Will my insurance go up if I hit a bumper?

Asked by: Archibald Satterfield V  |  Last update: December 13, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (66 votes)

If you were deemed to be at fault, you can expect your premiums to rise, sometimes substantially. After all, the insurance company has had to pay out to cover damages you were responsible for, and they'll want to recoup those costs. Even if you weren't at fault, your rates may still go up.

Is it worth it to file an insurance claim for bumper damage?

It may not make sense to file a claim if the bumper damage is minor and the repair cost is lower than your auto insurance deductible. If you have a low deductible, it may be worthwhile to file a claim, even for minor repairs.

How much does insurance go up after a bump?

If you have claimed on your car insurance, you can expect to pay 20% to 50% more for cover in the future. However, the amount varies depending on who is to blame for the claim, the severity and expense of the accident, and your overall driving record.

Will a fender Bender increase my insurance rates?

Some drivers may be hesitant to file a claim because they worry that their insurance rates will go up. According to CBS News, a study found that insurance rates increased by 41% after a single claim of $2,000 or more, which can apply to claims regarding fender-benders.

Is tapping a bumper considered an accident?

Yes, even a minor bumper tap is considered an accident.

These are often referred to as fender benders.

How Much Does Insurance Go Up After an Accident

39 related questions found

What happens if someone hits your bumper?

There are a few instances when you could consider filing a claim for bumper damage, such as: When you have to pay liability coverage for another driver: If there is another driver involved and you need to pay for damage or medical bills, you may need to inform your insurance company and file a claim.

Can a black box detect a small bump on your car?

The simple answer is yes – if you have had a black box installed in your car then it will recognise if you've had an accident.

Is it better to go through insurance or pay out of pocket for fender bender?

The upshot is it's usually best to involve the insurance company unless you're positive the damage to your car is minimal or you were the only driver involved. You might also consider covering the repair costs yourself if you've filed a lot of claims in the past.

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

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.

Should I tell my insurance company about a fender bender?

Notify your agent and/or your insurance company immediately. If anyone is injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $750.00, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.

Why did my insurance go up after I got hit?

Insurers factor in comprehensive claims because they can indicate higher risk for filing more claims. For example: If you hit a deer once, insurers may view you as more likely to make another claim in the future. Remember, all insurance companies price differently after an accident.

What happens if you don't tell your insurance about 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.

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 much will insurance pay for a bumper?

This is where you'll need to pay attention to your deductible and do some math. Bumper damage can range anywhere from $100 for a basic repair to $1,000 for more severe damage. If your deductible is $500 and your repair costs $100, it makes sense to pay out of pocket to avoid the deductible.

When not to claim car insurance?

If your damages are minor, you're much better off just paying out of pocket.” Even if the repairs cost slightly more than the deductible, it's still not worth submitting a claim that gets added to your claim history and can negatively affect your premiums in the future.

Should I file an insurance claim for minor damage?

For vehicle damage: Yes. If your vehicle received minor damage, it might be worth filing a collision claim with your insurance if the damage costs more than your deductible. If the other driver caused the accident, then you could file a claim with their insurance company instead.

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.

How long does an 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 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.

Should I report bumper damage to insurance?

You may not want to file a claim if your bumper was damaged in an accident that involved no other drivers and the repair cost is less than your deductible. If the other driver's bumper was damaged, you should report the accident to your insurer regardless of who was at fault and if your car was damaged.

Will a fender bender raise my insurance?

At-Fault Accidents vs.

WalletHub reports that if you're responsible for an accident, even a minor fender bender, your insurance rates could increase by at least 50 percent. Even if you're not at fault, you could still see your insurance rates increase by at least 12 percent, depending on your provider.

Should I call my insurance if it was my fault?

Yes, you will want to call your insurance provider regardless of whose fault you believe it may be. Your insurance provider will be able to walk you through the next steps of filing a claim and finding out what your coverage does and does not cover.

How to tell who crashed into who?

Who Is at Fault in an Accident? 9 Ways to Help Determine Who Hit Who
  1. The Police Report / Crash Report. ...
  2. Witness Statements. ...
  3. Accident Scene Photos or Videos. ...
  4. Vehicle Damage. ...
  5. Victim Injuries. ...
  6. Surveillance Footage. ...
  7. Expert Analysis. ...
  8. Vehicle Event Data Recorders.

How much does a black box take off your insurance?

At Adrian Flux, our black box insurance could save you up to 60% on your renewal price with safe driving. Plus, with no curfews, the ability to fit the box yourself, and the ability for you to choose who views your information, we think we offer the best device available.

What age do you not need a black box?

Commonly known as telematics insurance, 'black box' is ideal for new drivers aged between 17 and 25 years old. The idea is simple – by encouraging drivers to review their driving habits and drive more safely, they could present a lower risk on the roads, and are therefore 'safer' from an insurance perspective.