Will My Car Insurance Rise After an Accident I Didn’t Cause?

Car insurance used to be an optional entity for drivers. However, it has been mandatory in the UK since 1930, so it is unlikely anyone driving today has had an option to opt out of car insurance. Car insurance isn’t all bad. Although it is an added expense to our monthly expenses, it gives us the confidence to drive knowing that if we are involved in an accident, medical expenses and repairs are often covered. That still doesn’t take the sting out of rate increases, and we all want to know if our rates will increase even if an accident is not our fault.

Unfortunately, the Answer Is Yes

Yes, your rates will likely go up when you renew, even if an accident is not your fault, but do not let that keep you from driving. Rate increases are a necessary evil in the car insurance world. Car insurance rates are calculated based on the potential risk of a future accident. Even though no one can definitively prove they will have an accident in the future, car insurance companies use complicated algorithms to assess the potential risk of all customers they insure.

How Much Will My Insurance Increase?

That is an excellent question, but unfortunately, it is a difficult one to answer. Insurance is calculated based on a variety of factors.

Age

Age is always a factor when it comes to rate increases. For instance, a young driver, say 18, who is involved in an accident, even if they have never had one, will likely have a higher rate increase following the accident. The reason behind this, again, comes down to potential risk. Young drivers are said to have a more relaxed view of driving and can be more careless than other, older drivers. Once you reach the age of 25, your rates can drop lower and when you reach retirement age, insurance rates drop to their lowest levels.

Driving Record

Your past driving record plays a lot into how high your rates will go up. Your driving record is not just about how many accidents you have had but also about how many traffic violations you may have received. Sometimes, a traffic violation will not affect your rates, but most often, it will show up on your driving record.

Where You Live

Where you live matters not only to you but to your insurer as well. Population density has a lot to do with the rate increases after an accident. For instance, if you live in a small town with a low population density, your rates will be lower than someone who lives in a big metropolis. The reason for this is the risk potential for an accident. Smaller towns have less traffic, and some large cities are full of cars and potential accident hazards.

Type of Car You Drive

Something people do not often realise is that the type of car you drive plays into your insurance premium. Larger SUVs carry a higher insurance premium because they are more expensive to replace. The colour of the vehicle you drive may also play into insurance premiums. Colours that tend to fade into the background, such as blacks, whites, or greys, may be more expensive than colours that stand out, such as reds. The easier you are to be seen, the less likely an accident will occur. At least, according to the insurer.

How Much Will My Insurance Premium Increase

That can be difficult to determine. We know your insurance premium will likely increase, but how much will depend on the above factors. However, on average, following an accident, you can expect your premium to increase by 28%.

You cannot escape the fact that insurance premiums will go up. Increases can and will come due to accidents, but that shouldn’t stop you from driving. However, just because you have insurance does not mean they are always on your side. Often, an accident can happen, and insurance agencies will try to pay the least amount in damages possible. If this happens to you and you need more, do not hesitate to call a qualified lawyer. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve and ensure the insurance agency does you right.

What Can You Do About It?

• Shop Around at Renewal: Not all insurers treat no-fault claims the same way. Some may offer better rates, especially if the claim is well-documented and clearly not your fault.

• Check Your No Claims Discount (NCD): Some insurers protect your NCD even after a non-fault accident. If it’s not protected, ask your provider how the claim will affect it.

• Consider Legal Protection Add-Ons: Having legal cover might help recover uninsured losses and ensure the other party is clearly marked as at fault, which can help your case if you need to dispute premium increases.

How a Personal Injury Solicitor Can Help

It is highly recommended that you contact a solicitor who can assist you in understanding your rights and options regarding a personal injury claim and who can advise you on how to proceed with a claim for a road traffic accident. At SilverOak Solicitors, our team of experienced personal injury solicitors will evaluate your claim and offer insight into the most effective course of action. Contact us to speak with one of our personal injury experts about your case today.