After an accident, many drivers worry about sudden spikes in their auto insurance rates, and some fear they will even be dropped. Fortunately, the rates you agreed to are locked in for the duration of your policy — but what about when it's time to renew? You might be surprised to find that filing an auto insurance claim won't automatically result in skyrocketing rates. So how does it affect your insurance?

Fault Matters

Insurers know some accidents are unavoidable, especially those caused by someone else's negligence. While you should be expected to take responsibility for accidents you cause, if someone else hits you, the insurance company might quote a slightly higher premium or could decide not to increase your premiums at all.

Small Claims & Insurance Rates

Whether you've filed a claim in the past may be less important than how much the insurance company had to pay out. Obviously, fender benders that only cause a few hundred dollars worth of damage are not going to impact your auto insurance rates as much as an accident where a vehicle was completely totaled.

Your Insurance Agent Will Help

If your rates go up, your insurance agent may be able to help minimize the damage to your auto insurance premiums by making sure you get every discount you can qualify for. For instance, many insurers offer lower rates to drivers who take defensive driving classes at an approved traffic school. In many states, completing these courses can take points off of your license, potentially lowering your premiums even further.

Since 1960, the independent agents at Kramer-Myers & Werring-Dickerson Insurance have helped drivers throughout the Batavia, OH, area find auto insurance policies perfectly tailored to their needs. Visit their website to learn more about their car insurance options, or call (513) 732-1461 to make an appointment today. You can also connect with their team on Facebook.