What Happens If the Court of Appeals Finds Me Not At Fault?
I was found at fault for a crash in December 2023, but I have an upcoming court of appeals hearing in 18 months to contest this decision.
As a result of being deemed at fault, my car insurance premiums have nearly doubled from what they were before the accident. If the court ultimately rules that I am not at fault, will I be reimbursed for the excessive premium payments I’ve made in the meantime? Specifically, will I receive a refund for the difference between my inflated premiums and what my rates should be during the 18 months leading up to the appeal?
If your Court of Appeals determines that you were not at fault for the crash, it may have implications for your insurance premiums moving forward. However, whether you will be reimbursed for the difference in premiums during the 18 months prior to the decision depends on your insurance company’s policies and the laws in your state.
In many cases, insurance companies are not required to refund premiums paid while you were considered at fault, even if that status changes later. However, some insurers may take a favorable view of reinstating your prior rate or providing a refund once you present proof of the appeals decision.
To better understand your specific situation, consider the following steps:
1. Review Your Policy: Check your insurance policy for any clauses related to fault determination and premium adjustments.
2. Contact Your Insurance Agent: Speak with your agent directly to clarify what happens if you are found not at fault and whether a refund is possible.
3. State Regulations: Research your state’s insurance regulations, as they might offer additional protections regarding fault determinations and rate adjustments.
4. Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with your insurance company and any decisions made regarding your case.
Ultimately, while there’s a possibility of adjustments, it’s best to get clarity from your insurance provider regarding how they handle such situations.