If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you may be wondering if your car insurance premium will go up in California due to the incident. Many people assume that if the accident is not their fault, then their rates will not increase.
However, this is not always the case. In this post, we’ll explore the realities of how car insurance works in California and whether or not a rate increase is likely even when an accident isn’t your fault. We’ll also discuss ways that you can protect yourself from higher premiums after an accident and help ensure that your rates stay where they are today.
How car insurance is calculated in California
There are a number of factors that play into how car insurance rates are calculated in California. The first is the type of coverage you have. There are four main types of coverage: bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, and comprehensive.
Bodily injury liability covers medical expenses and lost wages for the other driver and passengers in the event that you are found at fault for an accident. Property damage liability covers the repairs or replacement of the other driver’s vehicle in the event that you are found at fault for an accident. Collision coverage pays for damages to your own vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your own vehicle from events beyond your control, such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
The second factor that plays into car insurance rates is your driving history. If you have a clean driving record, you will pay less than someone who has been involved in accidents or has received traffic tickets. Your credit history is also a factor, as people with good credit are considered to be lower-risk drivers than those with poor credit.
The third factor is the type of car you drive. Cars with more safety features tend to be cheaper to insure than older or less safe vehicles. The fourth factor is where you live. People who live in urban areas tend to pay more for car insurance than those who live in rural areas because there is more traffic and therefore more potential for accidents.
At-fault and not-at-fault accidents
One of the most common questions we get here at California Insurance Solutions is whether or not your car insurance rates will go up if an accident is not your fault. Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple one. While it may seem like your rates shouldn’t go up if you weren’t at fault, there are a number of factors that can affect your rates after an accident, even if it wasn’t your fault.
The first thing to keep in mind is that accidents, regardless of who is at fault, will always have an impact on your car insurance rates. This is because insurers see accidents as a sign of risk, and they will always adjust your rates accordingly. Even if you weren’t at fault, insurers may still view you as being at risk of getting into another accident and will raise your rates accordingly.
Another factor to consider is which state you live in. In some states, insurers are allowed to raise rates for drivers who have been in an accident, even if it wasn’t their fault. This practice is known as “non-driving rating factors” and it can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. If you live in a state where this practice is allowed, it’s likely that your rates will go up after an accident, even if it wasn’t your fault.
Your premium after an accident
Your premium may not necessarily increase after an accident if it’s not your fault. In fact, depending on the details of your policy, your rates could go down. For example, if you have roadside assistance included in your policy and you use it after an accident, your insurance company may view you as less of a risk and lower your rates.
How to get the best rates
There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting the best rates on your car insurance in California. First, be sure to shop around and compare rates from different companies. It’s also a good idea to review your coverages and make sure you’re not overpaying for coverage you don’t need.
Finally, remember that your driving record will impact your rates, so try to avoid accidents and traffic violations. If you do end up paying more for your insurance because of an accident or violation, shop around again after a few years to see if you can get a better rate.
Conclusion
Knowing the answer to this question is important for California drivers. Our research has shown that in most cases, your car insurance rates will not go up if an accident was not your fault. However, it’s still wise to check with your insurer and review the terms of your policy just to make sure that you are properly covered. Keeping these tips in mind can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when it comes time for renewal or filing a claim after an accident.