High-value questions

Will My Insurance Go Up After a Claim? Claim Type Matters

By YesWeSure EditorialReviewed October 9, 2026Editorial standardsSources

Short answer

It depends on the claim type. At-fault collision claims often raise rates at renewal. Not-at-fault collision, comprehensive, glass, and UM/UIM claims usually do not, though carrier rules and claim frequency still matter. Some states (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California) restrict or structure surcharges for not-at-fault losses, and Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina effectively require zero-deductible glass repair without rate consequence. Published surcharge percentages vary too much by carrier, state, and filed rating plan to quote a reliable national number.¹²

What determines whether your rate moves

Fault. At-fault is the single biggest driver of surcharges. A clearly not-at-fault claim is typically not chargeable, and in several states cannot be used to surcharge³⁶.
Line of coverage. Comprehensive and UM/UIM claims generally have less rate impact than collision claims, especially at-fault collision.
Frequency. Even non-chargeable claims can affect renewal underwriting if several are filed in a short window. Carriers assess frequency alongside severity.
State law. Some states define chargeability by statute (Massachusetts SDIP), some prohibit certain surcharges (NY section 2335, NJ), and California restricts rating-plan factors via Proposition 103.
Carrier filed rating plan. Within state rules, each carrier files its own surcharge table and chargeability thresholds with the DOI. Two carriers in the same state can treat the same claim differently.

The claim-type matrix

Rate impact at renewal is best read as a function of claim type rather than claim size. The matrix below summarizes directional treatment at mainstream U.S. carriers. State law, carrier rating plan, and claim frequency can shift any individual outcome.

Claim type	Likely rate impact	Why
At-fault collision	Often raises rates	Most carriers apply a surcharge at renewal for a chargeable at-fault accident. The size and duration of the surcharge vary by state, carrier, and the carrier's filed rating plan. Massachusetts's SDIP, for example, applies state-defined driver points rather than a free-form carrier surcharge; other states let carriers file their own rules within DOI oversight.
Not-at-fault collision	Usually no rate impact (varies)	A clearly not-at-fault claim typically does not produce a chargeable surcharge, especially in states with anti-surcharge statutes such as New York (Insurance Law section 2335) and New Jersey. Carriers can still consider claim frequency across a driver's record when deciding renewal and placement, even for not-at-fault losses.
Comprehensive: vandalism, theft	May or may not	Single comp claims for vandalism or theft typically have minimal renewal impact at mainstream carriers. Multiple comp claims within a short window can affect how a carrier underwrites the renewal or tiers the risk, even without any single claim being chargeable.
Comprehensive: hail, flood, wind, weather	Usually no rate impact	Weather losses are generally treated as acts of nature outside the driver's control. Widespread catastrophe events (hail swarms, hurricanes) are typically excluded from individual-rate consideration, though they can affect territory-wide base rates over time.
Glass or windshield claim	Usually no rate impact	Standalone glass claims are the lowest-impact loss type at most carriers. In Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, state statutes effectively require zero-deductible glass treatment for comprehensive policies, meaning drivers can repair or replace a windshield at no out-of-pocket cost and generally without rate effect.
Theft of whole vehicle	Depends on state and carrier	Total theft is covered under comprehensive, which is a non-fault line. Most carriers do not surcharge the covered driver for a single theft loss. Carrier filed rules and territory-level theft frequency can still affect renewal placement and base rate.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim	Usually no rate impact for the victim	You were the victim, and the carrier typically pursues recovery against the UM/UIM pool or the at-fault party. State anti-surcharge statutes commonly protect UM/UIM claimants from chargeability. Some carriers can still consider the claim in frequency-based renewal review.

We do not quote fixed surcharge percentages. Published national averages vary widely by methodology, source, and the carriers surveyed, and they cannot predict what your carrier in your state on your filed rating plan will do. Pull your own renewal and compare it to the prior term for the honest number.

