<prompt> Human: I always thought paying car insurance was a bit like paying into a plan, I had a clean driving history for a long time until someone pulled out infront of me and jammed their brakes on. I know its not exactly like a plan, but I thought paying thousands of dollars a year covered me. in my state, basically the person at the rear is at fault unless you can prove otherwise. I didnt have a dashcam, so its my word against his. Lesson learned, get a dashcam.Anyway, what confused me is my insurance was 100 a month before this accident. His claim was 1000 for a rear fender replacement.So when I renew my insurance rate is now 150 per month. I ask why, its because of the claim.. I ask how long this rate hike will exist, and they say at minimum 3 years. So 50x36 months 1800But his fender replacement cost 1000. so I would have been better off just paying the dudes repair bill myself? This makes me wonder what the fuck the point of insurance is if they are just going to rape my wallet when an accident does occur?I can only imagine how bad a rate hike would be should you Total a car. so is it best just to avoid using insurance when you need to repair your car or someone elses car? I know insurance is legally required, and I know it should protect you against larger claims, but this makes me think I should just up my deductable and pay for any future accidents out of pocket if my insurance.company is going to try and make 800 off me for a minor fender Bender.  <response>: Your accident put you into a larger risk pool, its a simple as that. Youre looking at it from a personal point of view when insurance companies take broader strokes. Regardless of whether you were completely without fault, the data to the insurance companies suggest otherwise.While paying out of pocket is an option, you open yourself up to substantially more risk with the other drivers insurance. 