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Can you get cheap auto insurance after an accident? We’re going to go into every detail of how an accident affects your auto insurance rates.

You crash your vehicle and immediately worry, am I still insured after an accident? If you’re currently covered by auto insurance, then yes, your coverage remains.

Getting affordable auto insurance after an accident isn’t difficult when you know where to shop. However, if you get insurance after an accident, the company will not cover accidents from before the start of the policy.

As long as you own your own vehicle and have a driver’s license and an acceptable driving record, you’ll be able to find a company in the marketplace that will sell you cheap auto insurance after an accident.

Our guide will help you find the cheapest auto insurance company after a crash. To get auto insurance rates after an accident, enter your ZIP code into our free tool above to get started.

How do you shop for the best auto insurance after an accident?

Are you a high-risk driver with accidents on your record? Don’t worry. Get quotes from at least three different insurance companies online and save up to $859.

• Your driving record and number of accidents will play a big part in your insurance rates
• You should compare at least three different companies before making a final decision
• How you pay may also be a way to reduce your rates

Comparing at least three different companies is a good way to start your search for cheap auto insurance for high-risk drivers and find the choice that is best for a bad driving record.

Companies typically offer a free estimate or even an instant quote so you can easily compare and contrast what they’re offering. You can also focus on ways to reduce your rates.

You already know that you can buy auto insurance after an accident, but to get the best auto insurance after an accident there are several aspects to shopping you should keep in mind.

For example, are you looking for the best insurance for at-fault accidents, or was it the other person’s fault?

The best way to start? Just follow our easy steps for getting auto insurance after an accident.

First, decide what type of policy you need:

• If you own your vehicle outright, meaning you do not make payments for it, you may opt to carry only liability coverage
• If you make payments on your vehicle, the company that holds the loan for your vehicle will require that you carry full coverage
• A full-coverage policy is a combination of collision and comprehensive coverage, and sometimes additional types of insurance

Next, comparison shop:

• To get the best auto insurance if you have accidents on your record, choose a handful of insurance companies to compare
• Make careful notes about your selections

Remember, the best auto insurance company if you’ve had an accident will change depending on where you live. For some, the best insurance after an accident might be Geico. For others, it could be Allstate or USAA.

It’s important to note that while USAA usually has great rates, it’s only available to people in the military and their family members.

Can you get full coverage after an accident? Yes, but remember your rates will increase due to having an accident on your record.

How long does an accident stay on your insurance? Usually around three years, but each company uses a different policy, so you’ll want to clarify with an agent before purchasing anything.

From most online auto insurance shopping tools, you will be able to request a free quote from each of your chosen auto insurance companies.

How much will auto insurance go up after an accident?

Every company is different. Some companies may hike your rates sooner rather than later, while others may offer you accident forgiveness and not increase your auto insurance rates at all.

Of course, wondering how much insurance will go up for a minor accident or wondering how auto insurance for teenagers after an accident will increase are all complexities that will affect your situation.

For example, auto insurance for teens after an accident could result in both a license suspension and a hike in rates.

Check out this table to get an idea of just how much insurance increases after an accident.

Generally speaking, your company and the state you live in will have the largest effect on what happens to your insurance rates after an auto accident.

Will my auto insurance rates go up after I file a claim?

The answer to this question depends on your own driving record, your claims history, and the policies of your auto insurance company.

In general, you can expect your auto insurance company to raise your rates after a claim if it meets a specific dollar amount and the accident was at least partially your fault.

Auto insurance after a DUI remains a different concern.

So why does your car insurance go up after an accident? It’s all about risk. If you have a lot of accidents or tickets, there is a greater chance the insurance company will have to pay out a claim. They make up for this increase in risk by charging you higher rates.

Keep reading to learn more about getting the cheapest auto insurance after an accident.

How long does it take for auto insurance to get cheaper after an accident?

In most cases, a claim will stay on your driving record for three years.

Each auto insurance company has its own limits and requirements for raising your rates, so a claim at one insurance company might not raise your rates, but the same claim at another company might cause a large increase in rates.

What are some ways to decrease your auto insurance rates?

