Will my insurance premium increase if I file a car insurance claim with Nationwide?

If you recently got into an accident and share part of the blame for it, you may be asking, “Will my insurance premium increase if I file a car insurance claim with Nationwide?” Regardless of your car insurance requirements, your premium will go up after an at-fault accident claim (including Nationwide).

That’s why it’s important to make smart decisions following a car accident. Read on to find out what you need to know.

Whether Your Insurance Premium Will Increase if You File a Car Insurance Claim With Nationwide

Filing a claim after an accident starts a process where the insurance company examines evidence of the accident, determines fault, and pays for repairs and health costs associated with injuries.

When you are at fault or partially at fault in an accident, your insurance company must also pay for repairs and injuries that others have suffered.

In the eyes of an insurance company like Nationwide, this kind of liability increases its risk of having you as a policyholder, so premiums rise in response. This is very common among car insurance companies.

Rate increases vary, but they are typically around 40% to 60% of your previous premium after an at-fault car accident. Your premium may also increase if you file multiple claims, especially in a short period.

Your driving record, the damage done in an accident, and many other factors also determine how much premiums can increase.

If you are moving to Nationwide from another car insurance company, it will look at around three years of your claim history when deciding what premiums to charge for a new policy. In that sense, your claims with prior car insurance companies also matter.

Read more:

• How long does it typically take for Nationwide to process a car insurance claim?
• What information do I need to file a car insurance claim with Nationwide?
• Will Car Insurance rates increase after an accident?

Important Tips on Insurance Premiums if You File a Car Insurance Claim With Nationwide

You always have the option to not file a claim with Nationwide. However, in an at-fault accident involving other drivers, they will likely make claims through their insurance company, which will contact Nationwide. In that case, your premiums are still likely to rise.

One option to prevent your premiums from rising is investing in Nationwide Accident Forgiveness. Accident Forgiveness is an addition to your insurance policy that costs extra to add.

However, when you have an at-fault accident, Accident Forgiveness will prevent your premiums from rising. It typically only works once until you update your policy, and is only available in certain states. If you are interested in finding other ways to save, be sure to look into finding the best car insurance discounts.

Read more: What is accident forgiveness coverage?

Final Notes on Whether Insurance Premiums Will Increase if You File a Car Insurance Claim With Nationwide

Remember, premium hikes occur when you are at fault in a car accident. If you can prove that you aren’t to blame and something else caused the accident outside of your control, your insurance premiums won’t typically increase and your claim will be paid by collision insurance.

Insurers will determine who is at fault, but the evidence you provide can be very valuable when arguing your case. Be sure you know how much car insurance you need and don’t forget to provide as much information as possible to the insurance adjuster.