If you are involved in an auto accident, chances are you will be very grateful to have your insurance company on your side as they help you work through the many decisions you need to make after the fact. Your insurance company will talk you through the process of getting your car inspected and then either repaired or replaced to get you safely back out on the road again. However, once the initial shock of the car accident has worn off, you may be wondering if what occurred will mean an increase in your auto insurance rates.
The answer as to if your car insurances rates will increase as the result of an automobile accident is a challenging one, as it varies depending on your insurance company and the state in which you live. Generally, you can expect your car insurance rate to increase if you are considered to be at fault for the accident. Fault is generally determined by law enforcement, state laws, and/or the auto insurance company itself. Keep in mind that if you are involved in a one-car accident, such as you driving off the road and running into a tree, you are considered to be at fault. Another important thing to know is that you will be held accountable for any at-fault accident in which your vehicle is involved, even if you are not the person driving the car at the time.
Many insurance companies have something known as “first-time forgiveness,” in which they will not raise your rates based on your first at fault accident or traffic ticket issued. Then, if you remain accident and ticket free within a certain period of years, they will reset the clock on that forgiveness.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident, you do not have to figure out these complex issues on your own. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney for assistance.
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