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When we think of impaired driving we usually think of alcohol or recreational drugs. But many of us aren’t aware that the impacts of our prescription and over-the-counter medications can have a significant effect on insurance outcomes – if we get into an accident. 

Medications you may take often, such as cold and flu tablets, or sleeping pills, can all impact your driving. Should you have an accident, you may not be covered by insurance if it can be deemed that you were driving impaired at the time. This could leave you seriously out-of-pocket. 

Understanding the implications of driving after taking certain medications is crucial, not only for personal safety but also for keeping your insurance cover valid. Here’s what you need to know. 

What medications may void my insurance?

Some medications can impair reaction time, coordination, and decision-making, which are critical to safe driving. These include, but are not limited to:

Sedatives and sleeping pills

Medications prescribed for insomnia can cause drowsiness and impair alertness long after their intended use. 

Painkillers

Strong pain relief medications, especially those containing opioids like codeine or oxycodone, can significantly reduce reaction times and cause drowsiness or confusion.

Antihistamines

Commonly used to treat allergies, some antihistamines can induce drowsiness and slower reaction times.

Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants

Medications for anxiety or depression may cause sedation or other side effects that impair concentration.

Blood pressure and heart medications

Certain medications, such as beta-blockers or those that lower blood pressure, can lead to dizziness or light-headedness. This can affect a driver’s ability to control a vehicle.

Be aware: even medications that may not impair you for driving could have an effect if combined with other drugs or alcohol. Before you get behind the wheel, make sure you know the outcomes of any combinations you’re taking. 

How being impaired can void your insurance

Driving under the influence of medications can be treated similarly to driving under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, especially if those medications impair the ability to operate a vehicle safely. 

In Australia, state and territory laws dictate the regulations surrounding driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications. Police officers may conduct roadside drug testing after an accident, and this information will be available to your insurer if you, or another person involved in the accident, make a claim. 

Your insurer may also ask if you had taken any medications around the time of the accident. 

If a driver is found to be at fault in an accident while under the influence of medication, their insurer may reject any claims arising from the incident. This includes both damage to the driver’s own vehicle and claims made by third parties. 

If the police get involved, and you are charged with driving while under the influence, you’ll also be likely to pay higher  insurance premiums going forward. 

Insurers typically include clauses in their policies excluding cover for accidents caused by impaired driving, which encompasses driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs – including prescription medications. 

What you should do to keep yourself covered

As well as keeping yourself – and everyone else on the road safe – being cautious will help you avoid an expensive accident. 

Read labels carefully

All prescription and over-the-counter medications in Australia come with warning labels if they may affect your ability to drive. Pay attention to these and follow any guidance about avoiding driving after taking the medication.

Consult a doctor or pharmacist

If you are unsure about the side effects of a particular medication, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can advise on whether it is safe to drive after taking the medication or if an alternative treatment is available.

Read your paperwork

The PDS provided by your insurer will have the details of what medications will void your insurance, so be sure to check this before getting behind the wheel. 

Wait until side effects subside

If a medication causes drowsiness or other impairing side effects, wait until these effects have completely subsided before driving.

Consider alternatives to driving

If you’re taking  medication that impairs your driving ability, consider using alternative forms of transport: public transport, ride-sharing services, or asking a friend or family member for a lift.

Bottom line

While many people are aware of the risks associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs, the dangers posed by medications are often overlooked. 

In Australia, driving while impaired by medication not only endangers road users but can also result in severe financial consequences if an insurance claim is denied due to drug impairment. Being informed, reading medication labels, and consulting with healthcare professionals are key steps to ensuring safety on the road and protecting your insurance cover.

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