Written by licensed insurance agent Alex Huber
The cheapest car insurance after an at fault accident depends on your state, insurer, age, driving history, claim amount, vehicle, coverage limits, and whether you had accident forgiveness. You can still find a lower rate after an accident, but you need to compare quotes from several licensed insurers because each company prices accident risk in a different way.
An at fault accident can raise car insurance for about three to five years, depending on your state and insurer. Bankrate reports that rates after an at fault accident often stay higher for around three to five years. Forbes Advisor reports that car insurance rates after an accident increase by about $1,189 per year on average when the driver causes injuries, and about $1,167 per year when the driver causes property damage only.
The best way to get cheaper car insurance after an at fault accident is to shop before renewal, compare the same coverage limits, ask about accident forgiveness, check discounts, avoid a lapse, and consider higher deductibles only if you can afford them. Do not pick a policy only because it has the lowest monthly payment. A low quote may cut liability limits, remove collision, raise deductibles, or leave out uninsured motorist coverage.
If you financed or leased your car, your lender may require collision and other than collision coverage. If you drop required coverage, your lender may add its own coverage and charge you. That can cost more and may protect the lender more than you.
Why Does an At Fault Accident Raise Car Insurance?
An at fault accident raises car insurance because insurers see it as a sign of higher future claim risk. Insurance companies price policies based on expected claim costs, driver history, location, vehicle type, coverage level, and state rules. The NAIC explains that premiums depend on risk factors and expected future claims costs.
An insurer may review:
| Factor | Why it matters |
| Accident fault | At fault crashes usually affect rates more than not at fault crashes |
| Claim amount | A higher payout can lead to a larger increase |
| Injury claim | Injury claims may affect rates more than minor property damage |
| Prior record | Tickets, claims, and lapses can raise risk |
| State rules | Accident rating rules vary by state |
| Coverage level | Full coverage often creates a higher dollar increase |
| Insurer pricing | Each company files its own rates with state regulators |
Not every accident affects rates the same way. A small parking lot claim may not carry the same impact as a major crash with injuries. Some insurers may waive the first accident if you qualify for accident forgiveness. Others may raise the rate at your next renewal.
How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After an At Fault Accident?
Car insurance can rise by hundreds or more than one thousand dollars per year after an at fault accident. The exact increase depends on the insurer and the accident details. Forbes Advisor reports average annual increases of about $1,189 after an accident that causes injuries and about $1,167 after a property damage accident.
Here is a simple example:
| Annual premium before accident | Possible increase | New annual premium |
| $1,200 | $500 | $1,700 |
| $1,800 | $800 | $2,600 |
| $2,400 | $1,167 | $3,567 |
| $3,000 | $1,189 | $4,189 |
These are only examples. Your rate can be lower or higher. A driver with one minor accident and no tickets may see a smaller increase than a driver with two claims, a speeding ticket, and a recent lapse.
Which Insurer Has the Cheapest Car Insurance After an At Fault Accident?
No single company has the cheapest car insurance after an at fault accident for every driver. A company that gives the lowest rate in Florida may not give the lowest rate in Ohio. A company that prices well for a 40 year old driver may not price well for a 21 year old driver.
The right insurer depends on:
| Driver detail | Why it changes price |
| State | Each state has different rules and claim costs |
| ZIP code | Local traffic, theft, repair costs, and claims matter |
| Age | Younger drivers often pay more |
| Vehicle | Repair cost and safety history affect premiums |
| Claim history | More claims can raise the rate |
| Coverage | Higher limits and lower deductibles cost more |
| Credit based insurance score | Some states allow insurers to consider it |
| Prior insurance | Continuous coverage can help pricing |
Start by getting quotes from national insurers, regional insurers, and local independent agents. Ask each company how it rates one at fault accident and how long that accident affects your premium.
When Should You Shop for Car Insurance After an Accident?
You should shop as soon as you receive a renewal notice that shows a rate increase. You can also shop 30 to 45 days before renewal so you have time to compare quotes.
You may want to shop sooner if:
| Situation | Why shopping helps |
| Your renewal premium rose | You can compare before paying |
| Your insurer removed a discount | Another insurer may price you better |
| You moved | A new ZIP code can change rates |
| You added a driver | Household changes can shift pricing |
| Your old accident aged past three years | Some insurers may rate you better |
| You need SR 22 filing | Not every insurer offers filings |
Do not cancel your current policy before the new policy starts. A lapse can make future rates higher and can create state penalties.
