Advice/options I was rear ended by another car and my insurance

by IFadmin

Title: Seeking Advice After Being Rear-Ended

Hi everyone,

I recently experienced my first accident—I got rear-ended by another vehicle. The other driver was clearly at fault, but since it was just a minor fender bender, the police advised me that I didn’t need to file a report. I’ve learned the hard way that this wasn’t the best advice. The other driver presented an insurance card, so I assumed everything was fine. However, it turns out they didn’t actually have insurance.

I’ve opened a claim in hopes that their insurance would cover the repairs to my car, but now I’m left with a damaged fender and an increase in my insurance rates, even though the other party didn’t fulfill their obligations. To make matters worse, my wife mentioned that since we still owe money on our vehicles, we need to maintain full coverage, which I’ve never heard before.

I have a couple of questions:

  1. Is there anything I can do to prevent my rates from increasing due to this non-fulfilled claim? I’ve heard that the effects can last for five years, which seems excessive.
  2. Am I able to switch to basic coverage since it seems like my policy isn’t providing adequate protection anyway?

I appreciate any help or insight you can provide. Thank you!

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One thought on “Advice/options I was rear ended by another car and my insurance”

  1. I’m sorry to hear about your situation—it sounds really frustrating. Here are some suggestions for your questions:

    1. Rate Increase After a Claim: Unfortunately, insurance companies often raise rates after a claim, regardless of who was at fault, especially if the other party didn’t have insurance. However, you can take the following steps:
    2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Explain the specifics of the situation, including that you were rear-ended and the other driver was at fault. Ask if they can reconsider the rate increase given the circumstances.
    3. Ask About Accident Forgiveness: Some insurance policies have an accident forgiveness clause. If you have a good driving record, you might be eligible to have your first accident forgiven.
    4. Shop Around for Better Rates: If your current insurer is unhelpful, it might be worth shopping around for different quotes. Some companies offer better rates for drivers with claims, especially if the claim was not your fault.

    5. File a Complaint: If you believe the rate hike is unfair, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance department. They may help advocate on your behalf.

    6. Coverage Options: Since you still owe on your cars, the lender typically requires that you have full coverage (collision and comprehensive) to protect their investment. Basic liability coverage usually won’t meet those requirements. However, you can:

    7. Discuss Your Options with Your Insurer: Ask your insurance agent about your options for adjusting your coverage to find a more affordable rate while still meeting your lender’s requirements.
    8. Look for Discounts: Inquire about any discounts you might qualify for, such as multi-policy discounts, safe driver discounts, or loyalty discounts.

    It might feel overwhelming right now, but staying proactive and exploring all your options can make a difference. Good luck!

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