Unfortunately, any time you use your insurance at all, you risk increasing your rate, even if you are not at fault in a car accident. Many insurance companies offer what is known as an “accident forgiveness” policy where the first accident you have will not increase your rate. However, in Connecticut, there are no statutes or regulations limiting how high your rates can rise after an accident or for how long. For instance, the first time you have accident, without accident forgiveness, it might result in a ten percent increase. Typically, insurance companies will keep your rate increased for 5 years.