Thursday, November 3, 2016

How Much Do Insurance Rates Go Up After a Car Accident?



The average cost of car insurance for those living in Massachusetts is $134 per month or about $1,600 every year. However, according to CBS News, these rates could increase by as much as 40% if you file a claim after one accident! And unfortunately, CBS News also said that if you are severely injured and have to file a claim of more than $2,000, then your average premium could increase by more than 80%! Take a look at some of Massachusetts's insurance rules and how to lower your rates.

Understanding Massachusetts's Rules for Car Accidents

Thankfully, Massachusetts is a “no-fault”state, which means that both you and the other driver(s) involved in the accident will be able to receive benefits from your insurance companies no matter who was at fault. The downside is that your injuries must be extremely severe—such as many broken bones or disfigurement—if you want to pursue a personal injury case. However, if your medical expenses do cross over the $2,000 threshold, you may also pursue a personal injury claim and talk with a Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer for more information.

One way to safeguard yourself from skyrocketing rates after a serious accident is to invest in an “accident forgiveness” policy. Even though these policies are generally used to protect at-fault drivers, it can still protect you in a no-fault state. These policies make sure that your insurance premiums won't be affected by a serious accident! However, some of these policies cost a little extra money to add to your current policy, and they may have certain restrictions—like only working for one serious accident.

How to Lower Your Rates

If you've already experienced a devastating accident there are still ways to lower your rate. Always ask your insurer for discounts; he or she may be happy to oblige if it means keeping you on as a customer. If you are planning on moving soon, check for areas that have lower average rates—for instance, highly populated areas usually have higher rates than rural areas.

If you need to get a new car after your accident, make sure that you check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recommendations since it will have lists of vehicles that are safer to drive. You can also check out the Kelley Blue Book for safety ratings. Lastly, try bundling your auto insurance with other necessary insurance policies; again, your insurer may be keen on giving you discounts if it means more customer loyalty.

If you've gotten into a car accident that has caused an injury and your insurance rates are high, call Car Accident Lawsuits Boston @ 844-311-7900 to talk with legal aid at a free meeting.

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