Will my insurance go up if I file a claim and its not my fault?
Asked by: Sylvester Donnelly | Last update: September 11, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (47 votes)
Will my insurance go up if it was someone else's fault?
I work for an insurance company, and FYI, anytime your insurance pays out on a claim for you, your rates WILL go up, regardless of fault. And when you ARE deemed at fault, which you were here, the rate will go up even more. You are now a higher risk for them. So this makes sense.
Does insurance go up when it's not your fault?
Auto insurance rates generally do not rise after a no-fault accident, where you experience damages or injuries due to another driver's actions. However, insurance is rarely straightforward. State laws and insurer policies can sometimes result in rate changes, even in no-fault situations, such as at fault accidents.
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 reporting a claim raise your insurance?
An actual claim on your insurance history communicates to insurers that you carry a higher risk for future claims. As a result, your insurer will likely put a surcharge on your policy for at least three to five years — at which point, if you've stayed claim-free, you'll likely see your rates ease up.
Insurance Companies to AVOID!
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.
Does a no-fault accident affect insurance?
In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.
How does insurance work if it's not your fault?
Who pays in a no-fault accident? If there's an accident between two drivers, each party's PIP coverage typically pays for their respective medical bills and/or wage loss up to their policies' limits, no matter who caused the accident.
Can I make a claim if it wasn't my fault?
If you're injured in an accident that was not your fault, you or your 'legal personal representative' (such as the next of kin in the case of death) can claim compensation from the at-fault driver's compulsory third party (CTP) insurer.
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.
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.
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 happens if no one admits fault in an accident?
However, when no one admits fault, insurance companies may try to shift blame to avoid paying claims. This is where having legal representation is crucial. Your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance company, protecting your interests and ensuring that you are not unfairly held responsible.
Should I let my insurance know if it wasn't my fault?
Yes, it is generally advisable to notify your insurance company even if the accident wasn't your fault. Most insurance policies require policyholders to promptly report any accidents or incidents, regardless of fault.
What happens if I crash someone else's car?
In car accidents in this state, the driver who caused the car crash will be responsible for paying for the financial damages. If the accident happened because of the other driver, you may have less to worry about if someone else was driving your car.
Should I file an insurance claim if I am at fault?
If you damage someone else's vehicle during a significant collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.
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.
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.
What to do after a minor car accident not your fault USA?
- Safety first: Move to a safe area as soon as you can. ...
- Check for injuries: If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 or ask someone else to call. ...
- Call the police and report the accident: Even if the accident is minor, it is good to get an official police report.
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.
Does insurance go up even if it's not your fault?
Under California law, an insurer cannot increase your premiums when 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.
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.
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.