Originally Posted by
CliffordK
Generally insurance shouldn't cover crimes. But, auto insurance seems to be one of those exceptions that the insurance companies seem to be expected to pay for damages up to the limits of the policy.
I don't think I've heard of insurance companies denying claims for individuals that are speeding, running red lights, or even intoxicated.
In fact, if that would be the case, they should necessarily decrease rates for people with DUIs and speeding tickets.
All I know for sure is that insurance doesn't cover fines and that if speeding were exclusionary, no car insurer would ever pay out. However, I think it's a matter of degree. For example, I know from the medical world that malpractice insurance excludes gross negligence and intentional torts, with what the lawyers call
mens rea. I bet there are similar exceptions for automotive and umbrella policies, which an insurer
could invoke if you got sued for something really bad. Maybe there's a real expert here who can educate us.