When a person is involved in a car accident, one of the first things they often wonder is if their insurance rates are going to go up. The answer depends on many factors. Keep reading to learn the truth about this issue, and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you require a free legal consultation with a personal injury attorney.
Were You at Fault for the Accident?
First, it makes a big difference if you were at fault for the accident or not. If you were not at fault, then your auto insurance rates should not be affected. If you were at fault, then you are most likely going to see some type of increase, the amount of which will depend on a number of factors that we will go over below.
Where You Live
On average, a person’s auto insurance rates go up by 46% if they are at fault for a car accident. However, this can range significantly based on factors like where you live. In California, your auto insurance rates could go up more or less than the average amount.
Your Insurance Company and Plan
Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs so that if you are involved in an accident but have not been involved in one for a certain number of years prior, your rates will not go up. Some plans have specific limits on how much your rates can go up.
The Amount of Damage the Accident Caused
When insurance companies determine how severe an accident is, they are mostly looking at the cost of the damages they were required to pay. If you caused an accident with catastrophic injuries and thousands of dollars in injuries, then your insurance rates would likely rise more than if you had a minor accident with no injuries and a few hundred dollars in property damage.
The Length of Time Your Rates Will Stay High Will Vary
In most cases, an accident will stay on your driving record for at least three years but less than five. It depends on your state and how serious the accident was. If the accident involved a reckless driving charge or DUI charge, then it will stay on your record for as long as ten years. As long as the accident stays on your record, then it is likely to continue to affect your insurance rates.
Call Now for a Free Legal Consultation
If you have been injured in a car accident in which someone else was at fault, you should not see your insurance rates go up. However, you might still need to fight for fair and full compensation. You can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