If you want to understand timing after a missed payment or policy gap, read How long is the grace period for car insurance?
How Long Does an At Fault Accident Stay on Insurance?
An at fault accident may affect your insurance for about three to five years. Bankrate says rates after an at fault accident may be affected for around three to five years, depending on the state and company. Allstate also says a premium increase after an at fault accident may remain for about three years in some cases.
The timeline can look like this:
| Time period | What may happen |
| Accident date | Claim starts with the insurer active on that date |
| Claim payout | The insurer records the loss amount |
| Next renewal | Your premium may increase |
| Year one | Accident often has the strongest price impact |
| Year two to three | Rate impact may continue |
| Year three to five | Some insurers may reduce or remove the surcharge |
| After rating period | You may qualify for better rates if your record stays clean |
Ask each insurer how many years it reviews fault accidents. One company may review for three years. Another may review five years.
Can You Switch Car Insurance After an At Fault Accident?
Yes, you can switch car insurance after an at fault accident. Your old insurer still handles claims that happened while your old policy was active. Your new insurer covers future claims after the new policy starts.
Switching may help if your current insurer raises your rate more than competitors. Still, be honest on every quote application. Insurers can check claim history and motor vehicle records. If you hide an accident, the insurer may adjust your rate, cancel the policy, or deny a future claim according to state law and policy rules.
Before switching, confirm:
| Item | Why it matters |
| New policy start date | Prevents a coverage gap |
| Current claim status | Old insurer handles the old claim |
| Accident details | New insurer may ask date, fault, payout, and injuries |
| Lender rules | Financed cars often need physical damage coverage |
| Cancellation fee | Some insurers charge a fee |
| Refund amount | Prepaid drivers may get unused premium back |
How Can You Get Cheaper Car Insurance After an At Fault Accident?
You can lower your cost by comparing rates, keeping coverage active, and choosing the right coverage mix.
Compare quotes from several insurers
Do not accept the first renewal price without checking other options. The Insurance Information Institute recommends shopping around and not choosing by price alone. It also advises drivers to contact their state insurance department for complaint information and choose a representative who answers questions clearly. (III)
Compare:
| Quote item | What to check |
| Liability limits | Make sure each quote uses the same limits |
| Deductibles | A higher deductible can lower price but raises claim cost |
| Collision | Needed for many financed cars |
| Other than collision | Covers theft, fire, hail, animal impact, and similar losses |
| Uninsured motorist | Helpful if an uninsured driver hits you |
| Medical payments or PIP | State rules vary |
| Fees | Monthly billing can add cost |
| Discount list | Discounts can change the final premium |
Ask about accident forgiveness
Some insurers offer accident forgiveness. It may prevent a rate increase after your first at fault accident if you qualify. Rules vary. Some companies include it for loyal customers. Others sell it as an optional feature. It may not apply to every driver or every accident.
Ask:
| Question | Why it matters |
| Do I have accident forgiveness now? | Your current rate may not rise if you qualify |
| Can I add it later? | Some insurers require a clean record first |
| Does it cover every driver? | Household rules vary |
| Does it apply to serious accidents? | Some accidents may not qualify |
| Can it transfer to a new insurer? | Usually no |
Raise deductibles with care
Higher deductibles can reduce premiums for collision and other than collision coverage. Only choose a deductible you can pay after a claim.
Example:
| Deductible | Possible benefit | Risk |
| $250 | Lower out of pocket claim cost | Higher premium |
| $500 | Balanced option for many drivers | Moderate claim cost |
| $1,000 | Lower premium | Higher claim cost |
| $2,000 | May lower premium more | Hard for many drivers to pay |
Review optional coverage
You may reduce cost by removing optional add ons you do not need. Do not remove required coverage or important protection without understanding the risk.
Possible optional items include:
| Coverage or service | Review question |
| Roadside assistance | Do you already have it through another plan? |
| Rental reimbursement | Can you manage without a rental after a claim? |
| Custom equipment | Did you add parts that need coverage? |
| Gap coverage | Is your loan balance higher than the car value? |
| New car replacement | Does your car still qualify? |
Keep continuous coverage
Continuous coverage helps you avoid lapse penalties and may support better future rates. A gap can make insurance harder to buy and more costly.
