How Do Accidents and Violations Affect Your Premiums?

If you or a member of your family has caused a traffic accident or has been convicted of a serious traffic violation, such as speeding or reckless driving, the price you must pay to obtain auto insurance might be higher. Insurance companies are allowed to increase your premium for automobile accidents where you, a member of your household, or other customary operator of the vehicle were wholly or partially at fault, and for convictions appearing on an insured's driving record. Surcharges may be applied for 36 months. Most insurance companies in Virginia have a "Safe Driver Plan." This means that if you and every driver in your household have had no "at-fault" accidents or convictions, you may qualify for a lower premium. If you and your family do not have a "clean" driving record, you will probably pay more. How much more depends on your particular driving record and the "Safe Driver Plan" of that particular company. The cost of your auto insurance is one more reason to obey all traffic laws and drive safely. Virginia law prohibits an insurance company from increasing your auto insurance premium as a result of your involvement in an auto accident that was not wholly or partially your fault. If you feel that your premium has been increased because of an accident that was not your fault, you may ask the Bureau of Insurance to help you correct this situation.

What Should You Do When You Are Involved in an Accident or Have a Claim?

1. Always, call the police - even if it is an accident where the police do not normally respond. 
2. Obtain information. Secure the name, address, registration number, insurance company name and operator's license
   number of all vehicles and operators involved. 
3. Note the time, date, location, road conditions, make and year of vehicles involved, apparent damage and injuries, and
   your version of what happened. Make a diagram of the accident scene. 
4. Notify your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. 
5. Obtain the names and addresses of all witnesses and individuals involved in the accident. 
6. Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage.
   

If you have a physical damage claim or any other type of claim notify your company promptly. Your agent may be able to help you file the claim. Fill out the forms correctly and completely, and make copies of the forms to keep for yourself.

After the company is informed of your claim they should send you any needed forms and verify your claim. The claim should be paid promptly after the company has received adequate proof of loss. If the company rejects your claim or pays only part of it, you should be given an explanation for the decision.