Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance Rates in Des Moines?

Hit-and-run accidents are almost immediately stressful. Not only could you have damage to your vehicle from the car accident, but you could also have potential injuries. On top of that, who is going to pay if the other driver runs off? Typically, the claim goes through the victim's car insurance company.

Because of this, one of the most common questions that Iowa drivers have is this: "Will a hit-and-run claim raise my insurance?"

The answer here isn't always straightforward, and there are a lot of factors that can come into play, including who is at fault, what type of coverage is available, the policy of the insurance company, and how they deal with these cases.

Here, we take a look at how hit-and-run claims are typically handled in Iowa and what victims of a hit-and-run accident can expect after reporting one.

How Hit-and-Run Claims Are Typically Handled

When a person is a victim of a hit-and-run incident, the at-fault party isn't known. Because of this, you can't make a claim with the other driver's insurance company. Instead, most often, victims will use their own auto insurance policy to cover damages.

Depending on the circumstances, coverage for this might come from:

• Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage - This often applies when the other driver can't be identified.

• Collision coverage - Pays for damages to the policyholder's vehicle no matter who is at fault

• Medical payments coverage - Covers medical costs for injuries

Iowa insurance companies typically treat hit-and-run accidents like they treat accidents that involve uninsured motorists. For more information, accident lawyers in Des Moines may be able to help.

Does Filing a Car Insurance Claim Automatically Raise Rates?

No. Filing a claim doesn't automatically raise car insurance rates. However, it could happen based on the insurance company's policies.

Generally, an insurance company will look at several factors before they adjust rates. These include:

• Determining if the policy holder or the hit-and-run driver was at fault

• The type of claim and the costs associated with it

• The driving and claim history of the driver

• State regulations and insurance company policies

In many cases, if the policy holder is clearly not at fault, the impact to car insurance premiums will likely be minimal, if there is an increase at all.

Not-at-Fault Accidents and Rate Increases

Typically, a hit-and-run is a "not-at-fault accident." However, that doesn't always mean that auto insurance rates won't rise.

In Iowa, insurers might still raise premiums after a claim, even if the policyholder isn't the responsible party. This is because:

• A claim of any kind can indicate a risk

• Insurance coverage pricing is based on overall claims activity

• Rules for underwriting are very company-specific

All of that being said, many insurance companies are less likely to add huge rate hikes for claims where the policy holder was not at fault.

The Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Car Accidents

In most cases, uninsured motorist, or UM, coverage is the typical coverage used in a hit-and-run case. Sometimes, claims that are made under UM coverage are less likely to trigger any type of rate increase. However, this depends on things like:

• The policies of the insurance company

• The size of the claim

• The number of previous claims

It's recommended that drivers contact their insurance company if they don't know how UM claims are treated.

Collision Coverage and Deductibles

If uninsured motorist coverage doesn't apply, collision coverage can be used to repair the vehicle. In these cases, the policy holder pays a deductible and the insurance company covers the repair costs that remain.

Using this coverage is more likely to raise rates especially if there are other factors, like significant damage.

When Rates Are More Likely to Increase

Though there are no hard and fast rules, certain factors make an increase more likely:

Multiple Claims

If you have already filed a claim within a short period of time, you could seem high risk even if none of the accidents were your fault.

High Claim Costs

High payouts for repairs or medical bills can push rates to go up, too.

Limited Driving History

A driver who hasn't been driving for a while might see higher fluctuations after filing a claim.

Prior At-Fault Accidents

If a driver already has at-fault accidents on their record, an additional claim, even if they weren't at fault, can cause rates to rise.

Situations Where Rates May Not Increase

There are also many factors that can keep rates stable following a hit-and-run claim.

• The policyholder has a clean driving record

• The claim is relatively small

• The insurer offers accident forgiveness

• State-specific rules limit rate adjustments

Some insurance companies reward long-term customers with claim forgiveness programs that prevent rate increases after certain incidents.

Reporting the Incident Matters

Reporting a hit-and-run to your insurance company is very important, even if you are concerned about rates going up. Not doing so could be illegal.

In Iowa, drivers are legally obligated to:

• Report accidents involving injury or significant damage

• Cooperate with law enforcement

• Provide accurate information to their insurer

Failing to report the incident could lead to denied claims or other complications.

Legal Considerations After a Hit-and-Run

A hit-and-run accident may involve more than just insurance issues. Legal questions can arise, particularly if:

• The at-fault driver is later identified

• There are disputes over liability

• Injuries result in a personal injury claim

An attorney can help individuals in Des Moines navigate these complexities and protect their interests. They can advise on questions such as is a hit and run a felony?

Long-Term Impact on Insurance

If premiums do increase after a hit-and-run claim, the effect is usually temporary. Over time:

• Rates may decrease as the claim ages

• Maintaining a clean driving record can improve pricing

• Shopping for new insurance may provide better options

Most insurers reevaluate risk periodically, so a single claim does not permanently define a driver’s rates.

Tips for Minimizing Insurance Impact

Drivers can take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of premium increases:

• Maintain a clean driving record

• Avoid filing small claims when possible

• Ask about accident forgiveness programs

• Compare insurance providers regularly

Understanding policy details and coverage options can also help drivers make informed decisions after an accident. Tom Fowler Law can also consult on questions like does renters insurance cover personal injury?

Questions About Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

So, will a hit-and-run claim raise insurance rates? In Des Moines and throughout Iowa, the answer depends on multiple factors. While not-at-fault claims are less likely to result in significant increases, they can still impact premiums in certain situations.

Insurance companies evaluate each claim individually, considering fault, cost, and overall risk. For many drivers, the increase—if any—is modest and temporary.

Ultimately, the priority after a hit-and-run should be safety, proper reporting, and protecting one’s financial interests. Understanding how insurance works in these situations can help drivers make informed decisions and reduce uncertainty during an already stressful time.

If you have questions about your rights as a victim of a hit-and-run accident, reach out to Tom Fowler Law for a free consultation.