At Commonwealth Insurance Center, serving the greater Williamsburg, VA area, our clients have many questions about auto insurance and how their rates are determined. One of the questions we are frequently asked is whether your auto insurance policy rate can increase if you are in an accident and are deemed not at fault. Being deemed not-at-fault means the accident was not your fault. Read on to get the answer to this question. 

Can Your Auto Insurance Rates Increase If You Are In An Accident You Are Not At Fault For?

Yes, your auto insurance rates can increase if you were involved in an accident for which you were deemed not at fault. 

Why Can Your Insurance Rates Increase If the Accident Was Not Your Fault?

Auto insurance providers can look at your driving record when determining how much to charge you for auto insurance. This means that they can look at accidents, even if you were not at fault for an accident. They may use any points or imperfections on your driving record to increase your auto insurance rates. 

Every insurance company is different, and the way they calculate their rates can vary. One insurance company may penalize you heavily for having an accident on your record, even if the accident was not your fault. In contrast, another insurance company may overlook accidents that are not your fault. If your auto insurance rates have increased due to an accident, it is recommended that you shop around for a new auto insurance policy and compare rates. The team at Commonwealth Insurance Center, serving the greater Williamsburg, VA area, can help. Call us today to obtain estimates for auto insurance.