How much will my insurance go up after an accident?

Getting into an accident often comes with more than just repair costs — it can also mean a higher car insurance bill. Based on our data, rates typically rise by 33% to 81% after an accident.

However, the exact increase you’ll see isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors come into play, including the severity of the accident, whether you were found at fault, your driving history, and even how long you’ve been insured with your current company. Insurers have different methods for assessing risk and applying surcharges after a claim, meaning the same accident could lead to very different premium increases depending on your provider.

Understanding what influences your rate can help you better prepare — and even find ways to soften the financial impact after an accident.

How much does insurance go up after an accident?

The amount your car insurance premium increases after an accident can vary widely depending on your situation. Insurance companies consider several factors when determining your new rate, including the severity of the accident, who was at fault, the cost of the claim, your driving record, and even how long you’ve been with the company. In general, insurers raise rates to account for the increased risk of insuring someone who’s recently been in a crash.

On average, premiums increase by 33% to 81% after an at-fault accident, but your rate could rise even more if the accident caused significant damage, involved injuries, or if you’ve had previous claims. 

Additionally, state regulations and insurer-specific pricing models affect the size of your rate change. Some insurers are more lenient than others, and where you live can also impact the size of the increase due to local insurance laws and accident rates.

How long does an accident stay on your insurance?

How long an accident stays on your insurance history also varies based on the situation. 

“The length of a ticket or accident on your record varies; minor violations typically have a three-year life span until they’re expunged, and major violations have a five-year life span,” says Rudi Pino, founder of Luna insurance. “Depending on the severity of the accident and the payout on the claim, carriers will consider it in their rating of your risk for different numbers of years dependent on their underwriting framework.”

How much do car insurance rates go up by accident type?

The type of accident you experience impacts how much your insurance costs will increase. For example, an at-fault accident that caused bodily injuries tends to push car insurance costs higher than an accident only involving property damage. 

The table below highlights the impact on rates across accident types. 

How much do car insurance rates go up by claim type?

Not all accidents affect your insurance the same way — the type of claim plays a big role in how much your rates go up. For instance, an at-fault accident that causes over $2,000 in property damage typically leads to a much steeper rate increase than a comprehensive claim for minor damage under $2,000.

The table below illustrates how different claims tend to impact insurance premiums. 

Most expensive states for car insurance after an accident

The car insurance landscape looks different across state lines. Drivers in California, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Texas face the steepest insurance premium increases after an at-fault accident. 

The table below highlights the most expensive states for car insurance after an accident for a driver with no prior violations. 

Cheapest states for car insurance after an accident

Drivers in some states see less of an increase in their premiums after an accident. Typically, drivers in Hawaii, Iowa, and Vermont see a more moderate rate hike after an accident. 

The table below highlights the cheapest states for car insurance after an accident for a driver with no prior violations. 

How much do car insurance rates go up after an accident, by company?

Insurance companies evaluate risks differently, which leads to various rate increases across companies. For example, drivers with State Farm tend to see a 23% increase in their rates after an accident. In contrast, Geico drivers tend to see an 82% increase in rates after an accident. 

The table below explores the average rate increases across insurers after an at-fault accident. 

How to lower your car insurance costs after an accident

If you are facing higher car insurance rates after an accident, there are some strategies you can utilize to lower your premiums. These include increasing your deductible, adjusting your coverage, and shopping around to find the most affordable option. 

In addition to those steps, consider enrolling in a defensive driving course, which some insurers reward with a discount. Maintaining a clean driving record going forward is also critical — the longer you go without another incident, the more likely your rates will eventually come down. Some insurers also offer usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits and reward safe behavior with lower rates. 

If you’re not tied to one provider, switching companies after an accident can sometimes result in better pricing, especially if another insurer evaluates your risk profile more favorably.

How does accident forgiveness lower your car insurance rate after an accident?

One way to protect yourself from a rate hike after a minor crash is by adding accident forgiveness to your policy, though you will need to have this coverage already in place — you can’t add it after the fact. This optional coverage can be smart for drivers who want to avoid premium increases after their first at-fault accident, especially in areas where fender benders are more likely.

“Accident forgiveness is an add-on to your insurance that ensures your premium does not go up after your first at-fault accident,” says Seann Malloy, founder and managing partner of Malloy Law Offices. 

Malloy continues, “I’ve advised this to clients who’d like peace of mind, particularly in high-traffic areas. For example, if you have a $1,500 annual policy and you are responsible for a minor collision, accident forgiveness means that your rate will remain static, preventing an increase (possibly 40% or $600). It usually applies only for three to five years to drivers with a clean record and can add $50 to $150 a year, depending on the insurer.”

