Accidents happen, and let’s be honest—everyone speeds once in a while. But how do these slip-ups affect your insurance premiums? Let’s dig into what happens after you’ve had an accident or traffic violation in Washington.
Will Your Rates Go Up After an Accident?
In Washington, if you’re found at fault for an accident, there’s a good chance your premiums will go up. How much depends on several factors:
- Severity of the Accident: A minor fender bender might not increase your rates as much as a major collision.
- Your Driving History: If it’s your first accident, you might see a smaller rate increase than someone with a history of accidents.
- Your Insurance Policy: Some insurers offer accident forgiveness, which means your first accident may not affect your premiums.
What About Traffic Violations?
Speeding tickets, running a red light, or reckless driving can all lead to a rate increase. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Minor Violations (speeding, failure to signal): These might result in a small bump in your rates, but not always.
- Major Violations (DUI, reckless driving): These can cause significant increases and could even result in your policy being canceled.
Claims Scenario:
Imagine you’re driving down the highway and accidentally rear-end the car in front of you. The accident causes $6,000 in damages. Since you’re at fault, your insurance steps in to cover the costs, but you notice that your premiums go up by 10% at renewal. On the bright side, because you added accident forgiveness to your policy, your first accident won’t impact your rates—giving you peace of mind.
How to Keep Your Rates in Check:
- Drive Safely: Avoid accidents and traffic tickets.
- Consider Accident Forgiveness: Some policies offer this feature, which can prevent your rates from rising after a first accident.
- Review Your Coverage: Connect with your trusted insurance agent to review your coverage on a regular basis, especially if you have any life changes like getting married, teenage children, etc.
Accidents and tickets can cause your premiums to rise, but you don’t have to be caught off guard. At Evergreen Insurance, we’re here to help you understand your options and keep your rates as low as possible. Contact us today at 360-254-7166.