Will Your Insurance Rates Go Up If You File a Claim in Georgia?
Hi, I’m Shane Smith from Shane Smith Law.
One of the biggest concerns people have after an accident is this:
👉 “If I use my own insurance, are my rates going to go up?”
In Georgia, the answer is clear in many situations.
What Georgia Law Says
If you were involved in a no-fault accident, Georgia law generally provides that your insurance company cannot raise your rates simply because you used your coverage.
This includes situations where you use:
- Your collision coverage to fix your car
- Your Med Pay (medical payments coverage)
- Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
If the accident was not your fault, using these benefits should not be used against you.
Why People Get Told Otherwise
Despite the law, many people are told by adjusters or agents:
👉 “If you file a claim, your rates might go up.”
There are a few reasons this happens:
- The person may not fully understand the law
- They may be trying to discourage you from filing a claim
- It may be an effort to protect the insurance company’s bottom line
Either way, it can lead to people not using coverage they already paid for.
The Reality: You Paid for This Coverage
Insurance is there for one reason, to protect you when something goes wrong.
If the accident was not your fault, you should not hesitate to:
- Get your car repaired
- Get your medical bills covered
- Use the benefits included in your policy
That is exactly what you pay premiums for.
A Simple Question to Consider
If your insurance company were to raise your rates the first time you used coverage after a no-fault accident, it raises an important question:
👉 Is that a company you want to continue doing business with?
Final Thoughts
Do not let fear or misinformation stop you from using your insurance after an accident that was not your fault.
If you have questions about your rights or how your coverage works, we are here to help.
You can also request our free Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents here:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/car-accident-victim-survival-guide/
And remember, in pain, call Shane at 980-999-9999 or visit:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/
We’re here to make sure you are protected and treated fairly.
