How much could YOU save?
Request free quotes; find out now.
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $910/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 2 hours ago
    Quote Range: $1,340-$2,250/yr
    Age: 25 Sex: Female
    State: California Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 5
    Vehicle: 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,390/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 2 hours ago
    Quote Range: $2,880-$4,270/yr
    Age: 20 Sex: Female
    State: Texas Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 5
    Vehicle: 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT LS
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,408/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 2 hours ago
    Quote Range: $2,594-$4,002/yr
    Age: 26 Sex: Female
    State: Connecticut Tickets: 1
    Number of Quotes: 3
    Vehicle: 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA CE/LE/S
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,456/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 1 hours ago
    Quote Range: $1,068-$2,524/yr
    Age: 20 Sex: Female
    State: Virginia Tickets: 2
    Number of Quotes: 2
    Vehicle: 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GL
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,016/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 1 hours ago
    Quote Range: $968-$1,984/yr
    Age: 51 Sex: Male
    State: California Tickets: 1
    Number of Quotes: 5
    Vehicle: 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA CE/LE
We Scour. You Save.
We search the web to find the very best deals and money-saving tips. Then, we send them right to you.
Get insurance now:
Car Insurance Resources:
Get Free Quotes Now
Save With CarInsurance.com!
Car Insurance Learning Center  Learning Center  Auto Insurance Questions & Answers   Questions & Answers  Professional Answers   Auto Insurance Answers

I was in a single car accident. I hit a fire hydrant. There was $2500.00 in damage to my van. How much will my surcharge be?

The insurance increase, or surcharge, from your one car accident where you hit a fire hydrant can vary depending upon your state laws and insurance company's rating system. In most states insurance companies are allowed to compose their own rating system, which is then filed with the state insurance regulator.

If your state does allow insurance companies to set their own rates then you will need to check with your insurance company to find out how much the accident and claim will increase your premiums. Generally you can expect a 10 to 15 percent rate increase.

If instead you live in a state such as Massachusetts, that has the Insurance Commissioner set rates, then you can contact the MA Division of Insurance for a list of insurance surcharge amounts.

For example the MA SDIP shows that you receive surcharge points if you are more than 50% at-fault for a motor vehicle accident that results in damage to property or bodily injury of more than $500. It is considered a Minor At-Fault Accident if the claim is over $500 and up to $2,000 and is worth 3 surcharge points. A Major At-Fault Accident, a claim over $2,000, is 4 surcharge points.

Free Auto Insurance Quotes





[Let CarInsurance.com help you find affordable auto insurance now.]

In Massachusetts each point increases the premium paid for 4 coverages in your policy: Compulsory Bodily Injury (part 1), Personal Injury Protection (part 2), Damage to Someone Else's Property (part 4), and Collision (part 7).

In 2006, the premium for drivers with less than 6 years of driving experience (Inexperienced Operators) is 7.5% above the base rate on parts 1, 2, 4, and 7 for each surcharge point on their driving record. The premium for drivers with 6 or more years of driving experience (Experienced Operators) is 15% above the base rate on parts 1, 2, 4, and 7 for each surcharge point.

Share this article with:

Related Questions
Car Insurance Related Can I keep my rates from going up if I don't file a police report?
Car Insurance Related Can I drop insurance from a car I’m selling?
Car Insurance Related Do all traffic tickets affect my rates?
Car Insurance Related Do I have to add my teen to my car insurance policy if he barely drives?
Car Insurance Related How do I obtain my CLUE Report?
Rate, add comments, or add help about your situation and this question.
Help us improve the largest car insurance website!

poor 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

 excellent
Tell us why you rated this car insurance question and answer this way. You can add any helpful insurance comments to this page:
Visitor Comments
No visitors have commented on this answer.
Question Details
This car insurance answer was last updated 3:51 PM Aug-30.
This Save Money question was asked 09:44 PM August-24-2006.
P.P. requested this car insurance help from CarInsurance.com experts.
Rated 0 out of 10 based on 0 votes.
Save Money Category
Print Car Insurance Answers Print this car insurance question and answer
Email Car Insurance Answers Email this auto insurance answer
Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided are for information purposes. They are not intended to substitute informed professional advice. These responses should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any insurance product, or to provide financial or legal advice. Please refer to your insurance policy for specific coverage and exclusion information. Please read our Terms of Service.
©2012 QuinStreet Insurance Agency, Inc. - Online Insurance Marketplace™
CarInsurance.com Feedback Survey