While accident forgiveness won’t apply to every situation — and it usually won’t help if you’ve had multiple claims — it can soften the financial blow of a one-time mistake. If you have a clean driving record and qualify, it may be worth the small extra cost for the long-term savings.

Can you avoid a rate increase after an accident?

If you have accident forgiveness built into your current auto insurance policy, you may be able to avoid a rate increase after your first at-fault accident. This coverage is often reserved for drivers with clean records and is either included in premium packages or offered as an optional add-on for a fee. It gives you a second chance, protecting you from a premium hike that could last several years.

However, avoiding a rate increase entirely can be difficult in most cases. Insurance companies use accident history as a key factor in determining risk, and even a minor at-fault collision can lead to a significant jump in premiums. That’s why it’s important to take proactive steps after an accident. 

What factors affect how much your car insurance rate increases?

“Insurance rates typically go up after an accident because the insurer now has the driver in a higher risk category,” says Joshua Kimura, partner at Kimura London & White LLP. “Even a single accident at fault may signal a higher likelihood of claims down the line, and the company will accordingly increase the rates.”

Many factors impact how much your rates increase after an accident, including:

• Location. Where you live and drive has a big impact on any rate increases. 
• Deductible. Increasing your deductible might help you offset some of the rising rate. 
• Claim type. A large accident with lots of damage to repair and medical bills to pay for often leads to a higher insurance spike than a minor accident. 
• Severity of the accident. A chargeable accident, which leads to criminal charges, often comes with significantly higher rate increases than a standard traffic violation. 
• Auto insurance surcharge. A company’s surcharge schedule is a predetermined premium increase charged if you cause a car accident.

Do all accidents raise your insurance rate?

In general, getting into an accident will lead to higher insurance costs, especially if you’re found to be at fault. However, if you’re not responsible for the accident, your premiums may not go up — though this depends on your insurer, state laws, and overall driving history.

Some states have laws that prevent insurance companies from raising rates for accidents where you’re not at fault. Others allow insurers more discretion, meaning you could still see a rate increase even if the accident wasn’t your fault. That’s because insurers may consider you a higher-risk driver simply for being involved in an accident, regardless of fault.

Additionally, if you’ve been involved in multiple not-at-fault accidents within a short time frame, some insurers may see that as a red flag and increase your rates anyway. On the other hand, if you have a long history of safe driving and this was a one-off incident, your rates are more likely to remain stable.

Check with your insurance provider to learn how an accident will affect your premium. If your rates go up unfairly, it may be time to shop for a better deal.

What happens if you’re not at fault for an accident?

Many drivers assume that if they’re not at fault in an accident, their insurance rates will stay the same. And in most cases, that’s true. However, there are exceptions depending on the insurer, the number of claims you’ve filed, and even your location.

“An at-fault accident doesn’t usually lead to higher rates, but there are exceptions,” Malloy says. 

Some drivers are caught off guard when their rates rise after a claim, even if they weren’t responsible for the accident. 

“I’ve encountered clients who were surprised to see premiums creep up after they filed a no-fault claim. Most insurers won’t penalize you for a claim if a different driver is at fault — especially if that driver’s insurance will pay for damages,” Malloy says.

Still, some insurers may raise rates slightly after a no-fault claim if it’s part of a pattern or if multiple claims have been made within a short period.

How to decrease your car insurance rates after an accident

If you’re hit with higher rates after an accident, there are ways to offset that increase. Here are three strategies:

• Increase your deductible. Pete Giancola, a State Farm agent in suburban Minneapolis, says people should carry a deductible that makes sense for them. For instance, a deductible less than $500 may entice the person to use their coverage. Plus, it’s a good idea to set aside money for your deductible in case you need to file a claim.
• Improve your credit score. In most states, credit rating plays a part in rates. People with lower credit scores are considered riskier, so insurers charge higher rates. How much higher? Giancola says people with poor credit scores (600 or less) may pay double for auto insurance than they would if they had an excellent credit score.
• Don’t file many claims. Every time you file a claim, your rates may increase, so you want to be careful about filing too many claims. “Make certain not to place frivolous claims for small items you could spend out of pocket,” Giancola says.

Of course, it should also go without saying that preventing future car accidents is a great way to ensure your rates don’t skyrocket. Stay focused on the road and watch other drivers’ actions while you’re operating a motor vehicle. Driving defensively can go a long way in reducing crashes.

How to get the best car insurance rates

Whether or not you’ve been in an accident, use the strategies below to get the best insurance rates. 

• Commit to safe driving. Make the effort to drive safely to avoid future incidents on your driving record. Good drivers tend to enjoy the lowest insurance premiums. 
• Shop around. Comparing rates across multiple insurers can help you lock in the best rate for your unique situation. 
• Look for discounts. Many insurance companies offer rate discounts. Always ask if you qualify for any potential discounts.