Every week we’ll highlight a question sent to our resident insurance expert, Anne Marie Thomas. This week’s question comes from Glen who is asking how long his wife’s auto insurance premiums will be affected by his stepson’s accident that occurred while driving her car.
Glen asks:
“My wife has never had a ticket, not even a parking ticket, since she started driving more than 20 years ago. The only blemish to her driving record is a single car accident when her car slid into a concrete delineator in a snowstorm in December 2015. Unfortunately, her son had an accident in December 2014 on her insurance; and because he still doesn’t drive or have insurance to this day, his accident goes on her insurance history. How long before that accident (her son’s) no longer factors on her insurance? It will be 5 years December since the accident and her rates are still inflated with no reduction in sight.”
An at-fault collision will factor into your premiums for years, but there is relief coming, explains Anne Marie.
“Each at-fault collision will factor into the premiums your wife pays for six years. Her son’s December 2014 collision will no longer impact her rate in December 2020, and her collision, in December 2015, will stop being a factor come December 2021. As each falls off her history, I would encourage you to suggest to her to shop her rate as a new lower premium may be available as her insurance history clears up.”
- Related Question: My Sister Got in An Accident in My Car. Will the Claim Affect My Insurance or Hers?
At-fault collisions can be costly, but some insurers are more forgiving than others. Compare auto insurance quotes to find your lowest rates. At InsuranceHotline.com you can easily compare quotes from more than 30 insurance providers in one go to make sure you’re getting the best price for your coverage.
