If you are not at fault for an accident, your car insurance may not go up, but insurance companies can still raise rates in some situations. Many drivers assume their premiums will stay the same if another driver caused the crash. However, insurers still review claims when deciding future rates.
A crash can create confusion about fault, insurance rules, and claim settlements. Even when you did nothing wrong, insurers may dispute liability or question the value of damages. A Milwaukee car accident insurance lawyer from our firm can protect your rights and work to recover your losses.
We will also explain how insurance companies handle not-at-fault accidents, which can help you see how your premiums might be affected.
How Insurance Companies Decide Whether to Raise Your Rates
Insurance companies review many factors when deciding if your rates will change after an accident. Fault is important, but it is not the only thing they consider. They may look at:
- Your overall driving history.
- How many claims you have filed in the past.
- The cost of the accident claim.
- The laws in your state.
- The company’s internal policies.
If the accident clearly was not your fault, many insurers will leave your rates the same. However, some companies still adjust premiums if a driver files multiple claims or appears to present a higher risk.
Each insurance company sets its own guidelines, which means two drivers in the same situation may see different results.
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Wisconsin Insurance Rules and Not-at-Fault Accidents
Wisconsin follows a fault-based insurance system. This means the driver who caused the crash is generally responsible for paying damages through their insurance policy.
Because of this system, drivers who are not at fault usually file claims against the other driver’s insurance. When that happens, your insurance company may not need to pay for the damages.
In many cases, this reduces the chance that your insurer will increase your premium. However, you may still need to work with your own insurer during the claims process, especially if:
- The at-fault driver is uninsured.
- The other driver disputes fault.
- Your insurer covers damages first and seeks reimbursement later.
These situations can make the claims process more complex.
Situations Where Your Premium Could Still Increase
Some drivers notice their rates increase afterward, even if they did not cause the accident. This does not happen in every case, but there are situations where it may occur, such as:
- Filing multiple insurance claims in a short period.
- Living in an area with high accident rates.
- Being involved in several not-at-fault crashes.
- Your insurer covering damages before recovering payment from the other driver.
Insurance companies assess risk when setting premiums. If a driver appears more likely to be involved in future accidents, the company may adjust rates.
This does not mean the increase is fair. Sometimes it simply reflects how the insurer evaluates risk.
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When the Other Driver’s Insurance Should Pay
When another driver causes the accident, their liability insurance should cover your losses. This may include your medical bills, vehicle repairs or replacement, lost wages if you cannot work, and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies do not always accept responsibility quickly. They may argue about fault before agreeing to pay, which can delay payment and create stress for people trying to recover after an accident.
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Why Fault Matters in Car Accident Insurance Claims
Fault plays a major role in how an insurance company handles claims. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is usually responsible for paying damages.
However, determining fault is not always simple. Insurance companies may review police reports, photos from the crash scene, vehicle damage, witness statements, and traffic camera footage.
If there is disagreement about what happened, it can take longer to resolve the claim. In some cases, both drivers’ insurance companies investigate the accident before reaching a decision. Clear evidence often helps move the claim forward.
Steps to Take After a Not-at-Fault Crash
Even if the accident was not your fault, it helps to document what happened. Doing so can protect your health and insurance claim. Important steps may include:
- Calling the police and reporting the crash.
- Getting medical care if you are injured.
- Taking photos of the vehicles and crash scene.
- Collecting contact information from witnesses.
- Notifying your insurance company.
Keeping records of medical visits, repair estimates, and other expenses can also help show the full scope of the accident.
Why Car Accident Claims Can Become Complicated
Many people expect insurance claims to be straightforward after a not-at-fault crash. In reality, these cases can involve several issues.
Insurance companies can ask questions that help them determine what happened and how to proceed, such as:
- Who caused the accident.
- Whether injuries are related to the crash.
- The cost of medical treatment.
- The value of vehicle damage.
Disputes like these can slow the process and affect the final settlement.
Having legal representation can help level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies.
How We Can Help With Your Injury Claim if You Are Not At Fault
Our Milwaukee car accident lawyer will handle the claims process and work to recover damages for your losses. We will:
- Investigate how the crash happened.
- Collect evidence to show fault.
- Handle communication with insurance companies.
- Calculate the value of your damages.
- Negotiate a settlement.
- Prepare a case for court if needed.
These steps can help strengthen your claim and protect your rights while the case moves forward.
Talk With Us About Insurance After a Not-At-Fault Crash
Insurance claims after a crash can raise many questions, including whether the claim could affect your premiums. If an insurance company delays payment, disputes fault, or offers less than your damages, legal help may make a difference.
You should not have to face the insurance company alone when seeking damages after a crash. Gruber Law Offices, headquartered in Milwaukee, takes pride in serving communities throughout Wisconsin. For more than 40 years, our firm has helped tens of thousands of clients recover after serious accidents.
We have the knowledge and resources to take on insurance companies and fight for the damages our clients deserve. Our contingency fee agreements mean there is no money due upfront. Once we secure your settlement, our legal fees come out of that recovery. There is never a fee until we win your case.
Your first consultation is free and does not obligate you to hire us. Make “One Call…That’s All” to learn how a Milwaukee car accident lawyer can help you pursue damages after a crash.
Call or text (414) 276-6666 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
