No. If you bear no fault in your accident on a Bakersfield avenue or highway, your insurance premiums should not go up. However, there are some other factors that may lead to auto insurance rates going up.
The Truth About Your Insurance Rates After an Accident
Proposition 103, a consumer protection law, provides a safeguard for California drivers who are forced into accidents by other motorists. Generally, car insurance companies can’t raise a driver’s insurance rates over an accident they weren’t to blame for.
What If I’m Partially at Fault for My Accident?
There are situations where more than one driver is found at fault for a two-car accident or a pile-up on Highway 99. Under comparative negligence, California permits two or more motorists to share blame in an accident. Motorists would be assigned a percentage of liability based on their actions.
If a driver’s blame stayed at 50% or less, in California, the driver’s insurance rates should stay the same. However, the premium could go up if the driver’s share of the blame is higher.
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) explains the liability in its Auto Insurance Information Guide:
“If the accident is not your fault, your insurance company does not charge you more. If you are at least 51% at fault, your premium can go up when you renew your policy. This increase is called a surcharge.”
Does My Insurance Rate Go Up If I’m in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?
Many drivers in California travel around without car insurance, which is illegal. Yet, these drivers cause accidents, and their victims can, understandably, worry about their car insurance premiums.
Victims would usually have to file claims against their own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. It would be the only way to secure help with medical bills and lost income, since the driver at fault carried no protection.
Thankfully, California’s safeguards for auto insurance policyholders also apply to UM claims. The claim should not raise the premiums for the victim.
How Can I Avoid Having My Car Insurance Premiums Raised?
Motorists should do everything they can to drive safely and avoid accidents. Simply slowing down can make a big difference. This step allows you to avoid many collisions and also gives you more time to steer clear or brake before an impact occurs.
Proposition 103 also provides a great way to save on premiums through California’s “Good Driver Program.” The mandate instructs insurers to give anyone who qualifies for the program a 20% discount on premiums.
To qualify for a program, you must meet the standards in the flyer provided by the CDI.
California also has a program to help low-income drivers who have proven themselves to be safe get discounts. The state’s Low Cost Automobile (CLCA) Insurance program gives discounts to drivers. The financial assistance is available to drivers, regardless of their immigration status.
Older drivers can also seek insurance discounts through the Mature Driver Improvement Program. Participants who complete a Mature Driver Improvement Course are awarded with a reduced rate.
Some car insurance companies may also offer discounts to any driver who takes an approved safety course.
When Should I Have a Lawyer for a Bakersfield Car Accident Case?
If your accident only involves car damage, you can usually do okay by handling your case yourself.
But if your collision leaves you or a loved one with a serious injury, and you weren’t to blame, it’s a good idea to speak with a real lawyer in a free, no-obligation case consultation. Increased medical costs tend to make car insurance adjusters work harder to limit the support you get. A good attorney can often secure you much more than you could hope to win by handling your injury claim yourself.
And if you do need a Bakersfield Car Accident Attorney to represent you, you don’t have to worry about how you’ll pay Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers. We don’t charge anything unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check that an insurer must write for you.
