Getting into a car accident often leaves you with more than just the stress of car repairs and possible injuries. Many drivers also worry about how the crash will affect their insurance premiums. How much does car insurance go up after an accident depends on several factors, including who caused the crash, the type of claim filed, and your past driving history.
If the accident wasn’t your fault, your rates shouldn’t increase, but some insurance companies raise premiums anyway. That leaves drivers frustrated and unsure of what steps to take. If you feel pressured by an insurance company after a collision, a car accident lawyer near you can review your situation and provide a free consultation.
Key takeaways about rising insurance premiums following a car crash
- Insurance rate increases after accidents vary widely based on fault determination and claim severity
- Virginia’s insurance laws require specific minimum coverage that affects post-accident premium calculations
- At-fault accidents typically result in higher rate increases than not-at-fault claims
- Your insurance history and driving record significantly impact how much rates increase
- Working with an attorney can help protect your interests when dealing with insurance companies after an accident
How much will my car insurance increase after an accident?
After a collision, drivers usually want to know what their insurance company will do with their rates. The truth is that rate hikes don’t follow one set formula. Companies weigh a number of details when deciding whether to raise your premium and by how much.
Factors that determine rate increases in Virginia
Insurance carriers look at fault, claim type, and the total cost of damages when setting new rates. Drivers with a history of prior accidents or traffic violations often face steeper increases than drivers with a clean record.
The severity of the accident also plays a role. A minor fender bender might not raise rates much, but a serious crash involving injuries could lead to a much higher premium. Insurers also consider your age, location, and how long you’ve held your current policy.
Average percentage increases for different accident types
National data shows that premiums can jump anywhere from 20 to 50 percent after an at-fault accident. In Virginia, averages often fall within that range, but every carrier sets its own calculations. Single-car accidents, such as running into a guardrail, can trigger increases similar to multi-car crashes. Claims involving injuries usually cause bigger spikes than property damage alone because the potential costs are higher.
Timeline for when rate changes take effect
Insurance companies usually wait until your policy renews before applying a higher premium. That means you may not notice an increase immediately after filing a claim. However, once your renewal date comes around, the new rate kicks in and stays in place for years unless you change insurers or qualify for discounts that reduce your rate.
Does it matter who was at fault for the accident?
Fault makes one of the biggest differences in whether your insurance goes up. Virginia follows a fault-based system, which means the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for damages.
At-fault accidents and premium impacts
When you cause a crash, your insurance company usually pays for the other driver’s damages. That payout often leads to a higher premium on your end. The increase can be steep depending on how severe the crash was and whether injuries occurred. Multiple at-fault accidents within a few years can result in very high premiums or even policy cancellation.
Not-at-fault accidents and rate protection
If another driver hits you, your company shouldn’t raise your rates since you didn’t cause the collision. Unfortunately, some insurers raise premiums anyway, citing general “risk factors.” Virginia law doesn’t prohibit this practice, but attorneys can push back if an increase seems unfair or unsupported.
What are Virginia’s minimum insurance requirements?
Virginia drivers must carry a minimum level of coverage to operate legally on the road. These requirements influence how premiums are set both before and after an accident.
Required coverage types and limits
Virginia requires liability insurance with the following minimums.
- $30,000 for injury or death of one person
- $60,000 for injury or death of two or more people
- $20,000 for property damage
Drivers can also choose to pay an uninsured motorist fee, but that leaves them personally responsible for damages.
How minimum coverage affects premium calculations
Drivers who carry only the minimum may pay lower premiums upfront. However, once an accident occurs, they often face higher long-term increases. Insurance companies see minimum coverage holders as higher risk because the policy provides less protection. After an at-fault crash, that risk translates into higher premiums.
Additional coverage options that impact rates
Carrying higher coverage limits, collision protection, or comprehensive insurance usually costs more each month. However, those drivers often see smaller jumps after a crash because their insurer has more built-in protection. Some carriers also offer accident forgiveness programs only to policyholders who maintain higher coverage.
How long do accidents stay on my insurance record?
Your driving record has a long memory when it comes to accidents. The length of time an accident affects your insurance depends on both Virginia law and the policies of individual insurers.
Virginia’s look-back period for insurance companies
Most companies in Virginia review your driving history for the past three to five years when setting rates. That means an accident from four years ago might still affect your premium.
When accidents fall off your driving record
Accidents generally stop influencing rates after three to five years. Some insurers hold on to major accidents for as long as seven years, especially those involving serious injuries. Once the look-back period ends, your rates may return to a lower level.
Steps to minimize long-term rate impact
Drivers can ask about safe driving discounts, complete defensive driving courses, or shop around for a new insurer once an old accident is about to fall off the record. These steps help balance out prior increases and put you back in a better position.
Can I prevent my insurance from going up after an accident?