Worked example (hypothetical)

The following is a hypothetical illustration, not a specific case:

Driver A, at-fault collision. Rear- ends another car. Carrier opens a claim, pays the other driver’s property damage under liability, and pays Driver A’s own repair under collision. At renewal, the carrier assesses a surcharge per its filed rating plan. The surcharge typically lasts for a defined chargeability period and then falls off.
Driver B, not-at-fault collision in New York. Rear-ended at a light. Carrier pays Driver B’s repair under collision and pursues subrogation against the at-fault driver’s carrier. New York Insurance Law section 2335 prohibits a surcharge for a clearly not-at-fault accident; Driver B’s rate does not reflect a surcharge at renewal³.
Driver C, comprehensive hail claim. Localized hailstorm damages the roof and hood. Carrier pays comprehensive. The claim is weather-related and typically does not produce a rate surcharge; territory base rates could rise if the storm is widespread, but that would affect every policyholder in the area, not Driver C specifically.
Driver D, windshield replacement in Florida. Chip spreads into a crack; glass replacement is required. Under Florida Statutes section 627.7288, the comprehensive deductible does not apply to windshield repair or replacement. Driver D pays nothing out of pocket, and the claim does not typically affect rate⁷.

Each example is directional. Carrier filed plans, specific endorsements such as accident forgiveness, and the driver’s prior claim history can each shift the outcome.

Accident forgiveness and first-claim treatment

Most mainstream carriers offer some form of accident forgiveness, either as a purchased endorsement, a loyalty-earned benefit, or a built-in program feature. How it works varies:

Earned forgiveness. After a defined period of clean driving with the carrier (often three to five years), the first at-fault accident does not trigger a surcharge.
Purchased forgiveness. Pay an endorsement premium up-front; the first at-fault accident is forgiven regardless of tenure.
Not portable between carriers. Forgiveness earned at your current carrier does not transfer when you switch. A new carrier sees the accident on your record (via CLUE) and prices accordingly.
One-per-household vs one-per-policy. Program terms vary. Read the endorsement.

See accident forgiveness coverage for program variations and when it is worth buying.

The CLUE report and the 5 to 7 year window

LexisNexis C.L.U.E. (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is the industry’s shared auto-claim history database. Carriers typically pull a CLUE report when quoting a new policy. Three practical consequences:

Claims stick for about 5 to 7 years. Retention varies by state and claim type. Not-at- fault claims are retained alongside at-fault; the new carrier sees both⁸.
Both reported-only and formally-paid claims can appear. Even a notice-only report can appear on CLUE at some carriers.
You can order your own CLUE report. It is free annually under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Review it before shopping a new policy so you know what prospective carriers will see.

Chargeable vs non-chargeable: how states define it

State frameworks vary. Three archetypes:

Statutorily structured plans (MA SDIP). Massachusetts’s Safe Driver Insurance Plan defines a state-filed point system. Accidents and violations receive points, and carriers surcharge against those points under a prescribed formula. Carriers cannot free-form their own surcharge in Massachusetts⁴.
Anti-surcharge-for-not-at-fault statutes (NY, NJ). New York Insurance Law section 2335 expressly prohibits surcharges for not-at-fault accidents meeting defined criteria. New Jersey has comparable rules³⁶.
Prior-approval rating with restricted factors (CA). California’s Proposition 103 requires carriers to file rating plans with the DOI and restricts which factors can be used. Surcharges exist but must fit within the filed plan⁵.

In most other states, carriers file their own rating plans with DOI oversight. Chargeability thresholds (sometimes a dollar amount, sometimes an injury trigger) are inside those filings.

What changes the answer

Multiple claims in a short window. Frequency drives underwriting review at renewal even on non-chargeable losses. Two comp claims in a year can affect placement at some carriers.
Severity. A high-severity at-fault accident is treated differently from a low-severity fender-bender under some rating plans. Severity can extend the chargeability period.
Driver history. A first-time at-fault with a long clean record is often treated more favorably than the same accident on top of prior violations.
Policy tenure. Longer tenure often earns loyalty-based discounts that offset part of a surcharge; it does not erase one.
Carrier switch. If you shop a new carrier after a claim, the new carrier sees the claim on CLUE but uses its own rating plan to price it. Rates can be better or worse than your renewal.
Vehicle changes. Trading to a less expensive-to-insure vehicle at renewal can offset part of a surcharge.

