Does no-fault accident increase insurance rates?

Asked by: Prof. Kitty Mertz  |  Last update: August 17, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (20 votes)

While it's not extremely likely for your insurance to increase if you weren't at fault, it's not impossible. Factors like your driving history and the number of claims you've made can influence your rates, even in not-at-fault accidents.

Does your home insurance go up after a claim that is not your fault?

Yes. Fault makes no difference. A claim will impact your rate.

Do insurance rates go up after a no-fault accident?

Some may raise your premiums by 10 percent, while others may charge you only 2 percent more. In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.

Do insurance rates go up after no-fault accident progressive?

It may seem unfair, but accidents that aren't your fault may still increase your rate depending on your state and insurer. Not-at-fault accidents can indicate a higher likelihood of future accidents.

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.

Will My Premiums Increase If the Accident Wasn't My Fault?

25 related questions found

How do I remove a non fault accident from my 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.

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.

How much will my car insurance go up after a claim?

By State. You can expect the most elevated car insurance rates post-accident in California, where the average increase is more than 74 percent. Increases are less than 25 percent in Rhode Island, in contrast.

Should I file a claim if I'm 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.

Will my insurance go up if I'm not at fault on Reddit?

California does not permit surcharging for not-at-fault claims. In addition, if this is a second term renewal, it's likely “predatory” in a sense because some carriers will write new business at a discounted rate only to increase subsequently at renewal. Progressive is notorious for this.

What is accident forgiveness?

What is Accident Forgiveness? Available in select states, Accident Forgiveness is an auto insurance coverage option that potentially helps you avoid a rate increase after your first at-fault accident. Others on your policy can also benefit from Accident Forgiveness. But it can only be used once per policy.

Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault progressive?

If a driver hits you, your collision coverage will still cover the damage to your vehicle, but you won't have to pay your deductible. In some states, the driver must also be uninsured for a CDW to apply.

Is insurance more expensive in no-fault states?

According to the analysis of premium data as reported by insurance companies to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners: Premiums are 19% higher in no-fault states than in personal responsibility states.

Will insurance increase after a no-fault accident?

If you weren't at fault for the accident, then we have some good news. California law will prohibit an insurer from increasing your insurance rate if you were not at fault for a crash. Many different laws are in play, but this summary from the California Department of Insurance is helpful.

What is the 80% rule in insurance?

The 80% rule means that an insurance company will pay the replacement cost of damage to a home as long as the owner has purchased coverage equal to at least 80% of the home's total replacement value.

Is it better to not file an insurance claim?

Always file a claim if there's serious property damage or potential injuries. Even if the other driver is honest and the accident was only a fender bender, the damage might be more serious than it appears. Additionally, a car might have hidden damage that won't be found until it's been looked at by a mechanic.

Is it better to use your insurance or theirs?

After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.

How does insurance work if it's not your fault?

You will file a claim with your auto insurance for damage to your vehicle, medical bills, property damage, and, potentially, lost wages due to injury. The car insurer collects money from the at-fault driver's coverage. Your claims might be limited by the other driver's coverage limits and the state where you live.

When someone hits you, do you call your insurance or theirs?

For example, if your car repair damage is $19,000 and the other driver's insurance covers up to $15,000, you still have to pay $4,000 in repair bills. In this case, your car insurance company may cover the costs resulting from this underinsured driver. This is why you should call your insurance if someone hits you.

Why does my car insurance keep going up with no accidents?

Car insurance rates can sometimes increase unexpectedly, even without being involved in an accident. This can be due to different factors, such as changes in the insurance company's rates, adjustments to your policy, or even external factors like inflation or rising repair costs.

How long does an accident stay on your record?

In general, an accident in California can remain on your driving record for three years. If you've been involved in an at-fault accident in California, car insurance companies can increase your premium as you're deemed a riskier driver. Note, that California has banned increased premiums for no-fault accidents.

Does your insurance go up after a claim that is not your fault AAA?

If the crash wasn't your fault, there's a possibility you may not see a rate increase at all, but this will depend on your insurance provider and the state you live in.

Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?

Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.

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 long does a not at fault accident affect your insurance?

Typically, the DMV will hold onto these records for around 3 years, but this can go up to 10 years if the accident involves a commercial vehicle. This 3-year countdown also starts on the day that the accident occurred.