Does My Auto Insurance Go Up If Someone Hits Me?

Generally, it’s understood that your auto insurance premiums should not increase if you are not at fault for an accident, but this is not always the case.  At Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we’re here to guide you through the process and protect your rights.

Getting hit by another driver is stressful enough without worrying about your insurance rates spiking. If you’re not at fault, you’re probably wondering, “What happens next?”

Whether it’s a rear-end collision, a side-swipe in traffic, or damage to your parked car, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Our lawyers at Valley Law are here to answer your questions and guide you in planning for your insurance.

Does Insurance Go Up if You’re Not at Fault?

The short answer would be no. Your rates shouldn’t, in most cases, increase if you are not at fault for an accident. That said, most implies exceptions.

Insurance companies assess fault to determine who is liable and who should pay for damages, and whether premiums are affected. If another driver is clearly responsible, their liability insurance should cover your repairs, medical bills, and other losses.

Major insurers like State Farm and GEICO typically state that not-at-fault claims won’t directly raise your rates. For example, State Farm’s website notes, “A claim where you’re not at fault generally won’t increase your premium.” However, there are some exceptions, insurance policies and state laws vary. As a result, certain scenarios can still impact your rates indirectly.

Average Insurance Rates in Utah

In Utah, where Valley Law operates, the average cost of car insurance varies significantly based on the type of coverage, driver profile, and other factors such as location and driving history.

For full coverage, the average annual premium in the state is $1825 per year, which means $152 monthly. This amount is just about 20% lower than the national average of $2437 as of the time of writing.

For a state-minimum liability policy, on the other hand, Utah drivers pay a mean amount of $582 annually, or approximately $49 per month. Again, this is far lower than the national average of $682.

Taking a look at one specific factor, such as the driver profile, we get a clearer picture of how one’s rates may fluctuate.

Teen drivers, that is, vehicle operators 16-19 years old, tend to face much higher rates due to inexperience. They have an annual average premium of $2582 for full coverage, and may go as high as $5806 per year.

Young adults up to 25 years old have noticeably lower rates, averaging at just under $1000 annually for full coverage. Past 25 years old, drivers see an increase in their rates, up to about $1500 per month for a typical 40-year-old driver, assuming good credit and a clean record.

Finally, senior drivers typically see their insurance rates go up to about $2000 annually. That said, some insurers can offer rates that actually go down compared to adults, sometimes as low as $1122.

Of course, other factors such as location, credit score, and the provider itself can determine your rate.

When Might Your Insurance Rates Increase?

Utah has seen a 28% year-over-year increase in auto insurance rates in 2025, driven by rising repair costs, inflation, and increased accident frequency (from 51,629 crashes in 2020 to 61,648 in 2023). Potential tariffs on imported auto parts could further increase rates by 5-8% by the end of 2025.

Even if you’re not at fault, your rates could rise in the following cases:

• Subtle Fault Allocation: In comparative negligence states, if you’re assigned even partial blame (e.g., 10-20%), your insurer might adjust your rates.
• No-Fault States: In states like Florida, your insurer pays for your injuries first (via Personal Injury Protection, or PIP), which could trigger a rate review.
• Claim Frequency: Insurers use underwriting algorithms that view frequent claims, even not-at-fault ones, as a risk factor. If you’ve filed multiple claims recently, your rates may increase.
• Insurer Policies: Some companies, like GEICO, may raise rates if you’ve had multiple claims, regardless of fault, as they see you as a higher-risk driver.

How Do Insurers Determine Fault in a Car Accident?

Fault is determined through a combination of evidence, including police reports, insurer investigations, witness statements, and dash cam footage. Insurers may also review traffic laws and accident circumstances to assign blame.

In “comparative negligence” states, fault can be split (e.g., you’re 20% at fault, the other driver 80%). In “no-fault” states, each driver’s insurance covers their own injuries, regardless of who caused the crash.

• At-Fault States: The driver responsible for the accident pays for damages via their liability insurance.
• No-Fault States: Each driver’s insurance covers their own medical costs, regardless of fault. Examples include FL, MI, and NY.
• Comparative Negligence: Fault is divided based on each driver’s contribution to the accident. This is used in most states.
  • Pure Comparative Negligence: You can recover damages even if you are mostly at fault for the accident, though your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. For instance, if you are 90% at fault, you can still recover 10% of your damages.
  • Modified Comparative Negligence: You can only recover damages if your percentage of fault is below a certain threshold, usually 50% or 51%. If your fault meets or exceeds that threshold, you cannot recover any damages.

What Is Accident Forgiveness?

Accident forgiveness is an optional policy feature that prevents a rate hike after your first at-fault accident. Unfortunately, it typically doesn’t apply to not-at-fault claims since those shouldn’t raise rates anyway.

Still, even with forgiveness, a claim may appear on your CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report, which tracks your claims history. Future insurers may use this to set rates, even if you weren’t at fault.

What Should I Do if I Am Hit?

If you’ve been hit by another driver, the right steps will protect you and your potential claim. Here’s what you should do:

Ensure Everyone’s Safety and Call the Police

Your immediate priority is the safety of everyone involved.

Assess yourself and others for any injuries, even minor ones. Move to a safe location and, if possible and safe to do so, move your vehicle off the road to prevent further accidents.

Always call the police, even for minor accidents. A police report is vital for insurance claims and determining fault.

Exchange Information

Gather contact and insurance details from the other driver(s) involved.

• Driver’s license and contact information: Get their full name, phone number, and address.
• Insurance information: Obtain their insurance company name and policy number.
• Vehicle information: Note the make, model, year, color, and license plate number of their vehicle.
• Witness information: If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.

Document the Scene

• Thorough documentation: This can strengthen your claim. Take photos and videos of all vehicles involved, showing the damage from various angles. Additionally, include photos of the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any relevant surroundings. If there are visible injuries, photograph them as well.
• Note details: Write down the date, time, and exact location of the accident. Record weather conditions, road conditions, and how the accident occurred from your perspective.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s wise to get checked by a medical professional.

• Undiscovered injuries: Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not present symptoms until hours or days after the accident.
• Medical records: A medical evaluation creates official documentation of your injuries, which is crucial for any personal injury claim. Follow all medical advice and keep records of all appointments and treatments.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, even if you’re not at fault.

• Filing a claim: Your insurer can guide you through the claims process. Provide them with all the information you’ve gathered.
• Do not admit fault: Stick to the facts and avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.

Consult with an Attorney

Even in not-at-fault accidents, legal guidance from a car accident attorney can be invaluable.

• Protecting your rights: An attorney can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and navigate complex legal procedures.
• Maximizing compensation: They can ensure you receive fair compensation for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiation: If the other driver’s insurance company tries to undervalue your claim or deny responsibility, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf.

Auto Insurance Problems After an Accident? Call Valley Law

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel pressured by insurance companies. If you’ve been hit by another driver and are concerned about your rights, your insurance rates, or getting fair compensation, don’t face it alone; our car accident lawyers in Salt Lake City are here to provide the expert legal guidance you need.

Contact Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation at (801) 810-9999. Our experienced attorneys will review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your interests. Let us handle the complexities of your claim so you can focus on your recovery.