I get where you’re coming from with the dashcam—it’s like insurance for your insurance, honestly. I’m always surprised by how many folks still haven’t bothered to pick one up, given how much nonsense goes on in parking lots. On the uninsured motorist coverage thing, though, I have to push back a bit. There’s this common belief that using it won’t affect your premiums, but in my experience, it’s not always that straightforward.
A few years ago, my neighbor was rear-ended by someone who turned out to be uninsured. He filed under his UM coverage, thinking it would be a clean process since he wasn’t at fault. The claim went through without a hitch, but when his renewal came up? His rates crept up—not massively, but enough to notice. When he called his agent, they danced around the issue, basically saying “claims are claims,” regardless of blame. I’ve read similar stories on other forums too. Maybe it depends on the company or state laws, but there’s definitely some risk there.
Also, some insurers will stick a “not at fault accident” on your record even if you’re 100% blameless and the other driver vanished into thin air. That can follow you around for a few years and potentially impact future quotes if you shop around. It’s frustrating, especially when you do everything right.
On the flip side, I’ve had one minor hit-and-run where my own rates didn’t budge after making a claim—so maybe there’s some luck or timing involved too. But I’d say it’s worth reading the fine print and maybe even grilling your agent about their specific policy before assuming you’re totally in the clear.
Dashcams are a game-changer for sure, but insurance companies always seem to find a way to keep things complicated...
I get what you’re saying, but I’ve gotta push back a little. I’ve had two UM claims over the years—one with State Farm, one with GEICO—and neither bumped my rates. Maybe it’s luck, or maybe it’s just how those companies handled it, but I’m not convinced it’s always a guarantee your premiums go up. Feels like a total crapshoot depending on the insurer and maybe even the adjuster you get. Still, I’d rather file than eat the cost myself, especially if the damage is more than a few hundred bucks.
- Gotta admit, I’m a little more paranoid. I had a UM claim with Progressive a few years back and my renewal quote jumped like it was on a trampoline. Maybe it’s regional, or maybe my luck just stinks, but I always brace for impact when I file. Still, paying out of pocket feels worse.
I get where you’re coming from, but there are a couple things I’d try before assuming a UM claim will always nuke your rate. First, check if your state has laws that protect against rate hikes for not-at-fault claims. Some places do, and Progressive (and others) have to play by those rules. Second, when you get your renewal, don’t just accept it—shop around even if it’s a pain. I’ve had claims and gotten better deals switching companies, even with a less-than-stellar record.
Also, sometimes it’s not the claim itself but other stuff—tickets, credit, even your zip code—that sneakily bumps up the premium. If you want to avoid paying out of pocket but hate the rate jump, you could look at higher deductibles or dropping extras you don’t use. It’s all a balancing act, but I’d rather have the coverage and deal with a few hoops than roll the dice on someone else’s insurance, especially with hit-and-runs on the rise.
Yeah, I’ve been down this road more times than I’d like to admit. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Even with a couple not-at-fault claims, my rates didn’t always spike. Sometimes it was a ticket from two years ago or my address change that did it.
- UM coverage saved me big time after a hit-and-run last year. The hassle with paperwork was real, but I’d rather deal with that than pay out of pocket for someone else’s mess.
- Shopping around is a pain, but it’s worth it. I switched after my last renewal and got a lower rate, even though my record isn’t exactly spotless.
- One thing I’d add: some companies sneak in “claims frequency” surcharges if you have multiple claims, even if you’re not at fault. It’s annoying, but not always a dealbreaker.
I get wanting to avoid the headache, but honestly, I’d rather have the coverage and fight the rate hikes than risk getting stuck with a huge bill. Especially these days, with so many folks driving around uninsured...
