Can an insurance company drop you for a no-fault accident?

Asked by: Bianka Rempel PhD  |  Last update: May 31, 2025
Score: 5/5 (8 votes)

Insurers generally pay more attention to accidents where you're at fault versus those where someone else is at fault. However, being involved in too many collisions (even ones where you weren't at fault) can be a red flag to insurers.

Can insurance drop you for not at fault accident?

Generally, no, they shouldn't drop you for filing a claim in a not-at-fault accident.

Can an insurance company cancel your policy for no reason?

Premiums After a residential policy has been in effect for sixty days, the insurance company can only cancel a policy for reasons specified by law, which include; nonpayment of premium, fraud , material misrepresentation , or physical changes in the insured property that increase any hazard insured against.

How do insurance companies handle no-fault accidents?

It's very simple. In a no fault state your insurance covers your car, not the damage you do to someone else's car. The outcome of you getting the other person's information means very little to you since their insurance would do nothing for you.

How many accidents does it take for insurance to drop you?

Every insurance company sets its own benchmark for triggering a cancellation, but it is more likely that you'll face cancellation or non-renewal if you've made three or more claims within a three-year period. Most cancellations occur within the first 60 days of a policy, usually due to non-compliance.

Auto Insurance Claims Process: Not-At-Fault Accident

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Can I sue my insurance for dropping me?

If you believe that your cancellation was made on your policy for illegitimate reasons, you have the right to take legal action and pursue a lawsuit against your provider.

How long do accidents stay on your record?

In the state of California, most vehicle accidents will stay on your record for around 3 years. However, more serious traffic violations will follow you for longer. For example, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years.

What happens after a no-fault accident?

A no-fault state is one where drivers involved in a car accident are required to file claims with their own insurance companies, regardless of who caused the accident. This system relies on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which compensates for medical expenses and lost wages up to a state-determined limit.

What are the cons of no-fault insurance?

CONS: Fewer legal options: In most states, drivers with no-fault policies are restricted from suing unless the injuries meet a certain severity threshold. Potentially higher premiums: Some say no-fault insurance may lead to higher premiums due to more claims being filed.

How do you handle a not at fault accident?

The first step is to get the other party's car insurance information and then report the accident. You should call 911 or the police to respond to the scene. You must also report the accident to both your own insurer and theirs. Generally, this will start the claims process with the at-fault party's insurer.

What happens if car insurance drops you?

If the insurance company has decided to cancel your policy for other reasons, your options may be more limited. In the best case, you'll simply have to pay a higher premium and be more careful about your driving habits. In more dire cases, you'll have to shop for insurance on what's called the “nonstandard” market.”

Can my insurance drop me for no reason?

Car insurance companies can legally drop a customer if they become riskier to insure than when they first bought their policy. But that doesn't mean they let go of customers for just any reason — if you practice safe driving habits and pay your premium on time, the chance of losing your car insurance is slim.

Can an insurance company drop you during a claim?

Is It Legal for Insurers to Drop Your Policy After a Claim? Yes, it is generally legal for insurers to non-renew policies after a claim, as long as they follow state regulations and provide proper notice.

Should you file a claim with your insurance if you are not at fault?

Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault

One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.

Under what circumstances can an insurance company cancel your insurance?

Generally, your policy can be canceled for these reasons: Non-payment of premium. Material misrepresentation / fraud. Breaches of contractual duties by the insured.

How long does not at fault accident affect insurance?

Now, you might be wondering, “How long will a no-fault claim affect my insurance rates?” Well, insurance rates typically experience an increase for a period of three to five years following a no-fault accident.

Do you get money from no-fault insurance?

So let's start with a basic definition: no-fault insurance, sometimes referred to as personal injury protection insurance (PIP), can help cover you and your passengers' medical expenses and loss of income in the event of a covered accident, regardless of who is found at fault.

How does a no-fault insurance state work?

What does a no-fault insurance state mean? No-fault insurance refers to how injuries are covered by car insurance. In a no-fault insurance state, if you're injured in an auto accident, you would file a claim with your own insurance company to pay for related medical costs. This is regardless of fault.

What are the advantages of the no-fault system?

In a no-fault insurance policy, the insurance company provides compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other types of damages. Other benefits of no-fault insurance include a simplified claims process and reduced legal costs.

How long does a no-fault accident stay on your record?

In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.

Can you get compensation if the accident was not your fault?

A: In California, it is typical that the at-fault party's insurance will cover damages related to the accident, so if you are not at fault, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company. Generally, after filing this claim, the insurance company will investigate the incident before moving forward.

How long does a no-fault settlement take?

Auto accidents generally take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years to settle in California. Car accidents generally settle faster than other kinds of personal injury claims. This is because car accidents tend to cause less severe injuries than certain other types of cases, like medical malpractice.

How to remove a non-fault accident on driving record?

Unfortunately, there is nothing else that can be done. You will just have to wait until the claims fall off of your record. Check out our guide to filing claims to learn more about what to expect from the filing process.

How do insurance companies find out about accidents?

Insurance companies use police reports to determine fault in accidents. They'll analyze the information in the report to find the responsible party.

Does State Farm have accident forgiveness?

While State Farm does not have accident forgiveness, the company does offer other benefits to motorists. A State Farm car insurance review in 2024 drew attention to the company's: Competitive rates. Rideshare insurance options.