Will Filing an Auto Insurance Claim Raise My Premium?
- Jesse Warner
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Hello, I'm Jesse, your local insurance agent with Citizens Alliance Agency, and I want to take a moment to address a common concern we hear a lot about — auto insurance claims and premiums.
Let’s be honest — most people don’t spend much time thinking about their auto insurance until something goes wrong. It’s just one of those bills you pay and move on from. But the moment you’re in an accident and need to file a claim, everything suddenly feels a lot more real. Along with dealing with repairs, paperwork, and maybe even injuries, there’s one question that almost always comes up:
“Is this going to raise my premium?”
The short answer is: it might. But the full answer is a little more nuanced.
How Insurance Companies Determine Your Premium
Insurance companies base your premium on how risky they think you are to insure. That might sound a bit harsh, but it’s really just how the system works. They look at things like your driving record, where you live, what kind of car you drive, and — yes — your history of claims. When you file a claim, you’re essentially giving them new information to reassess that risk.
Does Fault Matter in an Accident?
Yes — fault plays a major role.
One of the biggest factors is whether or not the accident was your fault. If you caused the accident, there’s a higher chance your premium will go up. From the insurer’s perspective, it suggests you might be more likely to be involved in another accident down the road. Even a single at-fault accident can lead to a noticeable increase when your policy renews.
What If the Accident Wasn’t Your Fault?
If the accident wasn’t your fault, things can be a bit different. In many cases, your premium won’t increase as much — or sometimes not at all.
That said, it’s not always a free pass. Some insurers still take into account the fact that a claim happened, especially if you’ve had multiple incidents. It’s less about blame and more about overall exposure to risk.
How Multiple Claims Can Affect Your Rates
That brings up another important point: how often you file claims. If you’ve had several claims in a short period of time, even small ones, it can start to work against you. Insurance companies may see a pattern and decide you’re more expensive to insure. This doesn’t just affect your premium — it could also impact whether they choose to renew your policy at all.
Does the Size of the Claim Matter?
The size of the claim matters too. A major accident with significant damage or injuries is going to carry more weight than a minor fender bender. Bigger payouts mean bigger losses for the insurance company, and that often translates into higher premiums for the policyholder later on.
Because of this, some people think twice before filing smaller claims. If the repair cost is close to your deductible, it might make more sense to pay out of pocket and keep your claims history clean. It’s not always the right choice, but it’s something worth considering.
What Is Accident Forgiveness?
You might have also heard of something called “accident forgiveness.” This is a feature some insurance companies offer that basically lets you have one at-fault accident without it impacting your premium. It can be a great safety net, but it’s not always included automatically — you may have to qualify for it or pay extra.
Will a Claim Affect Your Premium Forever?
The good news is that a claim doesn’t affect your premium forever. Over time, its impact fades — especially if you maintain a clean driving record afterward. Most insurers only look back a few years when evaluating your history, so things can improve if you stay claim-free.
Other Reasons Your Premium May Increase
It’s also worth mentioning that not every premium increase is tied to your personal situation. Sometimes rates go up across the board due to factors like rising repair costs, more expensive parts, or an increase in accidents overall. So even if you haven’t filed a claim, you might still see changes in your rate.
Jokes aside, driving without insurance can have serious financial consequences. Understanding how claims affect your premium helps you make smarter decisions before an accident happens.
Making Smart Decisions About Auto Insurance Claims
At the end of the day, auto insurance is there to protect you when you really need it. Filing a claim shouldn’t feel like a mistake — but it should be a thoughtful decision when possible.
Driving safely, avoiding unnecessary claims, and reviewing your policy regularly can all help keep your premiums in check.
So while an auto insurance claim can affect what you pay, it’s not the whole story. Understanding how it works puts you in a better position to make smart choices — and avoid surprises when that renewal notice shows up.
And when in doubt, always reach out to your local agent!
📞 Call us at (833) 586‑9779
🌐 Visit citizensallianceagency.com
📍 Stop by your nearest Citizens Alliance Agency location
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