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Reader Question: I Wasn't at Fault—Why Did My Rate Go Up?
A reader whose car was rear-ended saw a renewal increase and wants to know how that is possible.
By Nathan Price · Research Writer
Published
Answer in brief
Three possibilities: the insurer counts claim frequency regardless of fault; the base rate rose for everyone in the territory; or a discount fell off. He asked for the renewal breakdown and found a 9% territory increase plus a lost claims-free discount—neither was a fault surcharge.
"I was rear-ended at a light. Their insurer paid for everything. My renewal still went up $210. Why?" — reader in Indiana
We suggested he request the renewal breakdown. The result: a territory base-rate increase of about 9% that applied to every policyholder in his area, and the loss of a claims-free discount that his insurer applies to any claim, including not-at-fault. Neither was a fault surcharge, but the discount loss is worth shopping around—many insurers do not remove it for not-at-fault claims. See at-fault vs not and how to compare.
Guides referenced in this post
Guide
At-Fault vs Not-at-Fault Accidents and Your Insurance
How insurers determine fault, what partial fault means, how not-at-fault claims are treated, and why a not-at-fault accident can still cost you.
Guide
How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes After an Accident
A comparison method for drivers with a recent accident: disclose accurately, fix coverage, quote widely including non-standard insurers, and normalise costs.