Exceptions and edge cases

Catastrophe weather events. Widespread hurricane or hail events are commonly excluded from individual-rate consideration by state DOI order or carrier practice. Base rates for the territory may still rise.
Partial-fault accidents. In comparative-fault states, a shared-fault claim can be treated as partially chargeable or fully non- chargeable depending on carrier rules and the apportionment percentage. See at-fault accident.
Hit-and-run. Treated as not-at-fault in most states but may fall under collision or UMPD depending on your policy. See accident not at fault.
Driver named on claim but not on policy. A permitted driver’s at-fault accident is typically treated as the policy’s claim and can affect renewal, though some carriers apply different rules for drivers not listed on the policy.
Claims closed without payment. Carriers vary on whether a reported-only or closed- without-payment claim affects rate. In some states and at some carriers, there is no rate effect for zero-payment claims; others apply frequency-based treatment regardless of payment.

If your rate rises, shop

A surcharge at renewal is not permanent and not universal. Three steps:

Compare quotes at the same coverage. Rate consequence varies by carrier. A new carrier may price your post-claim profile below your current carrier’s surcharged renewal, or may price it higher. The only way to know is to shop.
Order your CLUE report first. So you know what the new carrier will see. Dispute any inaccuracies with LexisNexis before quoting.
Ask about forgiveness and discounts. A new carrier may offer earned forgiveness, bundling discounts with home insurance, or a safe-driver program that offsets part of the surcharge.

For a broader cost framework, see car insurance cost after an accident and how long does an accident stay on your record.

Already got a surcharge letter at renewal? Shop a few carriers at the same coverage before you accept the renewal rate.

Compare car insurance quotes

YesWeSure may receive compensation when readers use quote-comparison links. See our advertiser disclosure and editorial standards.

Methodology

This guide draws on NAIC consumer guidance, Insurance Information Institute rating explainers, New York DFS and Insurance Law section 2335, the Massachusetts Safe Driver Insurance Plan, California Insurance Code (Proposition 103 implementation), New Jersey DOBI guidance, Florida Statutes section 627.7288 on windshield deductibles, and LexisNexis C.L.U.E. consumer disclosure. We deliberately do not quote national surcharge percentages: published figures vary widely by survey methodology, state coverage, and carrier mix, and they cannot predict what your filed rating plan does. Where sources diverge on how frequency affects not-at-fault treatment, we surface the variance rather than paper over it. Last reviewed October 9, 2026.

Sources

NAIC: A Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance (how rating works, the role of claim history, and the limits of what filing a claim can imply) (National Association of Insurance Commissioners)
Insurance Information Institute: What determines the price of an auto insurance policy (rating factors, claim-history treatment, carrier variance) (Insurance Information Institute)
New York Insurance Law section 2335: Prohibits rate surcharges for not-at-fault accidents and limits chargeability for certain qualifying claims. Enforced by the New York Department of Financial Services (New York Department of Financial Services)
Massachusetts Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP): State-filed surcharge framework that defines chargeable vs non-chargeable accidents and tiered driver points (Massachusetts Division of Insurance)
California Insurance Code (Proposition 103 implementation): Restricts the use of certain rating factors and requires prior approval of rating plans by the California Department of Insurance (California Department of Insurance)
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance: Guidance on surcharge limitations for not-at-fault accidents under New Jersey law (New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance)
Florida Statutes section 627.7288: Comprehensive deductible may not be applied to windshield glass repair or replacement, effectively zero-deductible for glass. Kentucky and South Carolina have similar statutory treatment (Florida Department of Financial Services)
LexisNexis C.L.U.E. Auto consumer disclosure: Claim history retained for 5 to 7 years and reviewed by future carriers at quote (LexisNexis Risk Solutions)

Rate rules are state- and carrier-specific. Statutes and filed rating plans change; confirm with your state DOI and your carrier’s current filings before relying on a specific outcome. Last reviewed October 9, 2026.