Improve your record over time
The strongest long term step is safe driving after the accident. Avoid tickets, distracted driving, missed payments, and new claims when possible.
Should You Drop Full Coverage After an At Fault Accident?
Dropping full coverage may lower your premium, but it can create financial risk. Full coverage usually means liability plus collision and other than collision coverage. The Insurance Information Institute explains that collision pays for damage to your car from an at fault collision with another vehicle or object, while other than collision applies to losses such as theft, fire, hail, and similar events.
Dropping full coverage may make sense if:
| Situation | Why it may fit |
| Your car has low value | Premium plus deductible may exceed likely benefit |
| You own the car outright | No lender requires physical damage coverage |
| You can replace the car | You can handle the loss without insurance |
| You drive rarely | Lower exposure may support lower coverage |
Keeping full coverage may make sense if:
| Situation | Why it may fit |
| Your car has a loan or lease | Lender rules often require it |
| Your car has high value | Repairs or replacement may cost a lot |
| You cannot replace the car | Coverage protects your transportation |
| You drive daily | More road time creates more risk |
| You live in a theft or storm prone area | Other than collision may matter |
Can Low Income Drivers Find Cheaper Insurance After an Accident?
Yes, low income drivers can still compare options after an at fault accident. The goal is to stay legal, avoid a lapse, and keep enough protection for serious losses.
Ways to reduce cost include:
| Strategy | How it helps |
| Compare three to five quotes | Prices vary widely after claims |
| Ask for state minimum quotes | Shows the lowest legal starting point |
| Review deductibles | Higher deductibles can lower premium |
| Ask about low mileage | Driving less may qualify for a discount |
| Remove duplicate services | You may not need two roadside plans |
| Pay on time | Missed payments can cause cancellation |
| Choose a lower cost vehicle | Vehicle type affects price |
Can Young Drivers Get Cheap Insurance After an At Fault Accident?
Young drivers often pay more after an at fault accident because insurers already view younger drivers as higher risk. A claim can raise the price further. Still, young drivers may save by staying on a parent policy when allowed, choosing a lower cost vehicle, and asking about discounts.
Helpful options include:
| Option | Why it may help |
| Good student discount | Some insurers reward eligible grades |
| Driver training | Some insurers offer savings for approved courses |
| Parent policy | Family policies may cost less than separate policies |
| Safe driving app | Safer habits may reduce future cost |
| Older vehicle | Some vehicles cost less to insure |
| Higher deductible | Lowers premium if affordable |
Parents should compare the cost of keeping the young driver on the family policy against a separate policy. The cheaper choice depends on the insurer, vehicles, address, and claim record.
Can High Risk Drivers Find Coverage After an At Fault Accident?
Yes, high risk drivers can often find coverage after an at fault accident, but the price may be higher. High risk drivers may include people with multiple accidents, DUI, speeding tickets, no prior insurance, poor credit where allowed, or SR 22 requirements.
High risk drivers should:
- Compare standard and nonstandard insurers
- Ask if the company supports SR 22 or FR 44 filings if needed
- Keep proof of continuous coverage
- Avoid missed payments
- Choose a practical vehicle with lower repair costs
- Review state assigned risk options only if normal insurers decline them
Do not drive uninsured. State penalties can cost more than the premium you tried to avoid.
What If the Accident Was Not Your Fault?
A not at fault accident may still affect your rate in some states, but it often has less impact than an at fault accident. Some states limit how insurers can rate not at fault claims. Rules vary.
If the insurer lists the accident as at fault and you disagree, ask for the claim record and supporting details. Provide police reports, photos, witness statements, repair records, and claim documents if they support your case.
Ask your insurer:
| Question | Why it matters |
| How did you assign fault? | Helps you understand the rating |
| Did the other insurer accept liability? | May support correction |
| Can I submit more evidence? | May change the claim record |
| Will this affect renewal? | Helps you plan |
| How long will it affect my rate? | Helps you compare quotes |
Should You File a Claim After a Small Accident?
You should think carefully before filing a claim for small damage, but do not ignore legal or policy duties. Some policies require prompt notice after an accident. If another person got injured or another vehicle got damaged, you may need to report it.
A claim may not make sense when the repair cost is close to or below your deductible. For example, if repairs cost $700 and your deductible is $1,000, collision coverage may not pay for your car repairs. Still, liability issues can make reporting important.
