After a car accident, it’s common to see your insurance rates increase, but how much does car insurance go up after an accident? It varies, with factors like your driving history and the severity of the crash playing a role. In Florida, rate hikes can be a reality, but state laws aim to protect you from unfair increases.
Insurance companies have their own methods for deciding rate changes, but they must follow Florida regulations. Under Florida laws, insurers can’t raise your rates unless it’s clear you were mainly at fault. If they don’t follow these rules, they could face penalties.
At our firm, a Florida car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight unfair insurance practices.
Factors That Affect Your Insurance Rates
Insurance companies consider various elements when setting car insurance premiums. A few key factors include:
- Driving history
- Credit score
- Age
- Location
- Claims history
Driving history
Your driving record plays a big role in how insurance rates are determined. If your history shows any risky behavior, even a single moving violation, you may see higher premiums. As Florida personal injury lawyers, we understand how even minor incidents can affect your rates.
Credit score
In Florida, credit scores significantly influence car insurance costs. Drivers with excellent credit scores often enjoy lower premiums, while those with poor scores may face nearly double the rates.
Location
Your ZIP code matters; more densely populated or high-crime areas generally have higher insurance rates. Rates vary widely across Florida, with Gainesville offering some of the lowest costs and cities like Hialeah topping the charts.
Age
Younger drivers, especially those under 25, tend to pay more for insurance. For example, a 16-year-old may face nearly $5,000 annually, while a 40-year-old pays much less.
Claims history
Frequent claims can lead to higher rates or even policy cancellation. Insurance companies share claim histories, so it’s essential to be honest on your application.
If you think your rates have been unfairly increased, our case results show how we’ve helped others in similar situations. Let us assist you in challenging unjust rate hikes and exploring your options.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
After an Accident: What Affects Insurance Rate Increases
When you’re in an accident, your insurance company reviews your risk profile, which is regularly updated based on various factors. In addition to your driving record, they will also look at details related to the current claim, such as:
- The severity of the accident
- Whether injuries occurred
- Who is at fault
Severity of the Accident
Not all accidents are the same. A minor fender bender is very different from a crash where a car is totaled. The severity is determined by the presence of injuries and the total cost to settle the claim, which are key factors in deciding if your premium might rise.
Were Injuries Sustained?
After an at-fault accident with injuries, insurance rates may be higher than for property damage alone. In Florida, increases can range from 22% to 77%, depending on the insurer. State Farm tends to have lower rate increases (around 22%), while Geico’s can be much higher, reaching up to 77%.
Who Was At Fault?
The likelihood of your rates going up largely depends on whether you were deemed responsible for the accident. After a claim is filed, an adjuster assesses the situation by examining the police report, speaking with involved parties, and reviewing any damage.
If you were not at fault, your rates typically shouldn’t increase. Rate hikes usually occur when you are found at fault for an accident causing damage or injuries. Some situations where rates shouldn’t rise include:
- Being the victim of a hit-and-run.
- Your car being legally parked when hit.
- Getting rear-ended by another vehicle.
- Being T-boned or side-swiped.
- Collisions with animals or damage from falling objects.
Your insurance company may request proof that you were not at fault. This could include a police report, a statement from the other driver’s insurer accepting fault, written accounts from both drivers, and any other supporting evidence.
But Isn’t Florida a No-Fault State?
How does fault affect insurance rates in Florida, a no-fault insurance state? While Florida’s no-fault rules cover your medical bills after an accident, regardless of who caused it, determining fault still matters when it comes to your insurance rates.
If you’re found responsible for the crash, your premiums could increase. So, even though no-fault insurance covers injury-related expenses, the question of who caused the accident can still impact your future insurance costs.
Steps to Take If Your Insurance Rates Go Up Unfairly
If your insurance premiums have gone up without a valid reason, Florida law lets you ask your insurer for proof that the accident was your fault. You can also request an explanation for the rate increase or policy cancellation and file a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
When an insurance company isn’t willing to work with you, it may be a good idea to explore other options. There are plenty of other providers out there who would welcome your business.
Switching to a new insurer could help you find a better rate and more reliable service. It might be just the fresh start you need to feel confident in your coverage.
Should You Hire a Florida Car Accident Attorney?
If you’re facing a higher rate or being dropped by your insurance, switching to a new provider is often the simplest solution. There’s no need for a lawyer in that case.
However, if you were hurt in a car accident caused by someone else, it’s wise to consider talking to a lawyer. An attorney can help you address important details of your injury claim and offer timely advice to protect your rights.
Having legal support can also help you avoid being unfairly blamed for the accident, which may keep your insurance premiums from rising.
Handling Insurance Challenges After a Florida Car Accident
Many wonder, “How much does car insurance go up after an accident?” While the answer varies, your right to fair treatment should remain constant. A Florida car accident lawyer can help protect your interests if you’re facing higher rates or fault disputes.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we’ve successfully helped secure compensation for over 30,000 Florida injury victims. We know how to guide you through the insurance process and fight for what you deserve after a car accident.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact our team today to discuss your situation and see how we can help manage your insurance concerns.
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