Will My Insurance Rates Go Up If I Report a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
One of the most common concerns after a car accident is whether reporting the crash will cause your insurance rates to increase—especially when the accident was not your fault. The short answer in Texas is generally no, but there are some important nuances every driver should understand.
Accidents That Are Not Your Fault
Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is legally responsible for the resulting damages, including vehicle repairs and personal injuries. When the other driver is clearly at fault and has sufficient insurance coverage, your claim is typically handled through their insurance company, not your own.
In these situations, simply reporting the accident or cooperating with an investigation should not cause your insurance rates to increase. Insurance companies generally do not penalize policyholders for accidents they did not cause when no first-party benefits are used.
When Rates Might Increase
Your rates may increase slightly if you use first-party benefits under your own policy, such as:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage
Collision coverage
This often happens when the at-fault driver has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to fully cover your damages. While some drivers hesitate to use these benefits due to rate concerns, it’s important to remember that you purchased this coverage for exactly this situation.
Even if there is a minor increase, the compensation you receive for medical treatment, lost wages, or vehicle repairs typically far outweighs any small premium change.
Why You Shouldn’t Avoid Using Your Coverage
Many people worry about their insurance rates and delay or avoid making a claim. But if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own policy may be the only way to receive fair compensation for your injuries or property damage.
Insurance is a financial safety net. Using it when necessary is not a mistake—it’s responsible.
