14 Common Auto Insurance Myths You Should Stop Believing

Myth 8: Filing a Claim Never Affects Your Rate If It Wasn’t Your Fault

Many drivers believe that as long as an accident was not their fault, their rate is completely protected. While some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs, and fault does play a role in how much a claim affects your premium, a not-at-fault claim can still sometimes influence your rate depending on your specific insurer and policy terms. It is always worth asking directly how a specific claim, regardless of fault, might affect your premium before deciding whether to file.

The reality: Ask your insurer directly whether a not-at-fault claim would affect your specific policy before deciding whether to file, since the answer varies by company and by the details of the accident.