Will My Insurance Go Up After a Claim? Claim Type Matters

By YesWeSure EditorialReviewed October 9, 2026Editorial standardsSources

Short answer

What determines whether your rate moves

Fault. At-fault is the single biggest driver of surcharges. A clearly not-at-fault claim is typically not chargeable, and in several states cannot be used to surcharge³⁶.
Line of coverage. Comprehensive and UM/UIM claims generally have less rate impact than collision claims, especially at-fault collision.
Frequency. Even non-chargeable claims can affect renewal underwriting if several are filed in a short window. Carriers assess frequency alongside severity.
State law. Some states define chargeability by statute (Massachusetts SDIP), some prohibit certain surcharges (NY section 2335, NJ), and California restricts rating-plan factors via Proposition 103.
Carrier filed rating plan. Within state rules, each carrier files its own surcharge table and chargeability thresholds with the DOI. Two carriers in the same state can treat the same claim differently.

The claim-type matrix

Claim type	Likely rate impact	Why
At-fault collision	Often raises rates	Most carriers apply a surcharge at renewal for a chargeable at-fault accident. The size and duration of the surcharge vary by state, carrier, and the carrier's filed rating plan. Massachusetts's SDIP, for example, applies state-defined driver points rather than a free-form carrier surcharge; other states let carriers file their own rules within DOI oversight.
Not-at-fault collision	Usually no rate impact (varies)	A clearly not-at-fault claim typically does not produce a chargeable surcharge, especially in states with anti-surcharge statutes such as New York (Insurance Law section 2335) and New Jersey. Carriers can still consider claim frequency across a driver's record when deciding renewal and placement, even for not-at-fault losses.
Comprehensive: vandalism, theft	May or may not	Single comp claims for vandalism or theft typically have minimal renewal impact at mainstream carriers. Multiple comp claims within a short window can affect how a carrier underwrites the renewal or tiers the risk, even without any single claim being chargeable.
Comprehensive: hail, flood, wind, weather	Usually no rate impact	Weather losses are generally treated as acts of nature outside the driver's control. Widespread catastrophe events (hail swarms, hurricanes) are typically excluded from individual-rate consideration, though they can affect territory-wide base rates over time.
Glass or windshield claim	Usually no rate impact	Standalone glass claims are the lowest-impact loss type at most carriers. In Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, state statutes effectively require zero-deductible glass treatment for comprehensive policies, meaning drivers can repair or replace a windshield at no out-of-pocket cost and generally without rate effect.
Theft of whole vehicle	Depends on state and carrier	Total theft is covered under comprehensive, which is a non-fault line. Most carriers do not surcharge the covered driver for a single theft loss. Carrier filed rules and territory-level theft frequency can still affect renewal placement and base rate.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim	Usually no rate impact for the victim	You were the victim, and the carrier typically pursues recovery against the UM/UIM pool or the at-fault party. State anti-surcharge statutes commonly protect UM/UIM claimants from chargeability. Some carriers can still consider the claim in frequency-based renewal review.

Worked example (hypothetical)

The following is a hypothetical illustration, not a specific case:

Driver A, at-fault collision. Rear- ends another car. Carrier opens a claim, pays the other driver’s property damage under liability, and pays Driver A’s own repair under collision. At renewal, the carrier assesses a surcharge per its filed rating plan. The surcharge typically lasts for a defined chargeability period and then falls off.
Driver B, not-at-fault collision in New York. Rear-ended at a light. Carrier pays Driver B’s repair under collision and pursues subrogation against the at-fault driver’s carrier. New York Insurance Law section 2335 prohibits a surcharge for a clearly not-at-fault accident; Driver B’s rate does not reflect a surcharge at renewal³.
Driver C, comprehensive hail claim. Localized hailstorm damages the roof and hood. Carrier pays comprehensive. The claim is weather-related and typically does not produce a rate surcharge; territory base rates could rise if the storm is widespread, but that would affect every policyholder in the area, not Driver C specifically.
Driver D, windshield replacement in Florida. Chip spreads into a crack; glass replacement is required. Under Florida Statutes section 627.7288, the comprehensive deductible does not apply to windshield repair or replacement. Driver D pays nothing out of pocket, and the claim does not typically affect rate⁷.

