Do Insurance Rates Really Increase After an Accident?

Being involved in a car accident, no matter how minor or severe, is stressful. There are a dozen things that seem to run through your mind at once. Am I injured? Are my passengers okay? What type of damage did my car sustain? These are just a few of the questions that you will be asking yourself in the seconds following a collision.

Once things calm down a bit and you can think straight, you will start to wonder whether or not you should file an insurance claim. This is something that many people are wary of, believing that a claim will make their rates go up. It is a misconception that filing any type of claim will cause a rise in your premiums. There are several instances in which your premium won’t be affected at all. Here’s the truth about claims and your insurance premiums.

Severity of Collision

No two car accidents are alike. There is a difference between hitting a deer and being broadsided at an intersection. The severity of your accident will affect your claim, and it will also be used in determining whether or not to increase your rate.

Driving History

We all know someone who seems to be a magnet for car accidents. We also know people who have never had an accident in their lives. Safe drivers are a favorite for insurance companies and if your first accident is minor, they may not adjust your rates at all.

Customer Loyalty

Insurance companies also love loyal customers. Coupled with your driving history, a company will look at how long you have been with them. If you’ve had the same insurance company for years, a minor accident may have no impact on your rates. Don’t be afraid to file a claim.

Fault

Most insurance companies don’t believe you should be punished for an accident that wasn’t your fault. If you live in a no-fault state, if you were a victim, it doesn’t really matter. That said, insurance companies will still look at other factors when deciding whether or not to up your rates.

Policy Details

Take a close look at your car insurance policy before deciding whether or not to file a claim. Several of today’s insurance companies offer accident forgiveness for smaller claims. This type of forgiveness looks different for different providers so be sure to look at the fine print of your policy.

As you can see, there are many factors that insurance companies look at before deciding to raise your premiums. If you are in an accident, consider your driving history, who is found to be at fault, and your insurance company itself before stressing about filing a claim. You may very well be feeling anxious for no reason.

If you are involved in a car accident in Charlotte, you may have the right to damages for your injuries. Reach out to a car accident attorney at Auger Law for a free case evaluation. We will help you determine if you have the elements necessary for a successful personal injury claim.