Does your insurance premium increase after a hit-and-run claim? Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is stressful enough without worrying about your insurance rates skyrocketing. The good news is that Tennessee law generally protects victims from premium increases when they’re not at fault for an accident, including hit-and-run incidents.
In this blog post, Knoxville attorney Tim Elrod and the professionals at OEB Law will discuss whether your insurance premium increases after a hit-and-run claim in Tennessee.
In general, your insurance premium does not increase after a hit-and-run claim, as long as you are the victim. Your insurance premium generally should not increase since you’re not at fault. Tennessee law prohibits insurers from raising rates for not-at-fault accidents. However, multiple claims or loss of claim-free discounts may still affect your rates depending on your insurer’s specific policies.
Key Takeaways:
- Tennessee law prohibits insurance companies from increasing premiums for accidents where you are not at fault, including hit-and-run incidents.
- Hit-and-run claims are typically covered under uninsured motorist or collision coverage, which generally don’t trigger rate increases for not-at-fault victims.
- Multiple claims or losing claim-free discounts may still impact your rates, even if individual incidents were not your fault.
To Discuss Your Home Sale or Purchase, Call or Text Today and Start Packing!
Does My Insurance Premium Increase After a Hit and Run Claim?
The short answer is no – your insurance premium should not increase after filing a hit-and-run claim in Tennessee if you are not at fault for the accident. This protection exists because Tennessee follows specific regulations that prevent insurance companies from penalizing drivers for accidents they didn’t cause.
When you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you’re considered not at fault by default since the other driver illegally fled the scene.
Tennessee law explicitly prohibits insurers from raising your rates for accidents where you bear no responsibility. This means that filing a claim after being struck by a hit-and-run driver should not result in higher premiums at your next renewal.
Knoxville attorney Tim Elrod states,
“The key principle in Tennessee is that victims shouldn’t be financially punished twice – once by the hit-and-run driver and again through increased insurance costs. State regulations are designed to protect innocent drivers from premium increases when they’ve done nothing wrong.”
Most insurance companies treat hit-and-run claims as either uninsured motorist claims or collision claims, depending on your coverage.
Since these claims stem from not-at-fault incidents, they typically don’t trigger the same rate increases associated with at-fault accidents like speeding violations or rear-end collisions you cause.
Understanding Your Coverage Options
When dealing with a hit-and-run accident in Tennessee, you have several coverage options that can help pay for damages without affecting your premium:
- Uninsured motorist coverage: Hit-and-run drivers are treated as uninsured drivers under Tennessee law, making this coverage particularly valuable for both property damage and bodily injuries.
- Collision coverage: Covers vehicle damage regardless of fault and maintains your not-at-fault status for hit-and-run incidents.
- Tennessee’s mandatory uninsured motorist property damage: Required coverage with a $200 deductible specifically designed for situations where you can’t identify the at-fault driver.
Each of these options provides crucial financial protection while preserving your premium rates, since you’re not considered at fault for the accident.
Potential Exceptions to Consider
While Tennessee law protects most hit-and-run victims from premium increases, there are some exceptions worth understanding:
- Multiple claims history: Insurance companies may implement rate increases if you have several claims within a short period, even if they’re not-at-fault incidents.
- Loss of discounts: You might lose good driver discounts or claim-free bonuses that you’ve earned over time.
- Insurer-specific policies: Each company uses different algorithms that consider the overall frequency of claims, not just fault determination.
Tim Elrod notes,
“While the law protects against direct premium increases for not-at-fault accidents, insurance companies have other ways to adjust rates based on claims history. It’s important to understand your specific policy terms and how your insurer handles multiple claims.”
A pattern of multiple claims, even not-at-fault ones, might signal higher risk to some insurers. Some insurance companies are more lenient with not-at-fault claims, while others may implement subtle rate adjustments through discount removal or risk reclassification.
What Steps Can You Take to Protect Yourself?
To minimize any potential impact on your insurance rates after a hit-and-run accident, follow these essential steps:
- Document everything: File a police report immediately, gather witness statements, and take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any evidence about the fleeing vehicle.
- Contact your insurer immediately: Report the claim quickly while emphasizing that you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
- Provide supporting documentation: Submit the police report number, witness information, and all evidence supporting your not-at-fault status.
