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How to Avoid Insurance Increase After Accident Cases

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Last year, Connecticut saw over 100,000 car crashes, ranging from minor fender benders to serious collisions with fatal injuries. From small parking lot scrapes to major highway accidents, one thing most of these incidents have in common is the inevitable conversation with an insurance adjuster. Unfortunately, many drivers find that their insurance premiums rise after filing a claim for an accident. But is there a way to avoid that increase?



While in some cases, an increase in rates may be unavoidable, it’s not always a given. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to avoid an insurance increase after an accident and provide helpful insights about what happens to your insurance premiums following a crash, including how fault can play a role.

How Do Car Accidents Affect Your Insurance Premiums?

Filing an insurance claim after a car accident can feel like adding salt to the wound.

Most insurance companies raise premiums for policyholders following an accident, especially when the policyholder is found to be at fault or has a history of multiple accidents. If your insurance provider has to pay out a claim on your behalf, you’ll likely see an increase in your premium.

The amount your rate increases can depend on several factors, including:

  • Who was at fault in the accident
  • The severity of the accident and the cost of the damages
  • Your driving history, especially if you have previous accidents on record
  • The type of coverage you carry and whether you have accident forgiveness
  • Your insurance company’s policies, as each handles rate increases differently

When Can You Avoid a Premium Increase After a Car Accident?

Here are some scenarios where you might avoid a premium increase after a car accident:

  • Forgiveness Policies: Some insurance companies offer forgiveness policies where your first accident is “forgiven,” meaning it won’t result in a rate increase. This typically applies to long-term customers with a clean driving record.
  • First-Time Accident Forgiveness: A specific form of forgiveness policy, first-time accident forgiveness is often included or can be purchased as an add-on to your insurance policy. It ensures that your premium remains unaffected after your first at-fault accident, depending on the terms set by your insurer.
  • Minor No-Fault Accidents: If the accident was minor and you were not at fault, some insurance companies won’t penalize you with a rate increase. This can happen in situations where your insurance only has to cover a small payout or none at all.
  • Long Claim-Free Histories: Drivers who have maintained long periods without any claims are often rewarded with lower rates and more leniency after an accident. If you’ve had a clean record for years, your insurer may decide not to raise your premium after one incident.
  • If the Driver Is Not At Fault: In accidents where you are not at fault and the other party’s insurance is responsible for covering damages, your own insurer may decide not to increase your rates, since you didn’t cause the accident.

Each of these situations can potentially prevent your insurance premium from increasing, depending on your specific insurer and policy.

Do You Have to Notify Your Insurance Company About Every Car Accident?

Not informing your insurance company about an accident might seem like the easier route, but it can lead to serious consequences down the line. For example, if you’re involved in a minor fender bender and decide not to report it, thinking the damage is too small to matter, it could come back to haunt you if the other party later files a claim.

Failing to report an accident, no matter how minor, is a risk. Anyone involved in an accident, regardless of the extent of damage, should notify their insurance provider. Even if you don’t file a claim or there’s no lawsuit, it won’t necessarily impact your premium.

However, by reporting it, your insurer has time to prepare for any potential claims that might arise later. They may even decide to apply accident forgiveness if it’s your first incident.

On the other hand, if your insurance company is caught off guard by a claim they weren’t informed of, they may choose not to cover it at all, leaving you financially exposed. In that scenario, you could end up paying out of pocket for damages, repairs, or even legal fees. Reporting incidents early can help avoid this kind of difficult financial situation.

How to Potentially Avoid Higher Insurance Rates After a Car Accident in Connecticut

While insurance rates typically don’t increase for drivers who aren’t at fault in an accident, there are no guarantees. Insurance companies have their own policies, and in some cases, rates could still go up.

On the other hand, drivers with multiple claims within a short time frame are much more likely to see a significant rise in their premiums.

In certain situations, an insurance company might even refuse to renew a policy if they view the driver as high-risk. This is often due to frequent claims or serious accidents. However, there are a few strategies you can use to potentially avoid higher insurance costs:

  • Take a driving class: Completing a defensive driving or accident prevention course may help reduce your risk profile in the eyes of your insurer.
  • Increase your deductible: By opting for a higher deductible, you can often reduce your monthly premium. Just be sure you’re comfortable paying the deductible amount in the event of a claim.
  • Switch to another car insurance policy: If your current provider increases your rates, consider shopping around for a new policy.

These steps can help you mitigate potential premium increases after an accident, giving you some control over your insurance costs.

Contact Brill Law Group Today

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are concerned about the impact it may have on your insurance premiums, getting the right legal guidance is crucial. At Brill Law Group, we know auto accident claims inside and out. We are here to provide the dedicated support you need.

If you were involved in a car accident in Bridgeport, CT, let our auto accident claims experts get you the compensation you deserve.

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