Even if you have a higher rate after your accident or claims, there are steps to take to try to offset the increased cost such as:

• Tell your insurance company immediately – Even if the accident was small tell your company right away so that they are not surprised if a claim is filed later. Not doing so could mean your policy gets canceled, which will cost you more money in the long run.
• Ask about discounts – Most, if not all, auto insurance companies have multiple discounts that drivers can qualify for. This usually includes multi-vehicle, multi-policy, good student, safe driver, and military.
• Consider increasing deductibles – In most cases, if you increase your deductible, your rate will go down. If you decide to take this step, be sure you can actually pay the deductible if you ever need to file a claim.
• Reduce coverage types and amounts – You can also examine your auto policy to see if you can lower some of your coverage limits or even drop certain coverages you do not need. Doing so will likely drop the price of your policy.
• Take a driving class – Many companies will give you a discount if you take a defensive driving class.
• Ask if you have accident forgiveness on your policy – Some companies will offer accident forgiveness if you have not had an accident in a long time.
• Shop around for new auto insurance – If your rates increase, compare quotes from other companies. Each company will charge different rates so it’s possible that another insurer will overlook that fender bender.

Auto insurance after an accident doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Instead of canceling your policy to avoid rate increases after an auto accident, shop around and see if you can find better rates.

You have several ways to tweak your insurance plan with the overall aim of reducing your post-accident auto insurance rates.

While these reduction methods may apply to any driver with any type of record, they can be especially helpful for those who are already paying more due to a bad driving record.

Increasing your deductible for your collision and comprehensive coverage is an ideal place to start since you have more say over the type and level of repairs to your own vehicle than you do for repairing the vehicles of others under your liability coverage.

Washington’s Insurance Department also notes you can pay for smaller claims out of your own pocket, instead of running them through the insurance company.

By not filing claims unless absolutely necessary, your claims history will remain low.

How you pay may also be a way to reduce your rates. Paying for an entire year’s worth of coverage in one lump sum may come out cheaper than paying in monthly installments.

Auto insurance companies may offer a discount for paying the entire rate at once, and it may also be a way to avoid monthly fees and service charges tacked onto your bill every time you make a payment.

Making sure you are not duplicating insurance coverage can also help you trim some fat off your auto insurance bill.

For instance, if your health insurance already covers medical bills if you are in an accident, you can scale back on medical coverage under your auto insurance plan.

Can affordable online auto insurance protect me in an accident?

As with any company, make sure you do your homework. Look at several companies and research their stability, customer service, and claims processing.

• Affordable auto insurance policies purchased online are only as good as the company backing them
• Before researching an insurance provider, find out exactly what you need in terms of coverage
• Choose several insurance companies and compare the same policy from each to find the best deal

Getting free quotes to compare auto insurance and buying your policy online are two ways the internet makes life easier for those shopping for auto insurance.

Virtually all insurance companies will provide free online quotes to those who request them. Almost all auto insurance companies offer customers the option of buying auto insurance policies online.

Should you read auto insurance company rankings and reviews?

Now that you have a shortlist of auto insurance companies that offer their affordable insurance products online, research each company on the list.

Research each of the auto insurance companies to discover what consumers are saying about the company. Company ratings are provided by various consumer agencies, such as Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates.

Check an auto insurance company’s financial strength by researching the company through A.M. Best. Retain only those companies that are ranked well by independent ranking agencies.

Customer reviews also provide a great deal of insight into the way auto insurance companies conduct business.

A customer review usually only shows one customer’s experience with a given company.

However, if you start to notice a consensus between reviewers about a company, positive or negative, you can assume that the reviewed content should merit your attention.

When you have worked through these steps for shopping for auto insurance, you should have whittled your list down to one or two auto insurance providers that offer online policies.

Select the provider that you feel will provide you with the best rates and the best customer service.

What other auto insurance factors determine rates?

Your driving record and number of accidents may play a big part in your insurance rates, but they are not the only factors involved.

You can try to offset the high cost of insurance by making sure other factors on the list get you the lowest rates possible.

Just like with accidents, finding cheap car insurance after a ticket can be difficult. Driving safely and obeying traffic laws is the best way to keep your auto insurance rates low.

While some of the factors are beyond your control, others may be adjusted to keep your rates down.

What auto insurance factors are beyond your control?

Your age and gender are two factors that go into calculating your rates. The highest rates go to the highest risk group of drivers, which are people under age 25.

Males under age 25 boost the rate even further as they statistically have more accidents than female drivers under 25.

Married couples typically have lower rates than singles, although you may not want to propose just to get an insurance break.

