For most drivers, it a reasonable assumption that if you are involved in an accident and it wasn’t your fault, your insurance won’t go up. But a new report from a consumer group has found that even those found not at fault in an auto accident may end up paying more for coverage.
Though this is not what most people want to read, there is a shred of good news for some. This is not the case everywhere and it can depend on where you live.
For the study, the “Consumer Federation of America” asked for online price quotes from 5 of the major insurance carriers in 10 cities and watched for changes in premiums after drivers are in accidents. The quotes revealed that drivers in New York City and Baltimore ended up paying more even if they were found not to have caused the accident.
The study also found that the average premium increase quoted for drivers with accidents on their records which have been deemed not to be their fault ranged from $60 in Atlanta, to more than $400 in Queens.
There are some places where this is not the case however. For example, the study found that in Los Angeles, and Oklahoma City, there were no rate increases because state laws in California and Oklahoma prohibit insurance companies from adding extra surcharges on drivers who were involved in accident that they didn’t cause.
As with most things there are those who disagree with the findings of the study. Some have cautioned that online rate quotes are not set in stone and that they are just a starting point with ultimate policy rates being based on much more detailed information.
Ultimately it all comes back to the consumer. If you think you’re being charged too much on insurance or you feel the charges are unfair, go to another carrier and get a better deal.
