Will my car insurance go up if someone hits me?
Asked by: Whitney Waters | Last update: January 8, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (30 votes)
Why does insurance go up when it's not your fault?
Insurance premiums are based on risk. They deem the fact that you've been involved in an accident (albeit not your fault) as an increase in risk - if it has happened once it can happen again.
Will my insurance go high if someone hits me?
Yes your insurance will likely go up, because who at fault is irrelevant. It's about frequency. If you have claim events and cost the insurance company money to insure and protect you, regardless of whether you are a cause or a victim, you should expect your auto insurance to increase.
When someone hits you does your insurance go up?
Rate increases will go up even more if there are injuries and property damage. If you are not at fault, however, the rate increase is less severe. On average, drivers who are not at fault will only have their rates go up by about 4%.
How does car insurance work if someone hits you?
Collision coverage typically helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle (or if you hit another vehicle or object), regardless of who is at fault. Even if you cannot find the other driver, you may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy's collision coverage.
Does Your Car Insurance Go Up If Someone Hits You? | The Barnes Firm
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.
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.
Do I give my insurance to someone who hit me?
Yes, you do have to exchange insurance information with the other party involved in the accident. This is a customary procedure that ensures both parties can file claims and have their damages covered. After the collision, make sure to call the police to document the incident officially.
Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?
However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.
Do I lose my excess if someone hits me?
Paying excess for a car accident that isn't your fault
If your insurance company have dealt with the claim, they should claim the excess back for you. If you have a no fault accident, a credit hire company can also make a claim on your behalf.
Will my insurance go up if I don't make a claim?
Will my car insurance go up after an accident? Unfortunately, the simple answer to this is yes. Whether the accident was your fault or not, making a claim will usually lead to an increase in your car insurance premium the next year and you could see an increase even if you don't make a claim.
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.
Will my insurance go up if it was someone else's fault?
Yes, insurance rates may go up even if the accident is not your fault, depending on the circumstances of the accident, the types of coverage you have, and your claims history. However, the increase may not be as significant as it would for an at-fault accident.
Will insurance increase 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.
Will my insurance probably go down if I make a lot of claims?
The statement "If I make a lot of claims on my insurance, my insurance costs will probably go down" is False. In fact, the opposite is often true: frequent claims generally lead to higher insurance costs. Insurance companies calculate premiums based on risk assessments.
Will my insurance go up if I'm not-at-fault with Progressive?
It may seem unfair, but accidents that aren't your fault may still increase your rate depending on your state and insurer.
How does insurance work if someone hits my car?
If someone on the street hits or sideswipes your parked car and you can prove who caused the damage, their insurance should cover you. If you don't know or can't prove who hit your car but have collision or UMPD coverage, your insurance should cover the damages.
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.
What happens if I don't call my insurance after an accident?
There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract. When you signed it, you agreed to the stipulations in the contract, which will almost certainly include the requirement to notify the insurance company promptly after an accident.
What to do if someone claims you hit their car?
- Evaluate the Situation.
- Speak to the Other Party Politely.
- Take Photos and Videos.
- Gather Witnesses.
- Check for Nearby Cameras.
- Report the Incident.
- Explain Your Side Clearly.
- When to Consult an Attorney.
Do I have to pay my deductible if someone hits me?
The purpose of the deductible is to share financial responsibility between the insured and the insurance company. It also discourages filing small or frivolous claims. You may have to pay your deductible if someone hits you—even if you're not at fault.
What is the downside of filing an insurance claim?
It could increase your premiums
When determining your premiums, insurance companies consider your likelihood of filing a future claim — which could cost them money. The higher your perceived risk, the more likely you are to pay more in premiums. Your claims history tends to play a direct role.
How do I claim insurance if it's not my fault?
After a car accident that's not your fault, you can file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver's insurance by providing details of the accident and supporting evidence like photos and a police report. Geoff Williams is a freelance journalist and author in Loveland, Ohio.
What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car Progressive?
Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle. If they're involved in an accident, your auto insurance may pay for the damages and injuries, up to your coverage limits.