Car insurance rates are slightly higher after an accident with injuries compared to an accident with only property damage. In Florida, your rates could increase by 22% to 77%, according to your insurance company. Surprised? Many people don't know that Florida Law, § 626.9541, prohibits Florida insurance companies from increasing premiums for liability, protection against personal injury, medical payments, or collisions just because the insured party was involved in a car accident, unless the “insurer” determines in good faith that the insured was substantially at fault. Car insurance rates increase by an average of 49% if you cause an accident.
State Farm has the lowest increase (22%), on average, while you can expect an enormous increase in your rates, of 77%, if you have coverage through Geico. Your insurance company will share your claim history with other insurance companies and will let them know if you have a history of repeat claims or if you have filed multiple claims in a short period of time. If you were involved in a car accident in Florida, your insurance company could increase your insurance rates. The severity of the accident and the amount of the damages will also affect the amount of money the insurance company needs to recover after an accident.
Most insurance companies consider the driver's fault in an accident when determining if their rate will increase. Similarly, the other driver filed a claim with his insurance company, which determined that his driver was 100% at fault. Keep in mind that your insurance company may require documentation that shows that you were not at fault for the accident. That's why, to get cheap car insurance after an accident, it's essential to compare the car insurance rates of several companies.
These are average rates and your rate will vary depending on your personal details, the state and the insurance provider. This means that if you file a claim against your PIP coverage and the insurer increases your rates without proving that you were substantially at fault, you have broken the law and can fight the increase in the rate. If you weren't at fault for an accident, you might see an increase in your car insurance rate anyway. As required by Florida's no-fault doctrine, you file a claim with your insurance company against your PIP insurance policy for compensation.
To find an insurer, search for your state in the directory of the Office of Auto Insurance Plan Services, an industry organization, or ask your auto insurance agent for help. How much your car accident insurance will increase after a car accident in Florida depends on several factors, such as the extent of the accident, the injuries received, the property damage involved, marital status, age, credit score, location, vehicle specifications, and more. You could suffer injuries, damage to your vehicle and be absent from work, all of which can be expensive; the last thing you want to worry about is rising insurance premiums. According to Miami police, a car hit a van in an accident on Southwest 40th Street and caused three injuries.
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