Consumers periodically have to make the decision on whether or not to make an auto insurance claim in certain states, where filing just one claim worth more than $2,000 could cause rates to jump by more than 40%. A recent Quadrant study suggests that insurance rate increases vary widely state by state, though some face jumps of nearly 70%. Massachusetts led the nation in rate increases, where drivers experience an average 67% increase in premiums after filing a claim of more than $2,000. The state was followed closely by California, with a 62% increase, New Jersey (59%), North Carolina (47%) and Minnesota (45%). The rate increases varied slightly for bodily injury claims related to auto accidents, though the same states led the pack with jumps ranging from 49% in Minnesota to 73% in Massachusetts.
Maryland drivers are the luckiest, according to the NAIC data, experiencing just a 20% increase after filing a claim. Georgia drivers can expect an increase between 29%-32%.
It is recommended that consumers need to do a careful analysis when making claims, especially if the claim is under $1,000.
If you have experienced rate increases, please contact us at 770-497-9400 or at larrytalbert@talbertservices.com to see if we can reduce your premium.
