How Much Will My Insurance Go Up After an Accident in Maryland? It is a question we get all the time. But this depends on several factors. These include:
- Driving record
- Type of car insurance
- Severity of the accident
Another factor is the nature of the accident. You may be marked as a high-risk driver in Maryland if the accident is categorized, related, or the result of any of the following:
- At fault accident
- Speeding
- Racing
- Drunk driving conviction
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Violations of other Maryland driving laws
How your car insurance rates are affected after an accident varies from state to state. With some states being much costlier than others.
In general, Maryland is reported to have one of the lowest increases in premiums after a car accident. In the United States, the average increase is $2,010. However, in Maryland, the average premium increase for car insurance for an at-fault car accident is only $1,900.
In relation to your own insurance, expect an increase to your car insurance premium to increase 21.5% after the accident.
How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up Based on the Violation?
If you are to blame for the accident, most likely your car insurance will go up. In Maryland, your car insurance premium will also likely go up if you are convicted for an on-road offense.
The more violations you get related to the accident, the more your car insurance will go up.
If it is your first violation or minor accident in Maryland your car insurance payments will be penalized about $503 per year. If it is a more severe violation such as DWIs or DUIs expect your car insurance will go up around an additional $490 per year.
Why Do Insurance Rates Go Up After a Car Accident
Because many drivers that are at fault in a car accident generally end up causing another accident, they are seen as higher risk.
Thus, insurance companies are taking on higher expenses and additional risk when insuring at-fault and new drivers when compared with drivers that have clean records.
A car insurance company combines the cost of an insurance policy with the added risk of the driver. Resulting in higher premiums for car insurance for drivers that are considered high-risk.
How Long Will My Car Insurance Rate be Higher After an Accident
How long your car insurance remains high will be specific to your insurance company, the severity of your accident, and your state. Usually, your car insurance rates will decrease over time as long as you are not involved in another at-fault accident.
For example, if you are found at fault in a car accident that resulted in damages to your vehicle over $2000, you can expect increases in your car insurance to last for 3-5 years.
That is a very specific example though.
The severity of the accident and violations greatly affects how long your insurance will be higher.
| Severity | Time |
|---|---|
| No-fault accidents | 3 years |
| Minor collisions | 5 years |
| Hit-and-run | 8-10 years |
| DUI & DWIs | 8-10 years |
These are just general timelines. All of these rate changes differ depending on the provider.
However, it is important to note the average time you will be paying for violations.
How Can I Get a Cheaper Car Insurance After a Car Accident?
If you cause an accident there is little you can do to avoid higher car insurance rates. Though over time those increases will go down.
In the short term to get cheaper car insurance after a car accident, you need to look at different providers. Each provider handles drivers differently. You will still be looking at an increase to your insurance after the accident. However, you may be able to find a provider who will increase your rate less than your existing provider.
How Can I Lower My Car Insurance Rates After an Accident
Obviously, you cannot change that a car accident has happened. However, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the effect on your premium.
1. Ask for Accident Forgiveness
This is something that needs to be done when shopping for insurance. Before getting in an accident, look for an insurer that has accident forgiveness. This will help protect you if you are in an accident.
For companies that provide accident forgiveness for one at-fault accident, you will have no increase to your premium if you fit specific criteria. In cases that you seek and are granted accident forgiveness, your car insurance rates won’t go up.
2. Attend Traffic School
Most insurers will lower rates for drivers that have a history of car accidents if they attend traffic school. To meet the requirement you will need to attend an approved defensive driving course.
3. Do Not File Claims for Small Things
The more often you make claims, the more your insurance company has to make payouts.
Thus it is crucial you only file claims for serious damages to property or for accidents that require help.
If you filed a claim recently in an at-fault car accident, delay filing additional claims for as long as you can. If you are filing multiple claims within a specific amount of time your car insurance rate will increase more with each additional claim.
Your car insurance company evaluates their clients’ premiums on the risk they pose to the company financially. The more money they have to pay out, the greater risk you are to them financially.
3. Increase Your Credit Score
In general, people with credit scores that are more than 600 experience better premium offers.
Thus, you can reduce your premium over time by taking steps to increase your own credit score. This may take some time, but it will pay off in the long run.
4. Consider Your Deductible
There is an inverse relationship between your insurance deductibles and your insurance premiums.
By selecting a lower deductible you will have a higher premium. Meanwhile having a higher deductible will result in a lower premium.
Therefore, you can decrease the annual premium on your car insurance by increasing your deductible after an at-fault car accident.
Do Car Insurance Rates Increase Differently Based on Age?
In Maryland, car insurance costs vary based on the driver’s age. In general, a new driver or teenager will have significantly higher insurance than an experienced driver or someone that is older.
Younger and new drivers and teenagers have higher rates because they are categorized as potential higher risks.
A 16-year-old in Maryland can expect to pay around $4853 per year. While a driver that is between 50-59 years old can expect a car insurance premium of around $1050 per year.
Will My Car Insurance Go Up if the Accident Was Not My Fault?
Any accident has the potential to raise your insurance regardless of who is at fault. However, if you are not at fault, you will most likely only experience a minimum increase if any at all.
In this case, the at-fault driver’s provider is responsible for all property damage and medical bill costs. Leaving your insurance company without any costs related to the accident.
Ultimately your car insurance provides considers how costly it is to insure you. If you are at fault for an accident that makes you a higher risk. However, if you have been in serval accidents that are not at fault your risk level still increases. Thus, your car insurance rates may still increase because you are prone to creating car accidents. Regardless of who is at fault.
Will a No-Fault Car Accident Show Up on My Record?
No-fault car accidents do show up on your driving record.
You may have a clean record and consider a good driver. However, when you file a claim and an insurance provider gives you money that will result in the accident being place on your driving record.
For No Fault Accidents May Cause My Insurance Provider to Raise My Premiums
If you are in a no-fault car crash with an uninsured driver your premiums may go up.
When a driver that is at at-fault does not have insurance then your insurance company becomes responsible to pay for injuries and damages to your car.
Even though it was not your fault the accident is much costlier for your insurance company when the at-fault driver is uninsured. Thus, raising your car insurance premiums.
When Should I Not File a Claim for a Car Accident?
You should avoid filing a car claim for:
- Minor single car accidents wiht little to no damage
- If you have recently filed an at-fault car accident claim
Car insurance companies track the number of claims and interactions you make as a client. It is important for you to avoid interacting with them whenever possible to avoid being labeled a high-risk driver by them.
The Conclusion on Car Insurance Rates and Accidents
It is always a better situation when you are not at fault for an accident. Your insurance may still go up, but not nearly as much.
It goes without saying that being accident-free and keeping you and others safe on the road is your best interest.
If you have been in an accident and need legal help, please contact ENLawyers.