A driver’s insurance does not always go up after a crash they did not cause. In fact, they usually don’t go up if the accident was not your fault, but keep in mind that an insurance company can actually raise your rates for no reason at all. Insurance companies regularly raise rates for reasons that have nothing to do with an accident, which can be very frustrating.
Several factors may come into play, including how the accident is reported, whether your policy pays any part of the loss, and how your insurer evaluates risk when it’s time to renew. In Florida, our insurance usually pays out in a crash, even when it wasn’t our fault.
This can bring questions about how a claim affects future premiums. If you have questions about insurance after a crash, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can explain how Florida’s Partial No-Fault system applies and give you advice if your insurer raises your rates in this or other situations.
How Insurance Rates Work After a Crash in Florida
Insurance companies set rates based on risk. After any accident, your insurer reviews what happened and decides whether your risk level has changed.
Each insurer follows its own pricing model. Florida law does not require companies to keep your rate the same after a crash you did not cause. Even so, many insurers treat not-at-fault claims differently. Some may avoid raising your rate, especially if you have a clean record.
Florida’s Partial No-Fault System and What It Means for Your Policy
Florida follows a Partial No-Fault insurance system. This means your insurance pays for certain losses after a crash, no matter who caused it.
Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically pays for a portion of your medical bills, part of your lost income, and some injury-related expenses. Because your policy pays first, you may need to file a claim even when the other driver caused the crash.
When Your Insurance May Still Increase
There are situations where a rate increase is more likely, even when you were not at fault.
It depends on how your insurer looks at the claim.
Common factors include:
- Multiple claims close together: Repeated claims may raise concern about future risk.
- Disputes over fault: If fault is not clear, insurers may assign part of the blame to you..
- Your policy and claim history: Some policies respond more to claim activity than others.
The decision can come down to how the insurer evaluates risk, not just who caused the crash. Even so, if an insurer is arbitrarily raising your rates, the best thing to do is often to buy insurance from someone else. You are under no obligation to remain with an insurer that treats you unfairly.
Situations Where Your Rate Will Probably Stay the Same After a Crash
Most drivers do not see a rate increase after a not-at-fault accident, especially when:
- The other driver’s insurance covers most of the damage.
- You have a long, clean driving record.
- Your insurer offers accident forgiveness or similar programs.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
What Happens if the Other Driver’s Insurance Pays?
If the at-fault driver’s insurance accepts responsibility and pays for the damage, your insurer may not adjust your rate at all.
Even then, your company may still review:
- The fact that you were involved in a crash.
- Whether your policy paid any portion of the claim.
- Your overall claims history.
We can help coordinate communication between insurers and protect your position if questions about fault come up.
How Fault Disputes Can Affect Your Insurance
Insurance companies do not always agree on fault right away. Disputes can affect your claim and your policy. If your insurer believes you share some responsibility, even a small percentage, it may adjust how your claim is handled and change how your policy is rated at renewal.
Florida follows a modified comparative fault system. This means your share of fault can affect what you recover and how insurers evaluate your case.
How a Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Insurance and Your Claim
Working with an attorney from our team means you will have legal guidance that can help limit problems with your insurance.
We can:
- Review your policy and explain what applies to your situation
- Deal directly with insurance adjusters
- Challenge incorrect fault decisions
- Push responsibility toward the at-fault driver
- Monitor how the claim may affect your future coverage
This kind of support matters when an insurer tries to reduce your award for damages or blame you for the accident.
For a free legal consultation,
Call 800-602-5000
Filing Deadlines for Injury Claims in Florida
If you want to seek damages in court, the state limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
We will keep your case on track to make sure it meets the deadline before the time runs out.
Worried About Your Insurance Going Up After a Crash? Call Us
Questions about whether your insurance will go up after a crash you did not cause can come down to how the claim is handled and how fault is reported. Having the right legal support from a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help protect your claim and your policy.
When you call Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, you speak with someone who listens to your story and calls you back. That level of communication continues throughout your case.
For over a decade, we have become known as South Florida’s most well-known Personal Injury Lawyer, offering fast action, commitment to getting results, and direct access to a lawyer. We have recovered $275+ million for injured clients and bring 40 years of combined experience to cases across South Florida. To review your legal options, call for a free consultation.
