How Much Will My Insurance Go Up After an Accident in Houston, TX? 2024

After an accident, there are many factors to consider and focus on, especially if you are pursuing legal action. Insurance costs may be another component that you are concerned about. The Houston personal injury lawyers at Stevenson & Murray understand how important it is to answer questions like “How much will my insurance go up after an accident in Houston, TX?” Our team can provide you with the insight you need to make informed decisions after your accident.

Factors in an Accident That Can Influence Insurance Costs

While the exact amount that your insurance may rise after an accident in Houston will vary from case to case, there are several factors that can influence insurance costs that are important to keep in mind if any of these variables are included in your unique case. Factors that can influence insurance costs after an accident include the following:

• Fault Determination: Texas is an at-fault insurance state, which means that the person who is found responsible for the accident will generally be liable for damages. If you are the one at fault for the accident, you may experience higher premium increases because insurers will view you as a higher risk to be insured.
• Severity of the Accident: The amount of damage that is suffered due to the accident can also impact insurance rates. Minor accidents may result in little to no increases, but serious accidents with severe injuries and extensive property damage can result in steep increases.
• Claim Amount: The higher a claim amount is, the more likely the insurance premium will increase. An example could look like a claim that totals around $20,000 to cover medical bills and vehicle damage can result in serious adjustments to insurance costs.
• Driving History: Insurers often review a driver’s driving record when determining rates and a driver that holds many previous accidents or traffic violations can face rate increases after each accident.
• Type of Coverage Used: The type of claim that is filed following an accident can influence overall costs. Collision and liability coverage often hands damages and injury to others after an accident but can lead to rate increases, whereas comprehensive coverage generally will not impact rates as much as it applies to non-collision incidents like theft or weather damage.
• Policy Details: The specific details of your insurance policy can mitigate the impact of an accident if it has accident forgiveness which can help if it is a first accident, or by choosing a higher deductible that can lower monthly premiums.

Tips to Manage Insurance Costs

Taking proactive steps after an accident can help to minimize the impact on your insurance rates. Below are simple tips to consider when looking to lessen insurance impacts:

• Keep a Clean Driving Record: Driving history is a key factor that is considered in calculating premiums. By keeping a clean record, you can lower the impact an accident has on your insurance rates.
• Consider Accident Forgiveness Programs: Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that can prevent rate increases, especially if it is your first at-fault accident.
• Take a Defensive Driving Course: Completing a defensive driving course can show responsibility and may qualify you for discounts.
• Increase Your Deductible: By raising your deductible, you could lower your insurance premium.
• Monitor Credit Score: Credit-based insurance scoring is often used by insurers to assess the risk of a client. Improving your credit score can help lower premiums, even after an accident.

By taking simple and proactive steps, you can work to reduce the impact of an accident on your premiums and potentially find opportunities for savings.

FAQs

Will an Accident Impact Your Insurance Rate?

Yes, an accident can impact your insurance rate, but the level of that impact will vary depending on the unique factors of the case. Factors that can influence the impact on your insurance rate include who is at fault, state laws, and your specific insurer’s policies. In general, it is common for insurance rates to increase if you are found to be at fault for the accident.

How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance Record in Texas?

In Texas, how long an accident stays on your insurance record will vary depending on the specific details connected to the case. The length of time the accident remains on your record can be longer if you were involved in a major accident that was your fault. Minor accidents that were not your fault may remain on an insurance record for a shorter period of time.

How Do You Avoid Insurance Increases After an Accident in Texas?

In Texas, there are several strategies you can use to avoid insurance increases after an accident, such as utilizing accident forgiveness if your policy offers it, proving that the accident was not your fault, taking a defensive driving course, which may discount your rate increase, and raising your deductible to offset the financial impact if there is an increase.

How Should You Respond After an Accident to Protect Yourself?

There are several ways to protect yourself as you respond to your accident, including first moving to a safe location and contacting emergency services like medical assistance and local law enforcement. Another method of protecting yourself is to gather evidence at the accident scene through photos and videos of the accident, including any vehicle damage, traffic signs, and skid marks that can help to prove fault for the accident.

Get in Touch With a Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible

If you are facing the many implications that follow an accident, and you are unsure of how to proceed or are working through a lot of concerns and questions, it may be time to meet with a personal injury lawyer. By partnering with a personal injury lawyer, questions about insurance rate impacts, the legal claim process, and ways to protect your rights can be answered.

Set up an initial consultation with the personal injury lawyers at Stevenson & Murray today and learn how our legal team can support you. With our team on your side, you can rest assured that you are in good hands.