Your Insurance Rates Will Be Affected By Your Car Accident

Did you know that insurance companies continue to check details about your car accident even after getting your car fixed and claiming your insurance? While you want to leave the accident behind, your insurance carrier won’t.

How long they keep track of it depends on several factors such as who was responsible for the accident, the severity of the violation if a ticket has been issued, and your residency.

Motor Vehicle Record

Here in Florida, if you were given a traffic citation due to an auto accident, the incident would be put on your record. It stays there for 3 to 5 years. But, for more severe violations, such as DUI, it can stay there for as long as 75 years. In other words, the record will stay all through your lifetime.

Will It Affect My Premiums?

How long will the insurance company check into your motor vehicle record depends on the state and insurer. The record usually does not influence the rate of the auto insurance. Some states set a guideline regarding the duration that insurance firms can factor in the at-fault accident when setting their premiums. For example, in Massachusetts, insurers consider premiums would be affected by at-fault accidents for 3 to 5 years.

What If I Was Not Responsible for the Accident?

If that is the case, this may not affect your premiums. In some states, insurance companies will not compute your premiums against the accident if it was not your fault. But on the whole, states will be wary of your DMV record regardless if you are at fault or not.

For example, in Vermont, insurers may still give you a high rate if you did not cause the accident, yet made several claims from your policy. It is because they now consider you as a higher risk. However, there are some states that prohibit firms to increase the premiums when you did not cause the accident.

An increase in the premium typically extends for about 3 to 5 years. After that, the surcharge starts to get lower within 3 years; that is, if you do not have another road accident.

It pays to know the rules and regulations of your state and insurance companies when it comes to car accidents and how it can affect your premiums. Talking to an agent will help you understand this topic clearly.

At The Robert Nichols Insurance Group we aim to make our client's life easier with policies that are tailored to their needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (561) 406-6153. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.