How much does your rate go up with Auto Insurance when you hit someone? I had 2 incidents this year.?

Question

I filed a small claim in April 2007 for total damages about $1500. There was no damage to my car but I hit my babysitters car who was doubleparked in front of my townhouse. Now I just hit someone else and the estimate is about $1000 for his bumper. I'm wondering if it is worth it to go through my insurance and have another claim against me or if I should just handle it out of packet? My insurance fro the year now is very good only $1062. But for some reason this is a bad year for me. I have 2 kids (1 with autism) that is always driving me crazy while I drive . I don't want to hurt myself by going through insurance. Thanks

Answer 1

if you can afford to pay out of pocket do it.  you will be paying more in the next 3 yrs for higher premiums than $1000.

Answer 2

I'd pay the$1,000.  Generally, most insurance companies will indeed surcharge you for accidents and it will most often take about 5 years for the accident / traffic violation history to' wash off' your policy. That being said, do what you gotta do. If money is tight right now, place a claim.  Under certain circumstances it lessens the load to pay in smaller monthly payments than it is to pay one larger lump sum.

Also, a good resource is...

http://www.surveyland.org/jump.php?link=...

Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

probably about 10 to 20% more for the first year and then it will drop the second and third year.  Some companies only apply the surcharge for 2 years.