If you caused a car accident, you can expect to see your auto insurance rates go up. But, believe it or not, you might also be subject to an auto insurance increase if you are involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Massachusetts is a “no-fault” car insurance state. This means that, if you are involved in an accident, you will need to first file a claim with your own insurance provider under your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Only in certain circumstances are you able to bring a claim against the other motorist.
Residents of no-fault insurance states, such as Massachusetts, are more likely to see an increase in their auto insurance rates after an accident—regardless of who was at fault. Whether or not your rates will increase will largely depend on your auto insurance company, your policy, your driving history, and other relevant factors.
Massachusetts Has the Highest Post-Accident Auto Insurance Increase Rate in the U.S.
According to the Boston Globe, filing a claim after an auto accident in Massachusetts can result in a two-thirds jump in your annual insurance premium. According to a study conducted by InsuranceQuotes.com, this is the highest post-accident auto insurance increase rate in the nation, followed by California and New Jersey.
While it’s unclear exactly why the rate increase—at an average of 67%—is so high in Massachusetts, the state’s Safe Driver Insurance Plan may play a role. The plan, which offers insurance premium discounts to drivers without a history of being involved in accidents/filing claims to encourage safe driving, is largely funded by surcharges imposed on motorists with less-perfect driving records. In Massachusetts, you can be hit with a surcharge even for a minor accident claim.
Other Factors That Can Affect Your Car Insurance Rates
After an accident for which you are at fault, your auto insurance rates will almost certainly go up. They can also increase or you could be subject to a surcharge when you file a claim with your insurance provider under your PIP coverage, even if you were not to blame. However, these aren’t the only factors that can affect your annual premium.
In Massachusetts, a variety of factors can affect your car insurance rate. These include:
- Your age
- The type of car you drive
- The year your vehicle was made
- The average number of miles you drive annually
- Whether you’ve been involved in prior accidents
- Whether you have any moving violations
- Whether you have been convicted of DUI/DWI
Choosing the Right Coverage Matters
While Massachusetts is known for having some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country, it’s important that you don’t skimp when it comes to selecting coverage.
Because this is a no-fault auto insurance state, you will first need to seek compensation through your insurance provider if you are involved in an accident. If you don’t have collision coverage, you will most likely not be able to recover compensation for the cost of vehicle repairs and other property damage. Additionally, if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident or are hit by an uninsured/underinsured motorist, you will need to rely on your insurance coverage to receive compensation.
Only when you have suffered at least $2,000 worth in “reasonable” medical costs or when your injuries lead to serious/permanent disfigurement or disability may you seek compensation from the at-fault driver by bringing a third-party claim against his/her insurance provider.
Involved in an Auto Accident? We Can Help.
If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident in Bristol, Plymouth, or Norfolk County and need help with your insurance claim, turn to the trusted team at Percy Law Group, PC. For more than 30 years, we’ve been helping injured motorists throughout the state recover the rightful compensation they were owed. Our Massachusetts car accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and available compensation options.
Contact our firm at (508) 206-9900 to request a consultation.