Expert: Bennie719 - 5/15/2008

Question
Hi Bennie!  Thanks for being available here.  In 2004 I was with company A and involved in an accident while backing out of a parking space with a ped. After company A hiked my rates after I reported the claim (it's a long story), I switched to company B, who offered me a very low and acceptable rate.  Fast forward to this year - the claim is finally settled (and this man, who I believe is a fraud, was paid 18,000 by company A).  Should I expect this result to now affect my rates with company B?

I would love to share more with you about why I think this was fraud and what to do about it now that he has been paid, but that would be off the topic of my main question.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Emily,
The accident should have no affect on your present rate.  It is normal that only tickets and fault accidents in the last 3 years be considered in the rate making process.  Since the accident is now over three years old, it is beyond the time frame that is looked at by the insurance company.

I hope that you find this information to be of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area