are properly covered for medical expenses caused by such incidents.