What You Need to Know

• Depending on your company and local fault laws, your insurance rates can go up after a not-at-fault accident
• Progressive has the highest rate increase at 16.6% followed by Geico at 14.1%
• Companies charge different rates after an accident, so shop around with at least three insurers to get the best rates

If a car accident is not your fault, does your insurance go up? There are a number of reasons why car insurance is so expensive, and an accident that isn’t your fault, unfortunately, may be one of them.

Most people understand that rates go up if they are at fault in an accident, but not when they aren’t the one responsible for the collision. Some car insurance companies are known to increase premiums after any auto insurance claim, regardless of whether the accident was your fault or not.

Keep reading to learn why insurance goes up after an accident that is not your fault

Why Insurance Goes Up If a Car Accident is Not Your Fault

A no-fault accident means that you weren't the person who caused the accident. However, auto insurance providers have different fault assessment methods to determine which driver was at fault and which insurance company will pay for the compensation.

Moreover, each state has its own fault assessment rules. Some states are at-fault, while some are no-fault states. It's very important how your state determines fault in a collision because it can impact the type of insurance coverage you need as well as the outcome of the insurance claim in the event of an accident.

In some cases, your insurance company will look at both sides of the accident differently and not penalize you if you’re not at fault, and vice versa, varying on the situation. That will depend on which state you live in, the different insurance laws in each state and your specific insurance provider.

Most of the time, if someone hits you and they’re found at fault, their insurance company will pay for the damages on your vehicle and your deductible.

If you’re involved in a hit and run or get hit by an at-fault uninsured driver, you’ll have no choice but to file a claim through your own insurance company. Some states may deem this unlawful for your insurance provider to raise your rates if you were hit by an uninsured motorist.

How Much Insurance Goes Up After a Car Accident That is Not Your Fault

In almost all states, not-at-fault claims are filed against the at-fault vehicle's insurance policy. If you file a claim against the at-fault driver, you’re less likely to see increased rates on your insurance premium.

Although you may still face a fee for filing a claim, a not-at-fault claim most likely comes with smaller surcharges than an at-fault claim.

Here’s a look at the average increase in insurance rates for five of the largest car insurance companies after an accident that the policyholder wasn’t at fault for.

This research excludes California and Oklahoma because it’s prohibited for insurance companies to raise the rates for a not-at-fault driver in those states.

Fault Laws and Car Insurance Rates

Many states have different insurance laws and regulations that limit car insurance companies from raising your base rate if you’re not at fault in an accident.

On the other hand, there are a number of states that have no-fault policies, where drivers are required to have personal injury protection (PIP). Some states require drivers to obtain this auto insurance policy to protect themselves in the case of a crash, and no matter who is at fault in the accident, your own PIP policy will cover your medical expenses. Drivers in no-fault states also can’t sue other drivers to get payment or have limited rights to sue.

There are also different rules depending on your state for parked car accidents.

How to Avoid Increased Car Insurance Rates

In some cases, it may be impossible to avoid increased monthly premiums after a not-at-fault accident.

It may be a smart idea to shop around periodically to look for an auto insurance company that best suits your needs and prices. Shop around to find the best car insurance in your state.

Clearsurance research found that drivers save $390 when they switch car insurance.

How Fault is Determined in a Collision

Finding who is at fault in a car accident is not a simple decision. In many instances, fault percentages will be split, for example, 75 and 25 percent at fault.

A police report can play an important role in determining who is at fault in an accident. The officer's give an analysis and judgment of the collision. It also helps figure out if a traffic violation occurred and specifies who they think was at fault.

One accident may not cause your rates to rise, but if you have been in multiple auto accidents, even if you were not at fault for each, your auto insurer may increase your premiums or not renew your policy. One way to avoid rate increases for an accident is to purchase accident forgiveness, though it will likely make your policy more expensive to have this.

The content on this site is offered only as a public service to the web community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an insurance company or an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the insurance company or any individual attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Not-At-Fault Car Accidents

Will my insurance go up if someone hits me?

Your car insurance rates can go up if someone hits you depending on your state laws and your current driving record.

Does a no-fault accident go on your driving record?

No-fault accident claims will stay on your record for at least three years.

Does your insurance go up if someone hits your parked car?

You might see your car insurance rates go up if you file a claim with your own company, but you should file with the at-fault driver's insurer in order to avoid a rate increase.