In response to you speedminded- His rates might not go up instantly, but anytime you have an accident, regardless of fault, and you take care of it through your own insurance agency, your rates will increase. And accidents will cause more problems in the future, regardless of fault. I have been in three accidents that were not my fault (with police reports to back it up) and went to get a quote with GEICO and almost shat my pants right then. The truth is that these accidents will affect insurance rates.If he can take care of it through the other guys insurance, he will avoid rate increases. Trust me- I have been in three auto accidents in Atlanta, and I have a fairly qualified opinion on how insurance works.