Have you recently been hurt in a California accident that wasn’t your fault? You probably have concerns about all the ways this could influence your life. If you’re worried that your car insurance company might raise your rate, however, California is home to very specific rules about what can and can’t happen after a policyholder is involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault. Car insurance rates can be affected by many factors, but in California, a not-at-fault accident is not one of them.

A 2017 study completed by the Consumer Federation of America found that car insurance rates can be raised after an accident that wasn’t your fault in other states, however. In fact, several major insurance companies are more likely to hike premiums after a not-at-fault accident.

Those drivers in other states could end up paying as much as $400 more for doing nothing wrong at all. The places most likely to sustain the highest premium spikes after a not-at-fault accident were Queens, New York, Baltimore, and Minneapolis.

The CFA is currently requesting that lawmakers outlaw these penalties, as this is already the case in California and Oklahoma. Progressive penalized not-at-fault drivers the most aggressively, followed by GEICO and then Farmers and Allstate. State Farmers determined not to increase premiums for these accidents.

In the state of California, you should not experience a car insurance rate increase because of an accident that was not your fault. However, you might experience delays in your case or an outright denial. These situations can be very frustrating and may require outside intervention from an attorney. If you believe you have been hurt and you have extensive injuries that have compromised your ability to move on with your life, you need to consult with an experienced lawyer immediately.