How will the accident (fender-fender), where I am at-fault, affect my car insurance rates at renewal if I did not make a claim?

John

Chicago IL

Since you were at-fault in the accident and your insurance company became aware of this either because this was on your driving record or you informed them, your premium will likely increase at renewal, even though you did not make a claim, the company finds you to be a risk. The car insurance rates in Chicago IL will be affected depending on the rating system of the company.

There are cases when a surcharge or points are assigned to the driver who caused the accident and/or claimed against the policy. Some companies do not increase the insurance rates of driver who has a clean record for more than 5 years if the he/she is at-fault in a relatively minor car accident.

A major accident where the driver is at-fault can increase his/her insurance premium. However, an major accident that involves a serious bodily injury can result in a severe insurance and legal consequences. There can also be huge rate increase or a policy cancellation, subject to the law of
the state.

You can contact your insurance provider to find out more about their rating system and by how much will your premium increase because of the fender-bender.

Reader’s Question:

My 20 year old daughter just received a DUI in Chicago Illinois. She is making payments on a vehicle I co-signed and the title is under my name and her name. The insurance is also under my insurance policy with her as a driver. What will happen to our car insurance rates?

Ally

Chicago, IL

Since your daughter now has a DUI violation on her driving record, when your insurance carrier finds this out then her car insurance rates, and therefore yours as well since she is on your insurance policy. Insurance providers rating systems vary so you would have to check from your insurance agent to verify how much your daughter’s DUI may affect all of your car insurance rates and for how long.

The Illinois Secretary of State states that a DUI can subject you to high-risk car insurance rates for three years. The IL SOS DUI Fact Book notes that high risk insurance for an individual convicted of a DUI averages an additional (over their normal auto insurance costs) $1500 per year.

If the your car insurance rates go up because of your daughter’s DUI, then you may want to comparison shop for car insurance to check if you can find a better car insurance rate.

My wife recently got charged of DWI. Can I get my own car insurance, so her DWI will not affect my insurance rate in Chicago IL?

Ben

Chicago, IL

An insurance carrier will typically want all household members listed on an auto insurance policy. If you do not want your wife’s DWI violation to affect your car insurance rate you will need to find an insurance company that will exclude her, otherwise you will both need to be on the same insurance policy under most insurance carrier’s guidelines.

To check if your insurance carrier in Chicago IL can provide you with the insurance coverage that you need, you may contact them directly.