Does My Insurance Increase If the Accident Wasn’t My Fault?

Many Pennsylvania drivers are surprised to see their premiums go up—even after an accident they didn’t cause. So, does your insurance increase even when the fault wasn’t yours? The short answer: sometimes, yes. While you may not be penalized directly, certain factors can still affect your rates over time. That’s why it's smart to understand how insurers evaluate fault, claims, and risk when shopping for affordable high risk auto insurance in Pennsylvania.

When Not-at-Fault Still Affects Your Premium

Even if you weren’t legally at fault, you may see rate changes due to:

• Claim Filing History:
  If your insurer pays out—even if it’s to repair your vehicle under your collision coverage—it could trigger a rate hike.

• Multiple Claims in a Short Period:
  Insurers may consider you “accident-prone,” even without fault, and adjust your risk level accordingly.

• Location-Based Risk:
  If your area has a high rate of accidents or claims, your base rate could rise for everyone—especially high-risk drivers.

• Company Policies Vary:
  Some insurers in Pennsylvania offer accident forgiveness for first-time incidents, but many do not extend that protection for high-risk drivers.

What Can You Do About It?

• Ask your insurer if they offer accident forgiveness

• Choose a higher deductible to discourage filing small claims

• Compare quotes from multiple companies

• Maintain continuous coverage and a clean driving record going forward

Being proactive helps you keep rates manageable—even in tough situations.

And if you're labeled high-risk, you still have choices. There are budget-friendly insurance options available in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania that work with your situation and help you stay protected affordably:
👉 Explore local low-cost coverage