How much does your insurance go up after an accident? When you’re involved in a car accident, trucking accident, or motorcycle accident in Georgia, your insurance rates will likely increase, particularly if you were found at fault. While each insurance provider calculates rate adjustments differently, data suggests that, on average, a driver in Georgia can expect their auto insurance rates to rise by 30% to 50% after an at-fault accident.
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Georgia, call the McArthur Law Firm today at 1-855-WARRIOR (1-855-927-7467) or use our online contact form. The Georgia personal injury lawyers at MLF can help you get the compensation you deserve!
Factors Affecting Insurance Rate Increases in Georgia
Several factors impact how much your insurance will go up after you’ve filed a claim for an accident, including:
- Fault Determination: If you are at fault, your rates will increase significantly more than if you are not.
- Severity of the Accident: Accidents causing extensive property damage or injuries result in higher rate increases.
- Claim Amount: The higher the insurance payout, the more your premiums will rise.
- Previous Driving Record: Drivers with prior accidents or violations will see greater increases.
- Type of Insurance Policy: Some policies include accident forgiveness, which can prevent or reduce rate hikes.
How Much Does Insurance Go Up After an At-Fault Accident?
On average, drivers in Georgia can expect the following premium increases after an accident:
- Minor accident (property damage under $2,000): 20%–30% increase
- Moderate accident (property damage over $2,000 but no major injuries): 30%–50% increase
- Major accident (bodily injury claims involved): 50%–100% increase
- DUI-related accident: Drunk driving accidents can have a 100%+ increase, with possible policy cancellation
For truck accidents, rate increases can be even higher, particularly for commercial drivers. Trucking companies often face insurance premium hikes of 50% or more, depending on the severity of the crash.
How Long Does an Accident Affect Your Insurance in Georgia?
In Georgia, an at-fault accident typically affects your insurance for three to five years. Insurance providers look at recent claims when determining your premium, with the biggest impact occurring in the first year after the accident.
Since an accident stays on your record for three to five years, it may take some time to reduce the car insurance rate increases. After a few years of safe driving, your rates may gradually decrease as they see you do not pose a higher risk.
Some insurance companies in Georgia also offer accident forgiveness programs, which may allow drivers with a previously clean record to avoid a rate increase after their first accident.
How to Reduce Insurance Increases After an Accident
While an accident can lead to higher insurance costs, there are steps you can take to minimize the financial impact:
- Shop Around for New Insurance Quotes: If your rates increase substantially, consider comparing rates from different insurance companies. Some providers may offer lower rates, especially if you’ve improved your driving record.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course: Georgia drivers may be able to reduce their premiums by completing a state-approved defensive driving course. Many insurers offer discounts for drivers who take these courses voluntarily.
- Increase Your Deductible: Raising your deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in) can lower your car insurance premiums. However, make sure you can afford to pay out of pocket in case of another accident.
- Ask About Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving habits, bundling home and auto insurance, having a good credit score, and using telematics programs (which track driving behavior).
- Consider Accident Forgiveness: Some insurers in Georgia offer accident forgiveness policies. If you qualify, your first at-fault accident may not cause a premium increase.
- Improve Your Driving Record: Avoiding future accidents and violations is key to lowering your insurance premiums over time. Safe driving for three to five years will gradually reduce the impact of previous accidents.
- Negotiate with Your Insurer: In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with your insurance agent to lower your rate, especially if you’ve been a loyal customer with a previously clean driving record.
Get Help Fighting Insurance Increases in Georgia Today!
The amount your insurance increases after an accident in Georgia depends on several factors, including fault, accident severity, and your driving history. In general, expect an increase of 30% to 50% for a standard accident and higher for severe crashes or trucking accidents.
To reduce your insurance costs, consider shopping around to different insurance providers for better rates, taking defensive driving courses, increasing your deductible, and maintaining a clean driving record.
If you’ve been involved in an accident and need legal guidance, consulting a Georgia car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure fair treatment by insurance companies.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Georgia, call the personal injury lawyers from McArthur Law Firm at 1-855-WARRIOR (1-855-927-7467) to see how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. When you are able to prove that a car accident was not your fault, you are in a much better position to avoid insurance rate increases.
More Auto Accident Resources
If you’d like to learn more about how much insurance goes up after an accident and how to avoid these increases, read some of our informative articles below.
- Truck Crash Attorney in Georgia
- Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
- Motorcycle Crash Attorney in GA
- What To Do After A Car Crash
- Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
- Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
