Car accidents can result in higher insurance rates, which is a worry for many New York drivers. If you have been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be wondering whether your car insurance rates will increase. The answer to this question is complex and depends on a number of factors. Please continue reading as we explore what you should know about these matters and why connecting with a qualified Westchester County Car Accident Attorney is in your best interest.
Can My Own Car Insurance Rates Go Up in New York if the Accident Wasn’t My Fault?
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that insurance companies determine their rates by assessing the risk associated with insuring a particular driver and vehicle. The insurance company will view an accident as a potential indicator of future claims, increasing your perceived risk. They will assess risk based on the fact that you have been involved in an accident, regardless of fault. Under New York Insurance Law § 2335, insurers are generally prohibited from increasing motor vehicle liability insurance rates or applying a premium surcharge for a not-at-fault accident unless the aggregate property damage exceeds $2,000, bodily injury occurs, or you have multiple accidents within the merit rating period.
Your insurance premiums could still rise after an accident, even if you are not at fault, if your insurer incurs costs associated with the accident.
The extent of the rate increase will depend on various factors, including the severity of the collision, your claims history, and New York’s regulations. Insurance companies typically review several years of driving history to assess the appropriate rate to offer policyholders. Some insurers may have a specific threshold below which damages won’t trigger a premium increase. A history of accidents will significantly increase premiums.
Even if you were not at fault, the accident will appear on your driving record, remaining for three to five years. An accident can affect your risk profile and lead to higher insurance rates when you renew your policy or switch insurers. Furthermore, sweeping New York auto insurance reforms enacted in May 2026 now impose stricter oversight from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) regarding how insurance companies can evaluate rate increases and policy factors.
Insurance companies assess the risk of future claims following all accidents, meaning even though you are not responsible, you may see an increase in your New York automobile insurance.
Factors Insurance Companies Consider After Not-at-Fault Accidents
- If your insurer had to pay any claims related to the accident
- The cost of both vehicle repairs and medical expenses
- The severity of the collision
- If you have any prior accidents
- Your claim history
- Your overall driving record
- If you have accident forgiveness coverage
- Regional insurance and New York accident trends
- How recently any prior claims were submitted
Why Do Insurance Rates Increase Following a New York Accident?
Unfortunately, insurance rates increase following an accident based on risk. When you first receive insurance with them, you may not have had a car accident in your recent driving history, making you look like a safe driver who will pay your premium without costing them money.
If you have a history of accidents, it can change how insurance companies calculate these matters. While you will still pay your premiums, insurers may be at risk of having to pay a settlement at some point, meaning they may increase your premiums to compensate for that risk.
As such, even when you are not at fault, insurance companies may still factor your overall history of filing claims.
Situations Where Rates May Not Increase
- The other driver was clearly responsible for the collision
- Your insurance company did not have to pay for considerable damages
- The accident resulted in only minor property damage
- You have a long history of safe driving
- You have accident forgiveness coverage
- There were no reported injuries
- It is your first reported accident
How Much Will My Insurance Rates Increase After an Accident in New York?
How much your insurance will increase following an accident depends on a number of factors. In the event you were not at fault in any capacity for the insurance, your rates may not rise too much. However, because you reported an accident, you may still see some sort of increase in your premium. On the other hand, if you are responsible for the collision, you can see your rates rise as much as 40%.
Factors That Insurers Consider When Increasing Rates
- The severity of the accident
- If any injuries occurred
- Your prior claim history
- The underwriting policies of your insurer
- The number of vehicles involved
- The overall cost of the claim
Will My Insurance Rates Decline Again?
In general, an accident may begin to carry less weight for an insurance company after three to five years. Unless you repeatedly file claims in a short period of time, insurers will not hold a single accident against you forever.
Insurance companies typically consider more recent accidents rather than older collisions, especially if the driver has maintained a clean, safe driving record following a reported collision.
Ways in Which Drivers Can Lower Insurance Costs Following an Accident
- Paying higher deductibles
- Changing the type of coverage
- Driving a vehicle that is less expensive to ensure
- Exploring other insurance companies by receiving quotes
- Exploring discounts
- Maintaining a clean driving record
- Asking insurance companies about their defensive driving discounts
Should I Consult an Attorney After a Collision?
Despite not being at fault in a car accident, consulting with a seasoned attorney is advisable, especially if you have injuries or significant property damage. An attorney can help you navigate every step of the legal process, ensure you receive fair compensation, and safeguard your rights. They can help you gather evidence to build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies to recover adequate compensation for your damages.
You should keep in mind that insurance companies are businesses. They don’t have your best interest at heart; their priority is to minimize payouts. Even if you are not at fault, the other motorist or their insurer may try to blame you or dispute the extent of your injuries or damages. Crucially, New York’s sweeping May 2026 auto insurance reforms replaced the long-standing pure comparative negligence standard with a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning a claimant is completely barred from financial recovery if their share of the fault is greater than 50 percent.
Under New York law, drivers involved in a collision must adhere to the reporting requirements and no-fault insurance coverage. As such, depending on the severity of the collision, drivers may need to report the crash to the Department of Motor Vehicles and seek compensation through Personal Injury Protection insurance.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney Today
At Hausman Law Group, we are prepared to defend against these claims and fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Connect with our firm today for guidance and skilled representation.