Question
Will I get dropped by my insurance company for two totaled cars?
I recently had two cars totaled: the first was due to a piece of construction material in the road that I couldn't avoid hitting, and the second was because of black ice (I hit a street lamp). The first happened in early September and the second was a few weeks ago (in January). Both cars were worth about $15,000. I've never had a ticket and have no other incidents on my record, but now I'm worried.
Do you think I will be dropped by my insurance (GEICO) for filing a second claim so soon? I have not talked to GEICO yet about the second incident because I don't want them to treat it as a claim. That's why I'm reaching out for help. Thanks!
Answer
Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra! I'm sorry to hear about your recent accidents. Making claims can be complicated, so I understand your concern. Accidents rarely fall at a convenient time but it is a great opportunity to experience your insurance company's customer service and claims process firsthand!
GEICO does reserve the right to non-renew your policy based on the number of claims you had. This is normal for insurance companies. The answer isn't always simple, and in my experience, I've seen the outcome go both ways.
Sometimes it can be affected by where you're located, too. Depending on how many claims were filed by other drivers in your area, GEICO can decide whether to drop your policy or not. Typically, if there were a high number of claims in your area, insurance carriers may decide to stop doing business in certain zip codes altogether.
However, I have also seen insurance companies renew policies with multiple claims. After collision claims, though, you can expect your rate to increase. Typically, these extra costs after at-fault accidents will stick around for three to five years. After an accident when you've gone through the claims process with your company, it is also a great time to reevaluate your coverage to make sure you're protected in the future. If for some reason GEICO does drop you, you can call our agency to get a personalized quote for you at 888-444-8949 or you can get a quote online through www.TheZebra.com.