Does an accident in a company car affect personal insurance?

Motor Vehicles Accidents - March 27, 2025

In Illinois, all drivers must carry liability insurance. If you’re hit while driving a company car, your employer can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or use its own coverage if needed. However, the company’s policy may only cover vehicle damage, meaning you may need to file a separate claim for your injuries.

Navigating these claims can be complex, so consulting an experienced Chicago car accident attorney is crucial. Keep reading to learn more about accidents in company cars and how they affect personal insurance.

How does an accident in a company car affect my personal insurance policy?

If you were found partly at fault for the accident under Illinois’ comparative negligence laws, you may find that your insurance provider will decide to increase your rates. Some providers do give you the option for “accident forgiveness,” which favors an otherwise good driving history and allows your rates to stay the same. However, if you are involved in another accident, even if it isn’t your fault, you could face a steep raise in your monthly premiums.

If the company does increase your rates, you can expect them to stay that way for between three and five years. That’s why it’s critical to have a skilled attorney fighting for your interests to minimize any fault you may have and push to establish negligence against the other driver.

Comparative negligence can even influence your personal insurance if you are hit by someone driving a company car, such as a delivery van, while you’re in your personal vehicle. You can still file a claim against the company’s insurance, but if you were partly to blame, it may increase your personal rates.

Does an accident in a company car affect my driving record?

If police issued a citation or ticket to you after the accident, it will appear on your driving record. Your insurance company will receive notification, which may lead them to increase your rates. If the officer didn’t assign any blame to you and filed an accident report, there’s still a chance the insurer might see the report.

Getting in an accident while in a company car can result in various penalties, such as incurring license points for speeding, disobeying traffic signs, or other traffic violations.

Avoid being blamed and paying higher rates – Call us today.

The laws surrounding how a car accident affects your personal insurance coverage are complicated. Insurance providers may try to take advantage of you if you’re unfamiliar with how your policy works or what the law says. Instead of paying higher rates when you may not have to, schedule a free consultation with a Chicago car accident attorney at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates to discuss how an accident in a company car affects your personal insurance.

Use our online form or call us at (800) 985-1819 today.