Learn whether your insurance rates may increase after a car accident in Missouri, what factors insurers consider, and how fault can affect your premiums.
One of the most common questions drivers ask after a crash is: “Will my insurance rates go up?”
The answer depends on several factors, including who was at fault, the severity of the accident, your driving history, and your insurance company’s policies. In many situations, a car accident may lead to higher premiums, but that is not always the case.
Chris Hoffman is an excellent attorney. He is the best above the rest. What makes him different? He communicates promptly - I don't have to leave message after message for him to reach out to me. When I telephone his office, if he doesn't answer the telephone, his assistant does. Chris Hoffman is very attentive and focused. He means business, and he hit the ground running on the cases. I'm so blessed to have him for my attorney.
"Of all the lawyers I have met, this one is a true professional. This attorney goes against the biggest law firms and wins!"
Response from the owner:The compliment is much appreciated. Like every profession, it all starts with training our lawyers to be the best at every aspect of car accident cases. But the foundation of a great case is a great client. Thanks!
I'd say this lawyer is in the top three of the best you'll ever see. Add this attorney to the interview list if you ever get in an automobile accident. This Law Firm is on another level.
Response from the owner:Much appreciated. Techniques that an attorney or any professional uses are paramount for success. This is part of our lawyers training and preparation. It leads to success. Thank you!
People say this is the best car accident lawyer in St.Louis. Yep! Seeing this attorney in action is incredible.
Response from the owner:Great compliment. We work hard to be the best. Our lawyers also work very hard to help other lawyers in our profession. Not matter what, a cases is only as good as the client is. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thanks! Referrals and recommendations from prior car accident clients is our #1 source of cases. People who grew to trust us send family and friends.
The Hoffman law firm is truly professional. After hiring them I was truly relieved and knew I was in good hands. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Being in good hands is important. Many lawyers take cases with little experience and little resources. Our firm specialized decades ago. We are focused exclusively on accident cases.
The lawyers on tv just dont compare for auto accident injury cases. Mr.Hoffmann is as good as they get.
Response from the owner:Thank you. The TV attorneys are just settlement mills. People are hiring a paralegal, not a lawyer. Our law firm is different. You are represented by an attorney and we do not have settlement quotas.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner:TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner:Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner:This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner:Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner:Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner:Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner:Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Why Insurance Rates May Increase After an Accident
Insurance companies determine premiums based on risk. Drivers who are statistically more likely to file claims may be charged higher premiums. When an accident occurs, insurers may view it as evidence that the driver represents a higher future risk. Factors insurers often evaluate include:
The more expensive the claim or the more responsibility assigned to the driver, the more likely premiums may increase.
Does Your Insurance Go Up if the Accident Was Not Your Fault?
If another driver caused the crash, your rates may not increase, but it depends on your insurer and your policy. Many insurance companies do not raise premiums for drivers who were clearly not at fault, especially when the claim is paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance.
However, there are situations where rates could still change, such as:
Multiple claims within a short period
Claims paid through your own policy (such as uninsured motorist coverage)
Company policies that adjust rates after any claim
Each insurer has different guidelines, so the outcome can vary.
What Happens if You Were at Fault for the Accident?
When a driver is found responsible for causing a crash, insurance companies often treat the claim as an “at-fault accident.” At-fault accidents may result in:
Higher insurance premiums
Loss of accident-free discounts
Policy changes at renewal
Possible non-renewal in rare cases
The size of the rate increase may depend on:
The total cost of the claim
Whether injuries were involved
The driver’s previous accident history
A first accident for an otherwise safe driver may have a smaller impact than repeated accidents.
How Much Can Insurance Rates Increase After an Accident?
Premium increases vary widely by insurer and the circumstances of the accident. Some drivers see moderate increases, while others experience larger changes if:
The crash caused significant injuries
There was major property damage
The driver has prior violations or accidents
Insurance companies use internal formulas to calculate risk, so the exact increase can vary by company.
Will Filing a Claim Automatically Raise Your Rates?
Not necessarily. Filing a claim does not always mean your premiums will increase.
Insurance companies may consider:
Whether you were at fault
The type of claim (collision, comprehensive, etc.)
The cost of the claim
For example, claims involving weather damage, theft, or vandalism may be treated differently from collision claims.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, your policy may include uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage may help pay for injuries caused by an uninsured driver. Because the accident was not your fault, rate increases are less common in these situations, though policies vary between insurers.
Should You Report a Minor Accident to Your Insurance Company?
Many drivers wonder whether they should report a minor crash.
In general, it is wise to report accidents when:
Someone was injured
There is significant property damage
Liability is unclear
The other driver plans to file a claim
Failing to report an accident could potentially create complications later if the other driver submits a claim.
Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a crash in St. Louis or the surrounding area, you may have questions about insurance claims, liability, and compensation. The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. has spent more than 25 years focused exclusively on car accident cases in the St. Louis area, helping injured drivers and passengers understand their legal options.
