Your car insurance may go up after an accident, especially if you shared fault. If you have a deductible through your policy, you may also see an increase in your premium if a claim exceeds your current premium.
Generally, you will see an increase when you renew your policy, and the new rate may last between three to five years, according to Forbes.
Your Insurance Could Go Up If Another Party Files a Claim With Your Provider
When a victim suffers injuries and losses in a car accident, they can make a claim through the liable party’s insurance provider. All motorists are required to carry minimum insurance coverage to pay for victims’ medical bills and car repairs. If another driver successfully makes a claim with your provider, you may see an increase in your premiums.
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What Happens If You Shared Fault for the Accident?
Texas operates under proportionate responsibility doctrine imposed by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. This law dictates that you can only seek compensation if you didn’t primarily cause the crash.
When you share fault for an accident, insurance adjusters may argue about how much fault you have. This can complicate a claim, giving an insurer room to undervalue your losses or deny coverage altogether.
How Much Will Your Insurance Go Up After an Accident?
Each state operates differently when it comes to car insurance. According to Forbes, Texas drivers usually experience a rate increase of 42.70% after an accident. Keep in mind your potential rate increase depends on who bears fault for the accident.
Your Deductible Can Affect Your Insurance Rate
Some insurance policies come with deductibles. If a claim meets or exceeds this, you may also see your insurance go up, according to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
The Severity of Your Collision Also Affects Your Insurance Rate
Additionally, the severity of your accident will also have a bearing on how much your insurance goes up. For example, if you caused an accident that did not result in any injuries, only minor damage to the other driver’s car, your rate will not increase as much as it would after a serious accident.
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What You Can Do to Prevent Your Insurance From Going Up
After a car accident, there are a few things you can do to try to prevent your insurance from going up.
Call the Police to the Scene of the Accident
State law requires you to call the police to the scene of any accident that results in injuries, fatalities, or a substantial amount of damage. Regardless of how severe your accident was, a police report can prove invaluable when establishing the other driver’s liability, as well as the extent of their damages.
Save as much evidence from the accident scene as possible to make your case.
Seek Legal Counsel
A car accident lawyer from our firm can conduct their own investigation to determine who bears fault for an accident. They can use the evidence they collect to counter an insurance adjuster’s determination of fault. They could also prevent another driver from making a claim with your provider.
If you bear some fault for the collision, a lawyer from our firm can help prevent any error that would increase your portion of fault. We can collect police reports, eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and other documentation to prove fault and liability.
Keep Track of Your Insurance Claims History
If you were not at fault for the accident and you notice your premium increased regardless, speak with your insurer about retaining your previous rate. If you were not liable for the accident, you could argue that there is no reason for the increase.
You can keep track of your claims history through the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE). You can access your history by contacting LexisNexis.
Ask About Discounts
You may qualify for discounts that can help reduce your insurance rate. If you have a clean record and had not previously experienced an accident, an insurer could lower your rate. You may also explore other discount options, such as perks for going paperless or using auto payments on your account.
Change Providers
You have every right to change insurance providers if your current insurer does not treat you fairly. While your new insurer will still have access to your driving record, you could possibly get lower premiums and additional benefits.
Work With Our Car Accident Lawyers
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we help accident victims recover compensation for their losses. We can review your claim and give you information about your rights. If you’ve been the victim of another party’s negligence, you may be able to get a settlement.
When you call in the Strong Arm, you do not have to handle the legal process or claims process alone. We will have your back while you rest and recover. For a free consultation, call Loncar Lyon Jenkins at (877) 239-4878.