Each example is directional. Carrier filed plans, specific endorsements such as accident forgiveness, and the driver’s prior claim history can each shift the outcome.

Accident forgiveness and first-claim treatment

Most mainstream carriers offer some form of accident forgiveness, either as a purchased endorsement, a loyalty-earned benefit, or a built-in program feature. How it works varies:

Earned forgiveness. After a defined period of clean driving with the carrier (often three to five years), the first at-fault accident does not trigger a surcharge.
Purchased forgiveness. Pay an endorsement premium up-front; the first at-fault accident is forgiven regardless of tenure.
Not portable between carriers. Forgiveness earned at your current carrier does not transfer when you switch. A new carrier sees the accident on your record (via CLUE) and prices accordingly.
One-per-household vs one-per-policy. Program terms vary. Read the endorsement.

See accident forgiveness coverage for program variations and when it is worth buying.

The CLUE report and the 5 to 7 year window

Claims stick for about 5 to 7 years. Retention varies by state and claim type. Not-at- fault claims are retained alongside at-fault; the new carrier sees both⁸.
Both reported-only and formally-paid claims can appear. Even a notice-only report can appear on CLUE at some carriers.
You can order your own CLUE report. It is free annually under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Review it before shopping a new policy so you know what prospective carriers will see.

Chargeable vs non-chargeable: how states define it

State frameworks vary. Three archetypes:

Statutorily structured plans (MA SDIP). Massachusetts’s Safe Driver Insurance Plan defines a state-filed point system. Accidents and violations receive points, and carriers surcharge against those points under a prescribed formula. Carriers cannot free-form their own surcharge in Massachusetts⁴.
Anti-surcharge-for-not-at-fault statutes (NY, NJ). New York Insurance Law section 2335 expressly prohibits surcharges for not-at-fault accidents meeting defined criteria. New Jersey has comparable rules³⁶.
Prior-approval rating with restricted factors (CA). California’s Proposition 103 requires carriers to file rating plans with the DOI and restricts which factors can be used. Surcharges exist but must fit within the filed plan⁵.

In most other states, carriers file their own rating plans with DOI oversight. Chargeability thresholds (sometimes a dollar amount, sometimes an injury trigger) are inside those filings.

What changes the answer

Multiple claims in a short window. Frequency drives underwriting review at renewal even on non-chargeable losses. Two comp claims in a year can affect placement at some carriers.
Severity. A high-severity at-fault accident is treated differently from a low-severity fender-bender under some rating plans. Severity can extend the chargeability period.
Driver history. A first-time at-fault with a long clean record is often treated more favorably than the same accident on top of prior violations.
Policy tenure. Longer tenure often earns loyalty-based discounts that offset part of a surcharge; it does not erase one.
Carrier switch. If you shop a new carrier after a claim, the new carrier sees the claim on CLUE but uses its own rating plan to price it. Rates can be better or worse than your renewal.
Vehicle changes. Trading to a less expensive-to-insure vehicle at renewal can offset part of a surcharge.

Exceptions and edge cases

Catastrophe weather events. Widespread hurricane or hail events are commonly excluded from individual-rate consideration by state DOI order or carrier practice. Base rates for the territory may still rise.
Partial-fault accidents. In comparative-fault states, a shared-fault claim can be treated as partially chargeable or fully non- chargeable depending on carrier rules and the apportionment percentage. See at-fault accident.
Hit-and-run. Treated as not-at-fault in most states but may fall under collision or UMPD depending on your policy. See accident not at fault.
Driver named on claim but not on policy. A permitted driver’s at-fault accident is typically treated as the policy’s claim and can affect renewal, though some carriers apply different rules for drivers not listed on the policy.
Claims closed without payment. Carriers vary on whether a reported-only or closed- without-payment claim affects rate. In some states and at some carriers, there is no rate effect for zero-payment claims; others apply frequency-based treatment regardless of payment.

