Involved in a Car Accident in Daytona Beach? Here Is How It May Affect Your Insurance Rates

For drivers in Daytona Beach, Deltona, and other parts of Volusia County, the aftermath of a car accident often brings immediate concerns about medical care, vehicle repairs, and dealing with insurance companies. One of the more pressing long-term worries is whether your car insurance rates will increase. Fortunately, if you were not at fault for the accident, Florida law provides important protections.

Under Florida Statutes § 626.9541(1)(o), it is considered an unfair insurance trade practice for a company to impose a surcharge, raise premiums, or cancel your policy solely because you were involved in a crash that you did not cause. This legal protection applies across Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, and all of Volusia County. It covers all major types of auto insurance, including:

Liability

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical Payments

Collision

This statute reflects a public policy that innocent drivers should not be financially penalized for another person’s negligence. It offers policyholders across Central Florida some peace of mind when navigating an already stressful situation. However, there are limits to this protection.

The statutory protection does not apply if your insurer determines that you were “substantially at fault” for causing the accident. Although Florida law does not define that term explicitly, most insurance companies use a threshold of 51 percent or greater responsibility.

If your insurance carrier in Volusia County or elsewhere in Central Florida concludes that you were substantially at fault, they may legally raise your premium. In doing so, they often consider the following:

Your prior driving history

The severity of the accident

The type and value of claims submitted

Once imposed, a rate increase may remain in place for up to five years. For drivers in Daytona Beach, this can amount to thousands of dollars in added expenses. This is one reason it is critical to collect evidence and witness statements at the scene and to seek legal guidance quickly if your fault is being disputed.

Even if you were not found substantially at fault, your auto insurance rates are not entirely shielded from change. Several scenarios could still result in higher premiums for drivers in Volusia County:

Florida law bars insurance companies from nonrenewing your policy after a single at-fault accident within a three-year window. However, if you are involved in three or more accidents during a three-year period — even without fault — your insurer may legally choose to increase your rates or decline renewal. This can affect drivers across Palm Coast, Daytona Beach Shores, and beyond.

If you receive a citation for a major moving violation, such as DUI or reckless driving, your premiums can increase significantly. This may happen even if your share of fault in the accident is less than the other driver’s. A citation of this kind often signals to insurance companies in Volusia or Flagler County that you present a higher risk.

Certain post-accident changes to your policy may also trigger a rate increase. These adjustments are typically due to new coverage being added rather than any assessment of fault. For example:

• Replacing a totaled vehicle with a newer, higher-value one
• Adding or increasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Adding rental reimbursement, comprehensive, or gap coverage

If you were involved in a car accident in Daytona Beach, Holly Hill, or elsewhere in Volusia County and are concerned about possible insurance rate increases, it is important to understand your rights. Florida law imposes specific limitations on how and when insurers may adjust your premiums following a crash.

If your insurer is proposing a rate increase, request a written explanation. If you believe the increase violates Florida law or that fault is being improperly assigned, consult with an attorney immediately.

At My Affordable Attorney, we help drivers throughout Volusia County, Flagler County, and across Central Florida understand their rights and navigate post-accident insurance issues. We offer free consultations, 25% flat fee representation, and we are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions.

If you need help after an accident, call 866-466-5925 or visit www.myaffordableattorney.com. We offer same-day virtual and in-person appointments at our Daytona Beach office located at 623 N. Grandview Ave., Ste. 261, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118.

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