- Keep detailed records: Document all communications with your insurance company regarding the hit-and-run claim.
If your insurer attempts to raise your rates despite Tennessee’s protective laws, you may need this documentation to challenge the increase.
Consider shopping around for insurance if you experience rate increases after multiple not-at-fault claims. Different companies have varying approaches to risk assessment, and you might find better rates elsewhere.
How Can You Move Forward After a Hit-and-Run?
Being victimized by a hit-and-run driver is challenging, but understanding Tennessee’s insurance laws can provide peace of mind about your financial future. The state’s protections for not-at-fault drivers mean you can file necessary claims without fear of long-term rate consequences.
Remember that protecting yourself financially is just as important as recovering from the physical and emotional impact of the accident. Work with experienced professionals who understand both Tennessee insurance law and your rights as a hit-and-run victim to ensure you receive fair treatment from your insurance company.
Tim Elrod emphasizes,
“The most important thing for hit-and-run victims to remember is that they have rights under Tennessee law, and insurance companies cannot legally penalize them for accidents they didn’t cause. Don’t let fear of rate increases prevent you from filing legitimate claims for damages you’ve suffered.”
While every situation is unique, Tennessee’s consumer protections are generally strong, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than worrying about future insurance costs.
Why Choose OEB Law for Your Car Accident Settlement
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Tennessee, understanding the cause is crucial to establishing liability and securing fair compensation. The Knoxville attorneys at OEB Law have extensive experience investigating 18-wheeler semi-truck accident cases and identifying the complex factors that contribute to these crashes.
Our team works with accident reconstruction specialists, trucking industry experts, and investigators to determine exactly what caused your accident and who should be held responsible. We have the knowledge and resources to identify violations of federal regulations, hours-of-service rules, maintenance requirements, and other factors that strengthen your claim.
Using our personal injury settlement calculator, we can help you understand the potential value of your claim based on the specific circumstances of your case, including the causes and resulting injuries.
Who is OEB Law and Why Are They Good for the Community?
Founded in 2004 in Knoxville, Tennessee, OEB Law has grown over nearly two decades to now serve clients across multiple states. Tim Elrod established the firm with a simple but powerful mission: We care and we help people. Today, together with attorneys Michael Bernard, Billy Sivyer, Gena Lewis, and Logan Wade, our team brings over 50 years of combined experience representing clients throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, the Carolinas, and Georgia in personal injury and criminal defense cases.
Our Legal Expertise
Our attorneys have built their reputation through:
- Successfully representing thousands of personal injury and criminal defense clients.
- Developing specialized knowledge across all types of accident and injury cases.
- Mastering the complexities of Tennessee’s legal system through decades of practice.
Why Trust Us
At OEB Law, our reputation speaks for itself:
- Proven Results: We’ve recovered significant compensation for our clients through both settlements and courtroom verdicts.
- Client Satisfaction: Our numerous 5-star Google Reviews showcase our commitment to responsive, caring, and effective legal representation.
- No Fee Unless We Win: You don’t pay attorney fees unless we successfully secure compensation in your case.
- Local Knowledge: As East Tennessee natives, we understand our community and care deeply about the people we serve.
- Personalized Approach: We personalize each case to meet our clients’ specific needs, ensuring you’re never just another file number.
Community Commitment
Our dedication extends beyond the courtroom. We proudly support:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee Valley programs and toy drives
- Local high school football programs through Rivalry Thursday sponsorships
- The Knoxville Ice Bears and community fundraising initiatives
- Numerous youth, student, and community organizations throughout East Tennessee
As Tim Elrod says, “We don’t just take—we give back because the people you’re giving back to are the people who are supporting your firm.“
Have a personal injury or criminal defense case? We’re available 24/7 to help. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Get In Touch
- Call or Text: (865) 546-1111
- Visit: https://oeblawtn.com/
- Available: Standing by 24/7
Why OEB Law? Because They’re Good For The Community.
TEXT or CALL (865) 546-1111 for HELP NOW. Standing By 24/7.
Frequently Asked Question
You should call the police, file an accident report, and seek medical attention if needed. Reporting the incident and gathering evidence will help support your insurance claim and protect your rights.
