Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Why does a not-at-fault accident affect my insurance?

I was rear-ended and the other driver paid for the damages to my vehicle through their insurance. When my policy renewed I saw that my rates went up so I called my agent and he told me that the increase was primarily due to the not-at-fault accident which will affect me for three years. If I was not in the wrong then why am I being punished for someone else's negligence?

Jun 19, 2018 Lewisville, TX

Answer
Author profile picture

The Zebra

The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

Most people understand that if they were at-fault in a car crash then they will likely see an increase in their rates. Unfortunately, not-at-fault accidents can also affect the rate that you pay for car insurance. Because car insurance is all about risk, the more accidents you have, regardless of fault, the higher the probability is that you could be involved in another crash. This means that you pose a higher risk to insure for your company.

Below are some average rates for popular car insurance companies with a not-at-fault accident listed.

Company Average 6-month insurance premium after not-at-fault collision
Allstate $1,013
Farmers $869
GEICO $642
Nationwide $639
Progressive $770
State Farm $677
USAA $567

Furthermore, even if you aren't at fault in a crash, your insurance company can still be liable for your injuries or damage to your vehicle through your uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is designed to cover you in the event the at-fault driver does not have any coverage or enough cover to pay for your losses.

Unfortunately, these situations increase the cost of doing business for the insurance company and that cost normally gets passed on to the customers. As irritating as that can be, you still have the ability to compare rates from other companies and switch if you are unhappy.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Do car insurance companies share information?

The new insurance company is likely to find out about the accident, but that will come from your driving reports when you buy your policy. The majority of insurance companies request a motor vehicle report (MVR) and a comprehensive loss underwriting exchange (CLUE) report to verify the accuracy of …
Jun 29, 2016 Findlay, OH

How much is food truck insurance?

The cost of your food truck insurance is going to differ depending on a number of factors, so it's very hard to even give a range. Progressive notes that general business liability coverage sold through their Advantage Agency in 2020 averaged around $53 per month. Of course, you'll need c…
Jan 20, 2021 Trenton, NJ

Who is at fault if I opened my car door and it was hit by another driver?

In situations where a car door is opened and subsequently hit, fault is generally with the person who opened the door. There are scenarios where both drivers may share liability and each situation is different, so it's difficult to say with any certainty where fault lies. Your best bet is to c…
Aug 27, 2017 Dallas, TX

Can I drive a truck I'm buying across state lines, without plates, to get it home?

I would call up your local DMV or appropriate state department and ask them what to do. Most states allow you to pay a small fee and show an out of state status and they will issue you a temporary paper plate for the vehicle to be relocated. You should have no issues transporting the truck across s…
Aug 29, 2019 Pennington, NJ