Consider:
| Situation | What to think about |
| Damage below deductible | Claim may not pay for your own car |
| Injury involved | Report quickly and follow policy rules |
| Other driver involved | Liability claim risk exists |
| Police report filed | Insurer may ask for details |
| Rental car needed | Coverage may help if included |
| Loan or lease vehicle | Lender may have repair rules |
If your car was totaled and you need payout guidance, read Can you negotiate insurance payout for a totaled car?
What Coverage Should You Compare After an Accident?
After an at fault accident, compare coverage carefully. Do not cut protection without knowing what you lose.
| Coverage | What it does |
| Bodily injury liability | Pays for injuries you cause to others |
| Property damage liability | Pays for damage you cause to other cars or property |
| Collision | Pays for damage to your car from a covered crash |
| Other than collision | Pays for theft, fire, hail, vandalism, animal impact, and similar losses |
| Uninsured motorist | Helps if an uninsured driver hits you |
| Medical payments | Helps pay medical bills after a covered crash |
| Personal injury protection | Required or offered in some states |
| Rental reimbursement | Helps pay for a rental after covered damage |
| Roadside assistance | Helps with towing and roadside help |
State minimum coverage may meet the law, but it may not protect you from larger claims. Ask a licensed agent about limits that fit your risk and budget.
Mistakes to Avoid After an At Fault Accident
Avoid these errors because they can raise cost or create coverage problems.
| Mistake | Why it hurts |
| Canceling insurance after the accident | Creates a lapse and legal risk |
| Hiding the accident on quotes | Insurers can verify claim history |
| Buying the lowest quote without checking limits | You may lose needed protection |
| Dropping lender required coverage | Lender may add costly coverage |
| Missing payment dates | Nonpayment can cancel the policy |
| Ignoring renewal notice | You may miss time to shop |
| Not saving claim records | You may need proof later |
Quick Checklist to Find Cheaper Coverage
Use this before renewal:
| Step | Done |
| I reviewed my current declarations page | |
| I checked how much my rate increased | |
| I asked if accident forgiveness applies | |
| I compared three to five quotes | |
| I used the same coverage limits on each quote | |
| I checked deductibles and fees | |
| I confirmed lender requirements | |
| I avoided a coverage lapse | |
| I saved proof of new coverage | |
| I set reminders for future payments |
FAQs
Who has the cheapest car insurance after an at fault accident?
The cheapest insurer depends on your state, age, claim history, vehicle, and coverage. Compare several licensed insurers because each company prices at fault accidents differently.
How long does an at fault accident affect insurance?
An at fault accident often affects insurance for about three to five years. The exact period depends on your insurer and state rules.
Can I switch car insurance after an at fault accident?
Yes, you can switch car insurance after an at fault accident. Your old insurer handles the old claim, and your new insurer covers future claims after the new policy starts.
Will accident forgiveness stop my rate from going up?
Accident forgiveness may stop a rate increase after a first at fault accident if you qualify. It depends on your insurer, policy terms, and accident details.
Should I lower coverage after an accident to save money?
You can lower coverage, but review the risk first. Do not remove lender required coverage or cut liability limits so low that a serious claim could harm your finances.
Does a not at fault accident raise insurance?
A not at fault accident may affect rates in some states, but it often has less impact than an at fault accident. State rules and insurer practices vary.
Related Articles
- How long is the grace period for car insurance?
- What to say to an insurance adjuster after a car accident
- Do you need full coverage on a financed car?
- How to get car insurance with no down payment
- Can you negotiate insurance payout for a totaled car?
- 17 year old car insurance
Sources and References
- Bankrate Rates After an Accident
- Forbes Advisor Average Cost of Car Insurance
- Allstate Do Rates Increase After an Accident
- Insurance Information Institute Auto Insurance Basics
- Insurance Information Institute Collision and Other Than Collision Coverage
- Insurance Information Institute Ways to Lower Auto Insurance Costs
- NAIC Why Insurance Premiums Increase
- Google Helpful Content Guidance
Final Takeaway
You can find cheaper car insurance after an at fault accident, but you need to compare carefully. Your rate may stay higher for several years, yet each insurer rates accidents in its own way. Shop before renewal, compare equal limits, ask about discounts, avoid a lapse, and keep coverage that protects your legal and financial needs. AtozInsuranceusa helps drivers review car insurance options with clear guidance, practical cost tips, and a trust focused approach after accidents.
