Can Car Insurance Companies Drug Test You?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

Most car insurance companies do not drug test people when they apply for a policy. Unlike life insurance underwriting (which can involve medical exams), auto insurers typically price and approve coverage using things like your driving record, past claims, where you live/garage the car, and the vehicle you drive—not lab testing.

That said, drug or alcohol use can still affect your claim, your rate, and whether your insurer renews your policy—because impairment often shows up in police reports, court records, or medical documentation after a crash.

• Car insurance companies almost never drug test applicants—auto underwriting typically relies on your driving record, claims history, vehicle details, and other risk factors.
• Drug or alcohol issues can still affect your claim and your rates if impairment shows up in police reports, court records, or accident-related medical documentation.
• Every state has implied-consent rules in some form, and refusing chemical testing after a suspected impaired-driving arrest can trigger serious penalties like license suspension.
• A DUI/DWI or drug-related crash can lead to major premium increases, nonrenewal, and in some cases an SR-22 requirement—so it’s smart to shop early if your policy status is uncertain.

Do Car Insurance Companies Drug Test Policyholders?

In almost all personal auto insurance situations, the answer is no. A standard car insurance application usually doesn’t include a drug test, and insurers rarely request one because it’s expensive, slow, and unnecessary for how auto insurance is underwritten.

What’s more common: if you’re involved in a serious crash and law enforcement suspects impairment, police testing (not insurer testing) may be performed. If those results become part of the official record, they can influence your claim outcome and future premiums.

What Auto Insurers Look At Instead of Drug Tests

When you apply for coverage, insurers usually rely on data sources that help predict accident risk and claim frequency. Expect questions and reports related to:

• Your vehicle (make/model, safety features, theft risk, repair costs) — see how information about your vehicle can change rates.
• Driving and claims history (tickets, accidents, prior insurance losses, lapses in coverage).
• Credit-based insurance score in many states (where permitted), which can affect pricing and eligibility.
• Mileage and usage (commute length, annual miles, business use).
• Telematics/usage-based driving data if you opt into a program (hard braking, rapid acceleration, time of day, etc.).

If you want a deeper dive into what actually moves your premium up or down, check out the top factors that determine your auto insurance rates.

For readers who like official sources, the NAIC has a helpful explainer on credit-based insurance scores, and the CFPB explains how claims-history databases like CLUE can be used in underwriting: LexisNexis C.L.U.E..

When Drug Testing Can Come Up After a Crash

While insurers rarely test you themselves, law enforcement may request chemical testing if they suspect impairment. Every state has “implied consent” rules in some form, and refusing a test can trigger serious penalties (often including license suspension). A plain-English overview is here: NCSL on implied consent and refusal consequences.

In addition, a hospital or doctor may order toxicology testing as part of medical care, especially after a severe collision. Sometimes it’s done to guide treatment, not to “build a case.” Whether you can refuse depends on the situation (for example, if you’re unconscious or in an emergency setting, care decisions may proceed without your explicit consent).

Can Your Insurance Company See Drug-Test Results?

Often, yes—indirectly.

• Police reports and court records: If you’re cited/arrested for DUI/DWI or drugged driving, the police report may note observations and testing outcomes. Those documents commonly show up during a claim investigation.
• Medical records (with permission): In many claims—especially injury claims—adjusters may ask you to sign a medical authorization. The insurer may request records relevant to the crash, which could include toxicology results if they exist. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides a consumer-friendly overview of when authorizations are required under HIPAA here: Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule.

Tip: If you’re unsure what you’re being asked to sign, it’s reasonable to ask for a narrower release that’s limited to accident-related treatment dates and records.

Will Being High or Drunk Automatically Void Coverage?

Not automatically. Many auto policies still pay covered claims even if the at-fault driver was impaired—especially liability claims involving injuries or property damage to other people. However, impairment can still create real coverage problems in certain situations, such as:

• The driver wasn’t listed or was an excluded driver on the policy.
• The loss involves intentional acts (insurance generally doesn’t cover intentionally caused damage).
• State-specific rules or policy provisions limit certain benefits (this can come up with some medical-related coverages depending on where you live).

Even if the claim is paid, insurers may still look for valid reasons to reduce, delay, or dispute parts of a claim. For a broader explanation of what can trigger claim issues, see how and why insurers can deny your claim.

How Drug or Alcohol Issues Can Affect Your Premiums

A DUI/DWI, drug-related citation, or at-fault crash tied to impairment can push you into a high-risk category. Common outcomes include:

• Higher rates at renewal or when you shop for a new policy.
• Nonrenewal (your insurer decides not to continue your policy at the end of the term).
• Cancellation in certain circumstances (rules vary by state and timing).
• A requirement to file SR-22 (or a similar form) to prove you carry state-required coverage — learn the basics in how long an SR-22 lasts.

If your premium jumps after a violation or claim, these are some of the most common reasons it happens: top causes of car insurance rate increases.

What to Do If You Test Positive After an Accident

If you’re facing a positive test result (or a DUI/DWI charge) after a crash, focus on protecting your legal and financial situation:

• Get the documents: Request the crash report number, officer info, and any paperwork you received.
• Notify your insurer promptly (late notice can create claim complications).
• Be careful with recorded statements: Provide basic facts, but avoid guessing or speculating.
• Talk to an attorney if you’re charged, injured, or facing a disputed claim—this can be especially important if you’re worried about coverage being denied. Here’s guidance on when to hire an auto insurance lawyer.
• Plan for next steps: If you need an SR-22 or your carrier won’t renew you, start shopping early so you don’t end up uninsured.

Safer Alternatives to Driving Under the Influence

Driving impaired is dangerous and can trigger long-lasting insurance consequences. If you’ve been drinking or using drugs, use a safer option:

• Call a rideshare or taxi (and make sure you’re covered if you drive rideshare for work—here’s a guide to Lyft and Uber insurance needs).
• Use public transit when available.
• Have a designated driver.
• Call a friend or family member—awkward beats a crash.

Bottom line: car insurance companies almost never drug test you to issue a policy. The bigger risk is what happens after a crash—when impairment can appear in official records, raise your premiums, and jeopardize your ability to keep affordable coverage.

FAQs on Car Insurance Companies Drug Testing You