What Happens After an At-Fault Accident
If you are found at fault in a car accident your auto insurance rates are likely to go up. The increase depends on several things including the laws in your state your insurance provider and how serious the accident was.
State by State Differences
Insurance rate increases are not the same everywhere. In some states you may see your rates rise by less than 20 percent in others the increase could be 50 percent or more. Where you live has a big effect on how much more you will pay for coverage after an accident.
How Much More You Might Pay
Drivers who have had at fault accidents often see substantial increases in their annual insurance premiums. Examples show that insuring your vehicle after an at fault accident could cost over one thousand dollars more per year than before if you had a clean record. In some states the rise is even greater depending on the insurer and the driver’s history.
What Insurers Look At
Insurance companies examine several factors when deciding how much to raise your rates after an accident. These include whether you were clearly at fault how bad the accident was whether there were injuries or large property damage your past driving record and whether your insurance company offers forgiveness or makes allowances for first time accidents.
Things You Can Do to Reduce the Impact
- Look for different insurance providers after the accident to compare price options
- See if your insurer offers accident forgiveness programs
- Improve your credit score since many insurers consider that when setting rates
- Raise your deductible to reduce your premium though that means paying more if you make a claim
- Ask about any discounts you may qualify for
What Happens if the Accident Was Not Your Fault
Even when you are not at fault your rates can still increase. That depends on your state’s laws your insurance policy and if your insurer had to cover costs from the accident claim.
Why It Matters
Knowing how much your insurance might go up after an accident is important to make informed decisions about your coverage payments insurance company and what actions to take after a wreck.
How Hillstone Law Can Help
If you are worried about how an accident could affect your insurance rate or if you want to know your legal rights following an accident Hillstone Law can assist. We can review your situation explain which policies and laws apply to you and help you explore options to manage or challenge rate increases.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
