Even the safest of drivers may eventually be in an accident. They were just minding their own business, driving along, and are suddenly hit by someone else. The average person may begin to panic, worrying not about their own wellbeing or their car’s, but about how this is going to affect their car insurance payments. Many people have heard horror stories about hikes in insurance premiums after an accident, even if that accident wasn’t your fault. But what is really going to happen to you?
In short, it depends on what car insurance company you are covered by. Any accident that you did actually cause is going to cost you; all drivers understand that. It’s the accidents that you did not cause that are up in the air. Some companies will hike your rates, even if the accident was in no way your fault. Other companies will not hike your rates—but only in certain circumstances. If your insurance provider has some form of “accident forgiveness,” it may fall under that umbrella. In other instances, you do not have to worry about hikes at all, no matter how many not-your-fault accidents you’ve been in.
So, what should you do if you are in an accident? Start taking pictures. If you have a smartphone with a camera on it, it is important to first, call the police, and then to start taking pictures of the damage and of the entire scene. Why bother doing this? Because it will help your insurance adjuster determine whether or not they believe you when you say that the accident wasn’t your fault. If the other driver also claims that it wasn’t their fault, these pictures may be vital in the ensuring investigation.
If the accident really was not your fault, it is important not to say anything that may, in some way, make it look like you are willing to take responsibility for the accident. Even just saying “I’m sorry,” can be taken as an indication that you think that you are at fault, even if the other person is clearly at fault.
Wait for police to arrive, talk to the police, and make sure to take and save any pictures that could help you prove your case.
