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South Carolina Personal Injury Law Blog

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How much will my insurance go up after a car accident?

After a car accident, your insurance rates could increase, depending on factors like who was at fault, the severity of the accident, your driving history, and your insurance company’s policies. Typically, for minor at-fault accidents, rates may go up by 20-40%, while major accidents can cause increases of 40-150%.

If you or a loved one was injured in a collision, a car accident attorney will help protect your rights and seek fair compensation, often keeping your insurance costs low.

Factors That Affect Your Insurance Increase

Several things can change how much your insurance goes up:

At-Fault vs. Not-At-Fault Accidents in Georgetown

Who caused the accident matters a lot. For example, if you caused it, you can expect a bigger increase in your rates. If someone else did, your rates might not change at all, though some companies raise rates even if it wasn’t your fault.

Severity of Georgetown Accidents

How bad the accident was can affect your rates. A small bump in a parking lot might not cause much damage or change much in your rates. A major crash on Highway 701 will likely cause a bigger jump in costs. If anyone was hurt, expect a larger increase.

In general, the more your insurance pays, the more your rates might go up.

Your Georgetown Driving History Matters

Your past record is important:

A clean record can really help if you do have an accident.

Insurance Company Policies in South Carolina

Different companies handle accidents differently. Some might raise your rates a lot after one crash, while others might not raise them much, especially for good customers. Ask about accident forgiveness programs, and it’s worth shopping around if your rates go up a lot.

Average Rate Increases After a Georgetown Accident

While every case is different, here’s what you might see:

These are just averages, and your situation could be different. Rate increases don’t last forever in South Carolina, as most companies keep accidents on your record for 3 to 5 years. Each year, the impact of a crash usually gets smaller, and after 3 to 5 years, the accident shouldn’t affect your rates anymore.

The best way to avoid rate increases is to avoid wrongful blame for collisions. Always have legal help in proving when someone else caused your crash and should be responsible.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Georgetown

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to understand your insurance and know your rights. The car accident lawyers at Oxner & Stacy Law Firm LLC will help determine liability for your accident and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us at 843-527-8020 or contact us online for a case evaluation today.