My name is Eric Bowman, and if you have questions about insurance, this is the blog you need to read. I was always confused when I had to purchase insurance. I would either end up paying for insurance I didn't need or I wouldn't buy the right policy. I finally decided that I was going to learn all I could about insurance policies so that I would understand exactly what I was buying. Now, I am completely satisfied with my insurance and the coverage is just what I need. I realized that there are others who are probably just as confused as I was, so I am writing this blog to help others get the best insurance for their needs and budget. I hope that my blog gives you the information you need to make the right choices when purchasing insurance.
Anthony Rhodes
Many people are worried about reporting accident claims to their auto insurance company because they fear their premiums will go up. This isn't always the case. Here are some things to know about insurance rates after an accident.
It Matters Who's at Fault
If you are not at fault for the accident, it generally should not affect your car insurance rates. If you are at fault and the other person opens a claim against you, it is bound to make your insurance rates go up. But if the raise is not proportional to the size of the accident, you might want to compare car insurance rates for your next contract term.
Certain Actions Can Jeopardize Your Rates
Some actions can have a negative affect on your rates or on your standing with the insurance company. If you fail to report an accident that was your fault or if you provide false insurance information, you could be in hot water with your insurer. If you are found partially at fault, or were issued a ticket for a traffic violation for the accident, your insurer may count it against you. And if you have reported several not-at-fault accidents recently, these will all show up on your CLUE report, and their joint effects could be negative.
Reporting a Claim May Help the Process Move Faster
Despite the fear of your rates going up, reporting a collision to your own insurance carrier can often make the entire experience easier. They will help cover your out of pocket expenses until the other person's insurance company reviews your claim and determines who was at fault. If you are waiting on their insurance, it could take weeks or months to see a check.
You May Want Additional Coverage
You may find that, after an accident, you realize the importance of having additional liability or collision insurance. Whenever you are looking at adding new coverage to an insurance plan, be sure to redo your quotes with your own insurance company as well as other auto insurance services to make sure you get the best deal.
If You're Treated Unfairly, Start Shopping
Finally, if you find that your rates are raised after an accident that wasn't your fault, that is a sign of a bad insurance carrier. In that situation, start looking around for a different car insurance services carrier right away. Be sure to specifically read the information about how they handle claim reports.
For more information, contact a company like Sunset Insurance Agency.