March 1, 2024 Car Accidents
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be complex and filled with uncertainty, particularly when it comes to understanding how filing a claim might impact your insurance premium. This concern often leads accident victims to hesitate, wondering whether the benefits of filing outweigh the potential financial implications.
Many factors come into play in this decision, including who was at fault for the accident. Generally, if you were not at fault for the accident, filing a car accident claim will not cause your premiums to increase.
Nevada is a fault-based state when it comes to car insurance. Under this framework, any driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for any damages that the victims suffer. As a result, victims can file insurance claims or lawsuits against the driver to recover compensation for the harm that they endured.
If you were injured in a car accident, who caused the collision will have a major impact on whether your insurance premium will rise. If you were at fault, your rates will most likely increase. In scenarios where you are not at fault, your rates should remain unaffected, per Nevada Revised Statutes 687B.385:
NRS 687B.385. Refusal to issue, cancellation, nonrenewal or increase in premium of policy of motor vehicle insurance due to claims for which insured was not at fault, claims for which insurer made no payment or recovered entirety of payment or inquiries relating to a claim prohibited.
An insurer shall not refuse to issue, cancel, refuse to renew or increase the premium for renewal of a policy of motor vehicle insurance covering private passenger cars or commercial vehicles as a result of any:
1. Claims made under any policy of insurance with respect to which the insured was not at fault.
If you were at fault for the accident, your insurer will typically adjust your rates when your policy is up for renewal. The extent of the premium increase can vary widely, influenced by factors such as your driving history, the severity of the accident, and your insurer’s policies.
For example, a history of safe driving and no previous claims might result in a smaller increase compared to drivers with a spotty driving record. Additionally, the severity of the accident can also play a role; minor incidents with minimal damage often result in smaller increases compared to total vehicle losses.
Accidents can also lead to the forfeiture of safe driver discounts, further elevating your premium. However, some insurers also offer accident forgiveness policies, shielding drivers from rate increases if this was their first collision and they otherwise maintain a clean driving record.
Your insurance premiums will not go up if you did not cause the accident, but car accident cases can be much more complex than they initially appear. If you are involved in a car accident, especially one where the fault might be disputed, you need someone who can advocate for your rights and help you avoid these financial implications.
A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can review the terms of your policy, represent you during your claim, and establish the other driver’s liability, all while you focus on recovery. After your collision, contact an attorney right away to begin building your case for compensation.
