Car Insurance After an Accident in California: What Drivers Should Expect

Car accidents can be extremely stressful, especially when you’re juggling repairs, possible injuries, and time off work. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end here; another concern on most drivers’ minds is how much insurance will increase after accident claims. The answer isn’t always straightforward. Premium hikes depend on fault, the type of claim, and even your insurance company’s policies.

​In this article, we’ll discuss what happens to car insurance after accident claims in California, whether there will be a car insurance rate increase, if not-at-fault accidents affect your premiums, and what to consider before filing a claim for minor damage.

How Much Will Insurance Increase After an Accident?

If you caused the accident, there’s almost no avoiding it—your premiums are going to climb. But just how much will insurance go up after an accident? In California, an at-fault accident can raise your premiums by 20% to 50%, depending on the severity and your past driving record. Furthermore, this usually sticks around for three to five years, costing thousands over time. And if you’ve had multiple at-fault accidents, the jump can be even higher.

This is why the costs of car accidents in California go far beyond car repairs and medical bills. Higher insurance premiums are one of the most expensive long-term consequences of being found at fault, and they can quietly drain your finances for years. Unlike a repair bill that you pay once, increased premiums show up every month, adding thousands of dollars to the overall cost of the accident. For many drivers, this financial burden can be even harder to manage than the immediate expenses of the collision.

Now, the question almost every driver asks: will my insurance go up if I’m not at-fault? You’d think the answer would be no—but this isn’t always the case. Even when another driver is clearly responsible, some insurers raise rates because they consider your overall claims history, not just fault. While California isn’t a no-fault state, insurance companies still track every claim you file. More claims can make you appear riskier, even if you weren’t to blame.

Do Insurance Rates Increase After a Non-Accident Claim?

Accidents aren’t the only reason for filing a claim. Theft, vandalism, falling branches, or storm damage all fall under comprehensive coverage. These claims usually don’t spike premiums as dramatically as at-fault accidents, but multiple claims in a short span can still lead to a noticeable increase.
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Let’s take a look at the following scenario:you scraped your bumper in a parking lot and the repair estimate ends up being $700. However, your deductible is $500 and now you’re wondering whether it’s worth filing a claim at all. It might seem like a small expense that your insurance should cover, but how much does insurance go up after a claim like this? Even a minor claim can cause your premiums to climb, and those increases don’t just last a month or two—they can linger for years. In this situation, that $200 savings from filing doesn’t look so appealing when you consider the long-term cost of higher insurance rates.

In many cases, filing may raise your premiums more than simply paying out of pocket. That’s why drivers often skip making claims for minor issues. Luckily, some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs. If you’ve had a clean record for years, they might forgive your first at-fault accident and keep your rates the same. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies offer it, and serious accidents may not qualify.

Contact an Injury Lawyer in North Hollywood

If you’ve been involved in an accident in California, consult with a car accident attorney in North Hollywood, who can help you navigate the legal landscape with confidence and ease. With 24/7 support, Yepremyan Law Firm offers free case evaluations to injured victims in need of immediate assistance.  

Our team is always just a phone call away. Contact our office to book your appointment with a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles. Since 1998, our North Hollywood injury law firm has helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars.

We work on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters—no recovery, no fee. 

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.