Inquiry Regarding Auto Insurance Claims
I’ve had auto insurance for many years without ever making a claim. However, in the last three months, my wife has been in two unfortunate incidents: one involving a deer that totaled her car at $12,000, and another where she slid into a ditch, causing around $11,500 in damage by hitting a metal mailbox. It has certainly been a tough few months!
I understand that hitting a deer won’t affect my rates, but I’m concerned about how these recent accidents might impact my insurance premiums moving forward.
For reference, I’m insured with State Farm.
It’s understandable to be concerned about how recent claims might affect your auto insurance rates, especially after experiencing two significant incidents in such a short time. While it’s true that hitting a deer typically won’t impact your rates, the incident with the mailbox is likely to be viewed differently since it may be considered a preventable accident.
Typically, insurers evaluate several factors when determining if your rates will increase, such as your overall claims history, the nature of the claims, and how long you’ve been with the insurer. Because you’ve mentioned that you’ve never had a claim before, you might have some leeway, as many companies will take your previous clean record into account.
However, it’s best to reach out to your State Farm agent to discuss your specific situation and get a clearer idea of what to expect in terms of potential rate increases. They can provide personalized insight based on your policy and claims history. Additionally, if you are eligible for any discounts or if you can increase your deductible, those factors might help mitigate any increases.
Overall, every insurer has its own criteria, so having a direct conversation with your agent can help clarify how these claims will affect your policy.