A car accident can affect more than just your vehicle and your health. One question many Florida drivers have after a crash is, "Will my car insurance go up?"

The answer depends on several factors, including who caused the accident, the severity of the crash, and your insurance company's policies. Understanding what may happen can help you protect both your finances and your legal rights.

If You Caused the Accident

If you are found at fault for an accident, it is common for your insurance premiums to increase when your policy renews. While there is no fixed percentage, many drivers experience a noticeable increase after a first at-fault accident. The amount varies by insurer and may depend on:

• The extent of property damage

• Whether anyone was injured

• The total amount paid on the claim

• Your previous driving history

• Whether you have had prior accidents or traffic violations

Generally, the more serious the accident, the greater the potential increase in your insurance premium.

What If the Other Driver Was at Fault?

If another driver caused the accident, your insurance rates may not increase simply because you were involved in a crash. However, it is important to establish who was responsible.

Insurance companies rely on evidence to determine fault. Police reports, photographs, witness statements, dashcam footage, and other documentation can all help support your claim.

If fault is disputed or incorrectly assigned to you, it could affect both your insurance rates and your ability to recover compensation.

How Long Can Higher Premiums Last?

An increase in insurance premiums is not always permanent. Many insurance companies review your driving record for several years after an at-fault accident.

If you maintain a clean driving record and avoid additional accidents or moving violations, your premiums may gradually decrease over time.

Some insurance companies also offer accident forgiveness programs that may prevent your rates from increasing after your first qualifying at-fault accident. Eligibility varies by insurer, so it is worth reviewing your policy or asking your insurance agent about available options.

What Can You Do After an Accident?

The steps you take immediately after a collision can make a significant difference if there is a dispute about fault.

Consider the following:

• Call law enforcement and request a police report when appropriate.

• Take photographs of the vehicles, roadway, and surrounding area.

• Gather contact information from witnesses.

• Seek medical attention if you are injured.

• Notify your insurance company promptly.

• Speak with a personal injury attorney before accepting fault or signing any settlement documents.

Having strong evidence can help protect your legal claim and support an accurate determination of fault.

Don't Assume You're Responsible

After an accident, many people apologize or assume they were at fault before all the facts are known. Fault is a legal determination based on the evidence—not on what someone says immediately after a stressful event.

Even if the insurance company initially disputes your claim, additional evidence may help establish what really happened.

An Attorney Can Help Protect Your Rights

If you have been injured in a Florida car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, communicate with the insurance companies, and advocate for your interests.

While no attorney can guarantee what your insurance premiums will be, proving that another driver was responsible may help protect both your compensation claim and your financial future.

For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.

Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.