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.

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.