Are You Covered Under Car Insurance When You Drink Within The Alcohol Limit?

Do you own a car? In that case, it is important for you to know that having a Third-Party liability insurance cover is mandatory - according to the law of Singapore. You can also obtain an own-damage car insurance cover for avoiding various car damage fixing expenses that could occur due to an accident.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a strict no-no in any country! When it comes to accident cases involving drink driving, car insurance provider companies will be very strict and will not pay out at all even though you are within the permissible alcohol limit. In case you are found to be driving with more than the permissible amount of alcohol in your bloodstream, you might face a rejection in car insurance claims, penalties or even a jail term.

What are the Claims on Driving under Permissible Limits?

The permissible amount of alcohol in blood is specified at the legal alcohol limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, or 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. However, the alcohol limit will only apply to Singapore Traffic Policy not charging you if you are within the alcohol limit and it will not apply to the car insurance coverage at all. Motor vehicle insurance terms and conditions do not cover any accident caused by driving under the influence of alcohol.

There have been quite a few cases in the past where car insurance companies have been dragged to the court by vehicle owners. When the alcohol content in blood of owners / drivers was found to be within permissible limits, the court ruled in the insurers favor as it is stated clearly in the car insurance policy that it is not covered at all when you drink and drive.

What Other Conditions Will Car Insurers Reject The Claims?

It is important to note that there are various instances of drink driving when auto insurance claims are rejected, such as when:

• The accident reporting is not filed.
• The driver is found to be driving without a driving license.
• There is wrong declaration for non-disclosure of information
• The claim exceeds the duration of the period to claim.
• The driver was found to be using the car for some illegal purpose
• The driver is not authorized to drive the vehicle.

Conclusion

Many loopholes could be there, other than the aforementioned ones, where your claim can be rejected by a Car Insurance company. However, if you have followed the law and abide to all the rules set by the car insurance companies, your claims will be payable and be well covered to the type of coverage you purchase.