If I file a claim, are my rates going to go up? Will I get cancelled?
Now this one can be a bit tricky. If you are at fault for an accident, like if you rear end someone then there is a very good chance your rates will go up. Now, there are a couple of exceptions. Some insurance companies have a program where if you have been claim free for a certain period of time then they will waive the first accident for you. This period is usually five years claim free.
Another exception is based on a state's accident threshold. Most states don't allow insurance companies to surcharge for an accident unless the amount paid by the insurance company is over a certain amount, such as $750. But, if you have 2 accidents within a certain period of time then both accidents could be chargeable.
Your policy should not be cancelled unless it was a major accident where someone died or where you were drunk, ran a red light, and then t-boned another car. Then, more than likely your rates would be so high you wish your insurance company would cancel you because you couldn't afford it.
How about a claim where you were not at fault, how about a comprehensive claim like hitting a deer. Even those these claims are coded as not at fault, if you have numerous claims - 3 or more - within a certain period of time - usually 3 years - then your rates could be affected. Or if you are filing a bunch of small claims, your insurance company could force you to raise your deductibles or take the coverage away from you.
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