Drivers often ask whether they can do anything to keep their rates from climbing after a crash. While no method guarantees prevention, several strategies may help.
Accident forgiveness programs in Virginia
Many insurers offer accident forgiveness for the first crash on an otherwise clean record. That means your premium won’t increase after the incident. However, the program usually costs extra, and some insurers only extend it to long-term policyholders.
Safe driving courses and premium reductions
Completing a state-approved defensive driving course can sometimes lower your rate, even after a crash. Insurance companies use these courses as proof that a driver is committed to safer habits.
Shopping for new insurance after an accident
When one company raises your rates, another may still offer a better deal. Shopping around after a crash helps ensure you aren’t paying more than necessary. Some insurers weigh recent accidents less heavily than others, making a switch worthwhile.
Understanding Virginia’s insurance claim process
After a crash in Virginia, the steps you take with your insurance claim can affect both the outcome of your case and how your premiums change. Drivers who know what to expect during the claim process often have a better chance of securing the full value of their losses.
Filing requirements and deadlines
Virginia law requires prompt reporting of crashes involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $1,500. Most insurance companies also require you to report an accident within a set timeframe, sometimes within 24 hours.
Working with insurance adjusters
Adjusters investigate claims for the insurance company. Their goal often focuses on minimizing payouts. They may ask for recorded statements, request documents, or offer quick settlements that fall short of full value.
Documentation needed for claims
Keep detailed records of the accident scene, including photos, witness information, medical reports, and repair estimates. Strong documentation helps prove fault and damages, making it harder for insurers to dispute your claim.
How our attorneys can help
Insurance companies often put profits ahead of fairness, which leaves injured drivers feeling pressured. Attorneys at Allen & Allen step in to protect clients during the claims process.
Protecting your rights during insurance negotiations
Our attorneys handle discussions with insurers to make sure your rights stay intact. Insurance companies may push for recorded statements or attempt to twist your words. We step in to prevent that.
Ensuring fair settlement offers
When insurers make low offers, we challenge them. They shouldn’t save money at your expense. We pursue compensation that reflects the full cost of your injuries, lost income, and long-term needs.
Navigating complex insurance disputes
Disputes over fault or coverage often stall claims. Our attorneys push back with evidence, witness accounts, and expert evaluations to keep your case moving toward resolution.
Maximizing your compensation
Compensation isn’t limited to medical bills or car repairs. We fight for lost wages, pain and suffering damages, and future expenses caused by the accident.
Handling communication with insurance companies
We manage all communication, saving you the frustration of repeated calls and questions. That allows you to focus on recovery while we deal with the insurer.
Why choose Allen & Allen
For more than a century, Allen & Allen has represented accident victims across Virginia. Since 1910, our firm has been guided by the values of integrity, respect, compassion, and trust. Those values continue to shape the way we serve clients today.
We commit to more than simply providing legal representation. We commit to making your fight our fight. That means holding insurance companies accountable, ensuring you receive fair treatment, and pursuing justice on your behalf.
Clients describe our attorneys as compassionate listeners who also stand strong in negotiations and in court. Our long history shows that we don’t just practice law, we build trust across generations. That’s what we mean when we say “I am an Allen.”
Frequently asked questions about rising insurance rates after an accident
Will my insurance go up if I wasn’t driving the car during the accident?
If someone else drove your car and caused the crash, your insurance company may still raise your rates since the claim falls under your policy. Some carriers make exceptions, but many treat it the same as if you were driving.
Can I be dropped by my insurance company after one accident?
Insurance companies usually don’t cancel a policy after a single accident unless it was especially severe or involved serious violations such as drunk driving. However, multiple accidents in a short period often lead to cancellation or non-renewal.
How do multiple accidents affect my insurance rates?
Each new accident compounds the risk insurers assign to you. With multiple accidents, your premiums may rise dramatically, and you may have fewer companies willing to cover you.
Does the cost of repairs influence how much my rates increase?
Yes. Insurance companies look at claim size when adjusting premiums. A $1,000 claim may have less impact than a $25,000 claim involving major damage and medical costs.
Will my rates go up if I only file a claim for my own damages?
Yes. Even if you only use your collision coverage for repairs to your own car, your insurer still treats it as a claim and may raise your rates. Some companies forgive minor claims, but most will factor them into future premiums.
Contact our car accident lawyers in Virginia now
Car accident claims come with deadlines that affect both insurance coverage and your ability to seek compensation. Delaying action gives insurers more room to deny or reduce your claim. Speaking with an attorney early puts you in a stronger position.
Allen & Allen offers more than 100 years of trusted service to injured Virginians. Our attorneys work with compassion, care, and determination to secure fair outcomes for clients. If you worry about rising insurance rates after a crash, or if you feel pressured by an insurance company, we can help.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our Virginia car accident lawyers. Let us take on the fight for you while you focus on moving forward.
