After an auto accident, your insurance premiums may rise, however, you can stipend the cost, or avoid the price increase altogether. For example, if it’s your first accident, you have no other driving violations, and no preexisting insurance claims, your premium may not increase. However, if you are at-fault for the accident, you may lose certain discounts applied to your policy, such as a ‘Good Driver Discount’; increasing your premium up to 25% for several years.
Inform Your Insurance Company of Your Accident Regardless of the Severity
You should inform your insurance company of all auto accidents, no matter how minor. Failing to report accidents to your insurance company is a breach of contract; your insurance company may not cover you, or provide defense services if a lawsuit results from an unreported accident; you will be liable for any legal costs, as well as any potential judgments, likely higher than your potential premium increase.
Not only will you have breached your contract, but you will also impede the insurance company’s ability to investigate the accident. Doing so may cause the insurance company to deny, or reject your claim. Failing to report an accident regardless of severity will always result in an insurance premium increase.
Does Your Policy Include Accident Forgiveness?
Accident forgiveness is not offered by every insurer, nor with every policy. If you have accident forgiveness on your policy, an auto accident will not cause your premiums to rise. However, check your policy for the specifics of your insurance company’s program. Some companies offer accident forgiveness immediately, while others may require several years of violation-free driving before it will apply to your policy. Accident forgiveness will prevent your insurance premiums from rising after an auto accident regardless of fault.
Purchase a New Policy
After an accident, you can shop around to other insurance providers. You may find a company that will offer you the same, or more coverage, at a lower price. Even if your claim has not been settled with your previous insurance company, you can switch insurance companies. However, your claim will continue through the insurance you had at the time the accident occurred; future claims will be handled by your new insurance.
Moving Insurance/Changing Policies/Coverage After an Auto Accident
After an auto accident, changing coverage on the involved vehicle may be more difficult than switching insurance companies. For example, if you caused an accident, and only carried liability insurance, you cannot add full coverage to that vehicle unless you move insurance companies.
Furthermore, any attempts to backdate additional coverage prior to your accident will result in denial of insurance. However, you may change any policy or coverage on vehicles not involved in recent accidents with little to no hang-ups.
Increase Your Deductible
If your insurance premium rises after an auto accident, you can increase your deductible to lower your premium. However, if another accident occurs, you will be liable for greater out-of-pocket expenses.
Were you or someone you know involved in a recent auto accident? Call Auto Accident Care Network now at 801-683-1948 to connect with a live care advocate. Our team at AACN can connect you to trusted attorneys and doctors to schedule a free legal consultation, a free thirty-minute massage, and a no-cost medical exam!
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