Your rates usually stay the same if you are hit by another driver

If another driver hits your car and their insurance pays for the damage, your own rates typically do not increase. Insurance companies distinguish between at-fault accidents (where you caused the crash) and not-at-fault accidents (where the other driver caused it). A not-at-fault claim should not trigger a rate hike, because the accident was not your fault.

However, the word "usually" matters here. A few situations can still raise your rates even when you were hit: if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, if the claim takes months to settle, or if your state allows insurers to raise rates for any claim regardless of fault. The safest assumption is to ask your agent directly after the accident, because the rules vary by state and by insurance company.

Key Takeaways

  • Not-at-fault accidents typically do not raise your insurance rates, because the other driver's insurance is responsible for the damage.
  • If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may file a claim under your own collision or uninsured motorist coverage, which could affect your rates.
  • Some states allow insurers to raise rates for any accident, even not-at-fault ones, so the rule depends on where you live.
  • Your deductible still applies to your own claim, even if the other driver was at fault — you pay it upfront and may recover it later if their insurance pays.

How insurance companies decide fault

When you report an accident, your insurance company investigates who caused it. They review the police report, photos, witness statements, and sometimes surveillance video. If the other driver is found at fault, their insurance company pays your claim, and your own insurer has no reason to raise your rates — you did nothing wrong.

The investigation can take weeks or even months, especially if liability is unclear. During that time, your rates are not locked in. Once the other driver's insurance accepts responsibility and pays, your claim is closed as not-at-fault, and your rates should remain stable at your next renewal.

When your rates can still go up after being hit

The most common scenario is when the other driver has no insurance or carries limits too low to cover your damage. If they are uninsured, you file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage. Because you are now claiming against your own policy, some insurers treat this as a claim on your record, even though you were not at fault. This can raise your rates, depending on your company and state.

A second scenario is underinsurance. If the other driver's liability limit is $15,000 but your damage is $25,000, their insurance pays $15,000 and you file under your own uninsured motorist property damage coverage for the remaining $10,000. Again, this claim against your own policy may affect your rates.

A third scenario, less common but real, is that some states do not prohibit insurers from raising rates for any accident on your record, regardless of fault. A handful of states allow this practice. Your agent can tell you whether your state is one of them.

What happens to your deductible

Even in a not-at-fault accident, you typically pay your deductible upfront if you file a claim under your own collision coverage. If the other driver's insurance later confirms they are at fault and pays your claim, you can request a deductible waiver — the other insurer reimburses your deductible to you. However, this reimbursement is not automatic; you usually have to ask for it.

If you file under uninsured motorist coverage because the other driver has no insurance, you still pay your deductible, and there is no other insurer to recover it from. This is one reason why carrying uninsured motorist coverage with a lower deductible (often $250 or $500) can be worth the cost.

How to protect yourself after being hit

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you plan to pursue the other driver's insurance. Provide your insurer with the other driver's name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number. Take photos of the damage, the accident scene, and the other vehicle. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.

Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if you feel responsible. Let the investigation determine fault. If a police officer responded, get the report number and file a copy with your insurance company. Keep all receipts and documentation related to the accident and repairs.

The difference between your rates and your claim history

Your claims history and your insurance rates are not the same thing. A not-at-fault claim will appear on your claims history — it is a factual record that a claim was filed. However, appearing on your history does not automatically mean your rates go up. Insurers use fault status to decide whether to raise rates.

When you shop for insurance with a new company, they can see your claims history, including not-at-fault accidents. Some insurers weight not-at-fault claims less heavily than at-fault ones, but others may still consider them when pricing your policy. This is why it is worth getting quotes from multiple insurers after an accident — rates vary widely.

What to ask your insurance agent

After an accident, contact your agent and ask these specific questions: Will this not-at-fault claim affect my rates? Does my state allow rate increases for not-at-fault accidents? If the other driver is uninsured, which coverage should I file under, and will that raise my rates? Can I request a deductible waiver from the other driver's insurance?

Your agent should give you a clear answer about your specific policy and state. If they say your rates might go up, ask what the increase would be and when it takes effect. Some companies explore increases at renewal; others explore them when ready. Knowing this helps you decide whether to file a claim or pay out of pocket for minor damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am hit by an uninsured driver, will my rates go up?

It depends on your insurance company and state. Filing a claim under your own uninsured motorist or collision coverage is a claim against your policy, and some insurers do raise rates for these claims even though you were not at fault. Ask your agent before you file whether this specific claim will affect your rates.

How long does it take for the other driver's insurance to pay?

Once the other driver's insurance accepts liability, payment typically takes two to four weeks. If liability is disputed, the investigation can take much longer — sometimes two to three months. During this time, your rates are not affected; only after the claim is closed as not-at-fault does your rate status stabilize.

Can I get my deductible back if the other driver was at fault?

Yes, you can request a deductible waiver from the other driver's insurance company. You have to ask for it — it is not automatic. Provide them with proof that you paid the deductible and ask them to reimburse it. Most insurers will do this once they have confirmed fault.

Will a not-at-fault accident show up on my driving record?

No. Your driving record shows traffic violations and at-fault accidents, not not-at-fault claims. A not-at-fault accident appears only on your insurance claims history, which is separate from your driving record. However, insurers can see your claims history when you shop for new coverage.

Should I file a claim or pay for repairs myself?

If the damage is minor and your deductible is high, paying out of pocket may cost less and keep your claims history clean. If the damage is substantial, file a claim — that is what insurance is for. Ask your agent what the rate impact would be before you decide, so you can make an informed choice.