Will Filing a Personal Injury Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?
One of the first questions people ask after a car accident is:
“If I file a personal injury claim, will my insurance rates go up?”
It’s a valid concern. You’re already dealing with medical bills, vehicle damage, and missed work. The last thing you want is higher premiums on top of everything else.
The answer, like many legal questions, depends on the situation—but in many cases, the fear of rising insurance rates keeps people from pursuing compensation they’re legally entitled to.
Let’s break it down.
If the Accident Was Not Your Fault
In Ohio, if another driver caused the crash, your personal injury claim is typically filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy—not yours.
When you make a third-party claim (meaning against someone else’s insurer), your own insurance company is not paying the settlement. In general, that means:
- Filing a claim against the at-fault driver does not automatically raise your premiums
- You are exercising your legal right to seek compensation
- The other driver’s insurer is financially responsible
Insurance companies base rate increases primarily on fault, risk profile, and claims history where the insured driver is responsible.
What If You Use Your Own Insurance?
There are situations where your own coverage may come into play, such as:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) claims
- Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage
- Collision coverage for vehicle repairs
In these cases, you are using coverage you paid for. While insurance companies technically can adjust premiums after claims activity, rate increases are far more common when a driver is found at fault for causing an accident.
Simply being injured in a crash caused by someone else does not automatically label you as a high-risk driver.
Why People Hesitate to File a Claim
Many injured drivers think:
- “I don’t want my insurance involved.”
- “I don’t want my rates to spike.”
- “Maybe I should just handle this privately.”
Unfortunately, trying to “handle it privately” can leave you stuck with medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, and lost wages.
Insurance exists for situations exactly like this. If another driver caused your injuries, you have the legal right to pursue compensation without feeling guilty or worried about retaliation through rate increases.
What Actually Causes Insurance Rates to Rise?
Insurance companies typically increase premiums based on:
- Being at fault in a crash
- Multiple claims in a short period
- Traffic violations (DUIs, speeding tickets, reckless driving)
- Changes in driving history
A personal injury claim filed against an at-fault driver’s insurer is not the same thing as being responsible for a collision.
Commonly Asked Questions
❓ Will my insurance company “punish” me for filing a claim?
If you were not at fault and are filing against the other driver’s insurance, your own company generally has no basis to penalize you. Each insurer has its own underwriting policies, but fault is the key factor.
❓ What if I file a UM/UIM claim under my own policy?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is designed to protect you. While insurers may review claims activity, filing a UM/UIM claim does not automatically result in higher rates—especially if you were not at fault.
❓ Should I avoid filing a claim to keep my premiums low?
Avoiding a claim can cost far more in unpaid medical bills and lost wages than any potential rate adjustment. It’s important to understand your full damages before deciding not to pursue compensation.
❓ How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Ohio?
Ohio has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely.
Don’t Let Fear Cost You Compensation
Insurance companies rely on people being confused or hesitant. But filing a legitimate personal injury claim is not “abusing the system.” It’s using the protection that exists for accident victims.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you shouldn’t carry the financial burden out of fear that your insurance company might react negatively.
At Zaber Law, we help injured Ohio residents understand their rights, evaluate their options, and make informed decisions—without pressure.
If you’re unsure whether filing a claim could affect your insurance rates, it’s worth getting answers before you decide to walk away from compensation you may need.
