Getting into an accident is stressful, but there’s no need to worry! Car insurance companies
have set rules when dealing with accidents, so if you have the right coverage, you won’t need to worry about repairing your car. That said, it’s difficult to estimate exactly how much your claim will cost. Typically, the cost depends on the damage done to your vehicle and who is at fault for the accident.
Generally, when you’re involved in an accident and not at fault, the other driver’s insurance will pay for the damage done to your car with their property damage liability
. A claim for damage with their insurance won’t cost you anything for repairs. If you’re at-fault in the accident, you’ll need to have collision coverage
to cover the damage to your vehicle. In this instance, the cost to you would be your deductible
. While the cost of a claim will depend on who’s at fault in an accident, filing a claim can also impact your insurance premium. Since every insurance company has different rating systems, the impact on your premium will vary.
Even so, if you notice your insurance increases after a claim, you have options! Rates vary between companies and getting into an accident doesn’t mean you have to pay more for insurance.
To explore your options after an accident, try Jerry
. The Jerry app gathers personalized quotes from over 50 insurance providers to find you the best rate and coverage. The average Jerry user saves $879 a year! MORE: How to file a car accident claim report