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

Will a claim on a shared policy affect rates for my other policy?

I have two different cars insured by two different companies. My significant other got into an accident and filed a claim through our policy for car #1. Will my other individual policy for car #2 be affected?

Feb 6, 2023 Bridgeport, CT

Answer
Author profile picture

Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

Nathan tra…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent - Property and Casualty

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra about this situation. Insurance can get quite confusing, especially with multiple cars and policies.

Anytime you file a claim, it is reported between insurance companies. This report is called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report or CLUE for short. When your policy renews, your insurance company can run a CLUE report to determine the price for your renewal. I have seen in some instances where an insurance company decided not to run a CLUE report, and they did not find out about an accident for a couple of years. This is rare, however, so be prepared for your insurer to find out about claims even when they're with other companies. Insurance companies can quickly pull any claims that you've had to adjust your insurance premium, but can only do so when the policy renews. 

It might also be worth talking with your significant other (and your insurance agent) about keeping separate policies. For unmarried couples, if one partner has negative rating factors it can also affect you if you're on the policy together. On the other hand, you may qualify for a multi-policy discount if you both combine your policies with the same company. It's really a personal decision but could be worth exploring in your situation.

The best option is to always shop around when your policy is up for renewal. 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.

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 auto insurance rates and save up to $670 per year!

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

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Failure to submit a breathalyzer's impact on car insurance rates?

This can be tricky to answer. In Maine, they have a law called Implied Consent. Basically, if you refuse to submit to a sobriety test, you can have your license immediately suspended. This suspension can last up to six years. Furthermore, because this is considered an administrative suspension, no …
Aug 17, 2018 Bangor, ME

Do car insurance companies price match?

Insurance companies use a complicated math equation, called an algorithm, to determine how they price their coverage. This means that each company prices their coverage differently since they don't share this information so rates will differ depending on your personal information. While your c…
Mar 29, 2017 Rapid City, SD

Should both my girlfriend and I be on the car title?

I would only put the title in one name — whoever will own and register the vehicle. Putting two people on the title may only complicate things unnecessarily and make it harder to sell. As far as the insurance goes, you would both need to be listed drivers on the policy if you share the vehicle and …
Aug 21, 2019 Grand Ledge, MI

Does the name on the title affect car insurance rates?

No, your rates should not change by putting the car in your son's name if he is already listed on the policy. Who the car is registered under does not impact the rate at all. You just need to make sure all drivers are listed on the policy. Good luck and if you have any other questions, don…
Jan 16, 2019 Bellmawr, NJ