Get Insurance After An 'At-Fault' Accident

How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in Texas?

The State of Texas is an "at-fault" state, which means that the person who is at fault in the accident and their car insurance carrier takes full responsibility for the injuries and damages that they cause during the accident. In "no-fault" states, all involved parties in the accident file an insurance claim with their car insurance company before fault is determined. In a "no-fault" state, drivers must purchase medical payments or personal injury protection coverage. These coverages will be paid out to the driver and their passengers, regardless of fault, before and bodily injury coverage can be paid by the at-fault driver's insurance carrier. Since Texas is an "at-fault" state, drivers are not required to carry coverages for their own medical expenses and those of their passengers.

The most important things you can do at the scene of any car accident are to make sure the vehicles are not moved from where they ended up in the collision (if it's safe to do so) and call the police. Whether the local police or the Texas State Police respond to the scene of the accident, the officer will assess the accident at the scene and interview all involved parties and any witnesses who may have seen the accident happen. This greatly helps your insurance company determine whether you were fully at fault in the accident or if some of the fault may fall on the other parties involved.

If the police do not respond to an accident, it will be up to the insurance adjuster your insurance company assigns to the claim and the other parties' insurance companies to determine who was at fault in the accident based on statements from the drivers involved and statements from any witnesses who may have stepped forward at the scene of the accident. This is less dependable than a police report and may put you at a disadvantage if the car accident is not your fault, so always consider calling the police if you are involved in an accident.

What is Covered by My Insurance if I Cause a Car Accident?

The damages covered if you are in an at-fault accident depend on the coverage you purchased in your car insurance policy. Suppose you have a car insurance policy covering only bodily injury liability and property damage in a car accident. In that case, your insurance company will only pay for the injuries and damages you cause to other people and their property in the accident up to the limits you selected on your policy. If those limits are exceeded, you will be fully responsible for the additional cost of the car accident out of your own pocket.

If you purchased collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, the damages to your vehicle in an at-fault accident will be covered by your insurance company once your deductible is satisfied. If you purchased medical payments or personal injury protection on your car insurance policy, the injuries you and any passengers in your car will be covered up to the policy limit you selected.

How Does A-MAX Insurance Support You After an At-Fault Accident?

A-MAX Insurance helps drivers understand how at-fault accidents affect their coverage and insurance costs. For instance, the at-fault driver is responsible for damages and injuries resulting from an accident. For such scenarios, A-MAX Insurance offers auto insurance solutions that are curated for drivers with a wide range of driving histories.

At A-MAX Insurance, we focus on helping you rebuild coverage so that you do not have to face any unnecessary stress. We simplify the process so that you can understand your insurance options clearly. 

What are the Affordable Coverage Options at A-MAX Insurance After an At-Fault Accident?

A-MAX Insurance helps drivers find affordable car insurance for accidents that are at-fault. We help you compare different carriers to find budget-friendly options that are tailored to your unique situation, whether it is comprehensive coverage or commercial auto insurance. 

Even with a driving record that includes an accident, you still get many coverage choices:

• Explore liability, collision, and comprehensive at fault accident insurance coverage options.
• Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers in Texas.
• Learn about deductibles, limits, and payment flexibility.
• Access discounts that may reduce your monthly premium.
• Get guidance from A-MAX insurance agents quickly to get cheap insurance after accident.

Will My Insurance Rates Go Up If I Cause a Car Accident?

If you have a car accident that is your fault, your car insurance rates will more than likely increase when the policy is renewed. Car insurance coverage is rated based on many factors, but a person's driving record and accident history are the biggest ones.

An at-fault car accident indicates that your negligence caused the accident and the resulting injuries to others and damages to their property. Typically, if an accident results in damage to just your vehicle or minor damages to another person's vehicle or other property, an auto insurance company will raise your rates when your policy renews to make sure that they collect enough premium from you to cover a similar accident if it happens again. However, if the at-fault accident causes serious injuries to other people or very expensive damages, your auto insurance carrier may decide that you are too high-risk, and they may not offer a renewal policy for your car insurance coverage.

At-Fault Accident FAQs

Q1. How long does an at fault accident affect an auto insurance policy?

In Texas, meeting with an at-fault accident stays on your record for at least 3 - 5 years and actively affects your car insurance premiums. After this period is over, it will no longer affect your car insurance policy.

Q2. Do I need an SR-22 after having an at-fault accident?

You do not always need an SR-22 after meeting with an at-fault accident. An SR-22 is generally required only if the accident has resulted in a suspension of license, such as driving without insurance or a DUI. If the state requires it, A-MAX can provide quick SR-22 filings to keep you legal on the road. 

Q3. How can I lower my premium while I still have an at-fault accident on my record?

You can actually offset the 'at-fault' surcharge by adjusting your deductible. Or you can also choose to take a state-approved defensive driving course. At A-MAX Insurance, we specialize in finding you the best premium options for high-risk drivers through auto-insurance policies. 

Q4. Can I use my insurance if I cause an at-fault accident in Texas?

A: Texas is an "at-fault" state, which means that if you cause the accident, your insurance company must respond financially for the damages you cause to someone else's property and their medical expenses if you injure them.

Q5. Do auto insurance rates increase after an at-fault accident in Texas?

A: More than likely, if you have a car accident claim in the State of Texas, your car insurance company will increase your insurance premiums at the next renewal of your policy. If you cause serious injuries or damages, your insurance carrier may decide not to offer a renewal of your policy.