Using uninsured motorist coverage in an accident

[Lianne]

Just a general question here - I don't actually have a pending accident case. If you are hit by someone with no (or little) insurance, and you use your uninsured (or underinsured)motorist coverage, will the insurance company raise your rates? I know the company then goes after "the other guy" to get paid back for their expenses, but does that necessarily mean your rates won't go up? From everything I've seen, insurance companies will raise your rates for virtually any reason. I'm scared to use my insurance for anything - even replacing a cracked windshield - for fear that they will up the premium. Are there any rules about when they can and can't raise your rates?

 

[lars coltrane]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Helvetica, Verdana">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lianne:
Just a general question here - I don't actually have a pending accident case. If you are hit by someone with no (or little) insurance, and you use your uninsured (or underinsured)motorist coverage, will the insurance company raise your rates? I know the company then goes after "the other guy" to get paid back for their expenses, but does that necessarily mean your rates won't go up? From everything I've seen, insurance companies will raise your rates for virtually any reason. I'm scared to use my insurance for anything - even replacing a cracked windshield - for fear that they will up the premium. Are there any rules about when they can and can't raise your rates? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Although I am not an underwriter, technically, they will not raise your rates for bringing a um or uim claim. So, feel free to bring the claim. Rates will go up for other reasons and it will appear to be related.