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.

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.