How Much Does Insurance Go Up After an Accident in California?

Usually, some insurance companies raise the insurance rate after a crash. Insurance companies argue that someone with more than one claim in their driving record is seen as a high-risk driver and is more likely to file a claim in the future.

Most insurance companies do not raise their rates if your car was struck in a hit-and-run accident, struck when legally parked, or struck in a rear-end collision.

Once you’ve been involved in a car crash, the insurance company changes your risk profile and affects a rate change of 50% or more.

Consider speaking to a trusted car accident attorney who can prove you didn’t cause the crash and pursue compensation for your damages.

Factors That Influence How Much Car Insurance Raises After an Accident

Here are a few factors that influence an insurance premium hike after a car crash:

Duration Between Accidents

An insurance provider views your first accident as an indicator of your future behavior. Even so, an insurance company is interested in knowing the time a policyholder takes from your first accident incident to the next one.

If you have an accident as a young driver but maintain a good record after that, the insurance provider will gradually decrease your rate.

Should you get into another accident shortly after the first one, consider engaging an experienced car accident attorney who can prove you were not at fault for the incident.

If you were involved in a car accident, your insurance provider may require you to prove that you weren’t to blame.

Here are a few documents that can demonstrate that you were not at fault:

• A copy of the police accident report
• A legal document with evidence that you received compensation for the damages
• A statement from the other driver’s insurance company accepting liability
• A statement written by the other driver accepting the fault

Accident Severity

A severe accident translates to a huge loss to the insurance provider. An insurance provider may justify the need to raise your insurance premium if the accident totaled the car.

If the insurance company successfully shifts liability to the other party’s insurance provider, the rate increase will most likely be minimal.

Many insurance companies have a threshold of losses that they’re willing to cater to. The premium will automatically increase if the related loss exceeds the limit.

Accident Forgiveness

Many insurance companies extend the amnesty of accident forgiveness to some of their customers. It is a form of incentive extended to drivers with good driving habits and some who got involved in their first car crash.

Accident forgiveness ensures that a policyholder doesn’t get a premium increase, irrespective of the at-fault party.

Get Legal Aid From an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Although insurance companies have internal policies, they shouldn’t infringe on your rights as a consumer.

Consider hiring an experienced attorney from The Barnes Firm who can demonstrate the other party’s fault and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Contact us online or call us at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

“As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years