Can a Not at Fault Accident impact Auto Insurance?
Posted by: info | May 20, 2007
A not at fault accident is a vehicle wreck, collision or crash that was not either drivers fault. An example of a not at fault accident would be, getting hit by another vehicle in which that driver caused the impact. It can also be described as the opposite of an at-fault accident. Let’s discuss what to do, where to get information and how your auto insurance may be affected.
What should you do if you are involved in a not at fault accident? First thing you will want to do is find safety. Check on yourself and any passengers if you are able to. Make sure everyone is alright and not injured. Call 911 or the local police department right away. The police department can file a report and send out any emergency service vehicles if needed. Check on the other driver for injuries as well. It is common courtesy to help the other driver and passengers in any way, shape or form.
Have the police officer file a report and get the at-fault driver’s name, contact information, license and insurance. The police officer may question you and the other driver to finish the accident report. Many people who cause an at-fault accident will want you to take down their information and avoid calling the police. Please don’t listen to this advice, it is not in your best interest. They may do this to avoid a traffic ticket, have a warrant with the law or uninsured. No matter their reason call the police and inform them of the situation.
In many if not all states you may have to file an accident report or form with the local Department of Transportation. The Department of Transportation may require any driver to fill out an accident report if the damages to either vehicle exceed a certain amount. This is sometimes required by both at-fault and not at fault drivers. These reports may also be available to a court of law if need be. Contact your state’s Department of Transportation for more details.
This information will be recorded, documented, filed and made public on your driving record. In part this is how your auto insurance rates may become affected in the years to come. Most no-fault accidents will not cause your insurance rates to go up directly. However, since this information will be on your driving record for years, insurance rates may increase in an indirect way.
Insurance companies may consider you a higher risk driver if you are involved in another accident while this is still on your record. Any driver considered a high risk to insurance companies can expect to pay higher rates. Nobody involved in a no-fault accident should get to caught up or worry too much about paying more for insurance. After all this type of accident just can’t be avoided in most cases. Plus you shouldn’t worry about things beyond your control.
Knowing this information can become very helpful and hopefully prepare you on how to deal with a not at fault accident. Try to make a list and keep all the items, phone numbers and equipment needed in case of any emergency in your car at all times. It is very hard to relax or remember anything during any emergency. If you are prepared it will be much easier to calm down, deal with the situation appropriately and may improve your chances of being safe.
Tags: not at fault accident, vehicle, wreck, collision, crash, drivers fault, driving record, Department of Transportation, emergency, higher risk driver
Posted in: Insurance, General |
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June 14th, 2007 at
[…] Auto insurance companies will fight before dishing out a claim if possible. An auto insurance claim is considered a report of damage that is filed to an insurance company for payment. A driver involved in a no fault accident should file a claim with the driver’s insurance company who is at fault. For the best results, a claim should be reported promptly, (with in 10 days of the accident), if possible. […]