If your rate rises, shop

A surcharge at renewal is not permanent and not universal. Three steps:

Compare quotes at the same coverage. Rate consequence varies by carrier. A new carrier may price your post-claim profile below your current carrier’s surcharged renewal, or may price it higher. The only way to know is to shop.
Order your CLUE report first. So you know what the new carrier will see. Dispute any inaccuracies with LexisNexis before quoting.
Ask about forgiveness and discounts. A new carrier may offer earned forgiveness, bundling discounts with home insurance, or a safe-driver program that offsets part of the surcharge.

For a broader cost framework, see car insurance cost after an accident and how long does an accident stay on your record.

Already got a surcharge letter at renewal? Shop a few carriers at the same coverage before you accept the renewal rate.

Compare car insurance quotes

YesWeSure may receive compensation when readers use quote-comparison links. See our advertiser disclosure and editorial standards.

Methodology

Sources

NAIC: A Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance (how rating works, the role of claim history, and the limits of what filing a claim can imply) (National Association of Insurance Commissioners)
Insurance Information Institute: What determines the price of an auto insurance policy (rating factors, claim-history treatment, carrier variance) (Insurance Information Institute)
New York Insurance Law section 2335: Prohibits rate surcharges for not-at-fault accidents and limits chargeability for certain qualifying claims. Enforced by the New York Department of Financial Services (New York Department of Financial Services)
Massachusetts Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP): State-filed surcharge framework that defines chargeable vs non-chargeable accidents and tiered driver points (Massachusetts Division of Insurance)
California Insurance Code (Proposition 103 implementation): Restricts the use of certain rating factors and requires prior approval of rating plans by the California Department of Insurance (California Department of Insurance)
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance: Guidance on surcharge limitations for not-at-fault accidents under New Jersey law (New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance)
Florida Statutes section 627.7288: Comprehensive deductible may not be applied to windshield glass repair or replacement, effectively zero-deductible for glass. Kentucky and South Carolina have similar statutory treatment (Florida Department of Financial Services)
LexisNexis C.L.U.E. Auto consumer disclosure: Claim history retained for 5 to 7 years and reviewed by future carriers at quote (LexisNexis Risk Solutions)

Will My Insurance Go Up After a Claim? Claim Type Matters

The claim-type matrix

Worked example (hypothetical)

Accident forgiveness and first-claim treatment

The CLUE report and the 5 to 7 year window

Chargeable vs non-chargeable: how states define it

What changes the answer

Exceptions and edge cases

If your rate rises, shop

Methodology

Sources

Related reading

Will My Insurance Go Up After a Claim? Claim Type Matters

The claim-type matrix

Worked example (hypothetical)

Accident forgiveness and first-claim treatment

The CLUE report and the 5 to 7 year window

Chargeable vs non-chargeable: how states define it

What changes the answer

Exceptions and edge cases

If your rate rises, shop

Methodology

Sources

Related reading

The claim-type matrix

Worked example (hypothetical)

Accident forgiveness and first-claim treatment

The CLUE report and the 5 to 7 year window

Chargeable vs non-chargeable: how states define it

What changes the answer

Exceptions and edge cases

If your rate rises, shop

Related high-intent questions

Methodology

Sources

Related reading

The claim-type matrix

Worked example (hypothetical)

Accident forgiveness and first-claim treatment

The CLUE report and the 5 to 7 year window

Chargeable vs non-chargeable: how states define it

What changes the answer

Exceptions and edge cases

If your rate rises, shop

Related high-intent questions

Methodology

Sources

Related reading