Does My Insurance Go Up if Someone Hits Me
If the other driver caused the accident, your own rates typically don't go up because of it.
What decides whether your rate moves
- Who's found at fault Fault is what insurers look at first. If the other driver is found responsible, the claim is usually recorded against their record, not yours.
- Which insurer pays the claim If you file through the other driver's insurer, your own policy often isn't touched at all. If you use your own insurer first, check how they handle reimbursement afterward.
- Your state's fault rules Some states assign fault clearly, others split it between drivers. Check your state's rules, since shared fault can change how a claim affects you.
- Your insurer's own policy Some insurers promise not to raise rates for claims that aren't your fault. Ask yours directly and get it in writing if they confirm it.
- Whether fault gets split If fault is shared or disputed, you could carry some responsibility even if you didn't cause the crash. Watch for how the final fault determination reads.
What if the insurer says I was partly at fault?
Then your rate may be affected, even if most of the blame falls on the other driver. Many states use shared fault rules, which mean responsibility can be split by percentage. If you're assigned even a small share, some insurers treat that as enough to adjust your rate at renewal.
This is why it matters to see the fault determination before accepting it. If you disagree, you can ask the adjuster to explain how they reached it and provide a police report, photos, or witness statements that support your side. You're allowed to push back before the claim is finalized.
If the split stands, ask your insurer directly how it affects your policy. The answer varies by company and by state, so don't assume the outcome until you hear it from them.
The real question isn't whether you filed a claim, it's who gets blamed for the accident.
Once you know how fault was determined, compare quotes to see what your rate actually looks like now.
Should you let the other driver's insurer handle the claim
If you do
You file with their insurer, who pays for your repairs and rental. Your own policy usually isn't touched and your claims history may stay clean. The process can take longer since you're not their customer, and you may need to follow up more to keep things moving.
If you don't
You file with your own insurer instead, which often moves faster since they already have your information. But the claim may still show on your record, and depending on your insurer's policies, it could factor into your rate later even if you weren't at fault.
A driver rear-ended at a stoplight
You're stopped at a red light and another car hits you from behind. The police report names the other driver at fault. You take photos, exchange insurance information, and decide to file the claim through the other driver's insurer instead of your own, since they're clearly responsible.
Their insurer assigns an adjuster, inspects your car, and approves the repair. Because you went through their insurer and the fault was clear, your own insurer never opens a claim file on their end. At your next renewal, your rate reflects your own driving record, unaffected by the accident. The only hiccup was the pace, since the other insurer took longer to respond than your own company might have, but the outcome protected your rate.
