Is it a good idea to switch insurance companies after a claim?

Asked by: Jacky Sauer III  |  Last update: March 24, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (48 votes)

Insurance companies will review your claim history and driving record to determine your auto insurance rates, so changing companies after a claim may not actually save you money. Weigh the costs and benefits of switching beforehand.

Should I switch insurance after a claim?

It makes no difference with respect to your claim. Your claim will be handled the same way regardless of your insurance after-the-fact. Most of the time, the claim adjuster will not even know that you changed to a different insurance carrier. It also makes no difference with respect to your insurance policy.

Is it bad to switch car insurance after a car accident?

Changing coverages after the accident isn't going to affect the claim at all, if that's what you're asking. The coverage you had in place is what is used in your claim. Changing coverage after that is more of a personal finance question than an insurance question.

Should I talk to the other insurance company after an accident?

You are not legally obligated to speak with the other insurance company's representative or provide them with any information. Politely decline to discuss the specifics of the accident or your injuries and inform them that any necessary information will be provided through your car accident lawyer.

How long should you wait to change car insurance after an accident?

Wait three years. That's usually how long it takes to drop off your driving record. You can also shop around and see if you can get the same coverage you have with another insurance company. Or, you can raise your deductibles on your collision and...

Can I Change My Car Insurance After A Car Accident?

24 related questions found

Do you have to stay with an insurance company after a claim?

You can switch auto insurance companies after an accident while your claim is still pending. It is important to consider your reasons for switching, ensure there is no gap in coverage, and be aware of the potential impact on your claim.

When should I cancel my car insurance after accident?

If you plan to be without a vehicle for 6 months or longer, it might make sense to cancel your policy. Remember that if you choose to cancel your policy, you won't be paying insurance premiums but will also be faced with higher rates when you need to be insured again.

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.

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.

What if you don't agree with your insurance adjuster?

Dispute the Decision and File a Complaint

Many policies allow you to request arbitration through the insurance company. You'll present evidence to an independent adjuster, who then makes a binding settlement determination. You can also file a complaint with your state department of insurance.

Can I switch insurance in the middle of a claim?

Your Claim Won't Be Interrupted

If you decide to change your insurance company while you have an ongoing claim, your old insurer will continue to handle it until it is resolved.

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.

Is Progressive or Geico better?

According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, both companies scored below average for customer satisfaction. That said, Geico did score higher than Progressive, with 692 out of 1,000 compared to 672. Keep in mind that these are scores based on customer feedback.

Will my insurance increase after a claim?

How much does car insurance increase after a claim? Although the amount will depend on who's to blame, the severity of the accident, and your own driving record, you should expect your car insurance to increase by about 20-50% after making a claim.

How long after a claim can you change insurance?

You can actually switch insurance companies even while you have an open claim, even if you were at fault in the accident. That said, you will still need to work with your previous insurance company to settle the open claim.

Will my insurance go down if I switch companies?

Switching insurance companies can be a positive experience. It may even result in lower fees and better coverage.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am 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.

Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?

If you are involved in an accident and file a claim, even if it was not your fault, your insurance company may see you as a higher risk to insure and increase your rates. Consider speaking with a licensed insurance agent to see how much insurance could increase after an accident where you're not at fault.

What to do if someone claims you hit their car?

What to Do If Someone Falsely Claims You Hit Their Car
  1. Evaluate the Situation.
  2. Speak to the Other Party Politely.
  3. Take Photos and Videos.
  4. Gather Witnesses.
  5. Check for Nearby Cameras.
  6. Report the Incident.
  7. Explain Your Side Clearly.
  8. When to Consult an Attorney.

What happens if no one is at fault in an accident?

But what will happen if no one is at fault for your car accident? You can always file a no-fault car insurance claim. The insurance provider will compensate the policyholder and its passengers for the cost of minor injuries and loss of income regardless of who caused the accident.

How to get the most out of insurance after a car accident?

How to Deal with Insurance After a California Car Accident: 7 Essential Tips
  1. Don't Admit Fault. ...
  2. Contact an Attorney. ...
  3. Beware of Recorded Statements. ...
  4. Watch Out for Speedy Settlement Offers. ...
  5. Don't Give Too Much Detail About Your Injuries. ...
  6. Remember: Insurers Are Not on Your Side. ...
  7. Document the Accident and Your Injuries.

Should I call my insurance if it wasn't my fault progressive?

Start the claims process

Regardless of who's at fault, it's a good idea to inform your car insurance company that an accident occurred.

Is it bad to change insurance after a claim?

Though you may have to pay a cancellation fee, ending your coverage with one company and switching to another won't impact the status of your previous claim. However it might not be a good idea to cancel your coverage right after an accident.

Can you switch insurance in the middle of a claim?

You can certainly switch car insurance companies if you have an open claim with your current insurer. However, doing so may result in a higher premium once the claim is settled. If you must make a switch with a pending at-fault claim, be sure to inform your new car insurer so there are no surprises come renewal time.

Can your car insurance drop you after a claim?

Insurers can cancel policies or choose not to renew at the end of a policy term. Non-renewal can occur after multiple accidents or filing too many claims. At the same time, more immediate cancellations can result from serious issues like loss of driving privileges or insurance fraud.