All members of your household are factors that go into calculating your rates.

If you have a job that requires you to use your own vehicle, your rates may be higher than a job that only requires you to drive to and from work.

Living in an area that is known for high crime and auto thefts can increase your rates over lower-crime zones.

Congested urban areas typically merit higher rates than sparsely populated rural locations.

What auto insurance factors can you adjust?

Even if your driving record is currently trashed, you can keep it as squeaky clean as possible going forward.

That means driving safely, obeying all traffic laws, and paying acute attention to the road should be top priorities.

Other factors you can adjust include:

• Your annual mileage
• Type of vehicle you have
• Your credit record

Lower rates generally come from lower mileage. You can explore taking public transportation, carpooling, or even walking to reduce the mileage on your vehicle.

The make and age of your vehicle are other factors within your control.

Automobiles that are frequently stolen are on the high end of the insurance cost scale, as are vehicles that cost a lot to repair.

You can ask insurance companies for estimates for insuring a specific type of vehicle before you actually buy that vehicle. They may be able to help guide you toward vehicles that are low-cost on their insurance list.

Your credit record may play a part in your insurance rates.

As for your driving record, you may not be able to fix your credit record in an instant, but you can employ measures to improve it going forward.

These measures include paying your bills on time, paying off as much debt as possible, and not applying for many new accounts at once.

You may also want to review your credit record to ensure there are no mistakes on the record that could be bringing you down.

What auto insurance discounts are available?

Before you make your final decision, ask each of the auto insurance companies on your shortlist about the discounts they offer.

You may qualify for several discounts, lowering your rates even more.

Some of the more common discounts include:

• Multiple Vehicle Discount
• Good Student Discount
• Good Driver Discount
• Multi-Policy Discount

When shopping for auto insurance, be sure to consider the discounts that each company on your shortlist offers and figure the discount into the rate payments.

This will give you an idea of what your rates would be with a policy from the given company.

How can you make auto insurance discounts count?

Can you get insurance after a wreck and still qualify for discounts? Yes, and a number of discounts offered by insurance companies may help shave money off your overall insurance rate.

Companies may give you a reduced rate for insuring more than one vehicle with the company or having more than one policy type with it.

You may be able to choose a single company for your home and auto insurance, which could merit a break.

Your vehicle’s safety and security features can net you a discount as well. Security measures include automobile alarms, tracking devices, wheel locks, and brake locks.

Can you cancel auto insurance after an accident?

If you got into an accident and don’t have insurance, you can’t buy a policy following the accident in hopes of the insurer paying for the damages.

If you didn’t have insurance at the time of the accident, no insurer is going to backdate your coverage so that you have coverage at the time of the accident.

Backdating insurance coverage is against the law. Therefore, to be protected by an auto insurance policy you must already have insurance at the time of the accident.

If you just got insurance and had an accident, your collision policy will cover you. For example, if you bought insurance the same day as the accident, as long as the paperwork was completed and submitted before the collision occurred you will be covered.

However, if you got into an accident during an insurance lapse, meaning your policy was not renewed, then you will not be covered by the insurance company.

The insurance process after an accident is simple. Keep reading as we discuss how to claim auto insurance after an accident later on in this article.

How do you cancel your auto insurance after an accident?

As a consumer, you have the right to cancel your auto insurance at any time and for any reason. Some people cancel because they have found a cheaper policy, while others cancel because they no longer own their vehicle.

However, most require you to give written notice within a set timeframe. You should check with your auto insurance company on their specific requirements and policies. You don’t want to get into an auto accident without insurance.

In most states, you are legally required to carry auto insurance at all times.

When you get quotes from other companies, you will be asked about your accident and claim history.

If you think your accident was recent enough that it may not show up on your driving record, keep in mind that you are required to tell the truth on an auto policy application.

Sooner or later the company will find out about your recent infraction and either raise your rates or drop you as a customer altogether.

But be sure that you never drive without insurance and that you always get the minimum auto insurance coverage required by the state.

Auto insurance can be quite confusing after an accident. However, ensuring that you have the right types and amounts of coverage can protect you if you ever need to file a claim.

Regardless of whether or not you’ve been in an auto accident, you should never cancel your auto insurance until you have coverage with a different company. Otherwise, you would be breaking the law.

Can you switch auto insurance companies after you file an accident claim?

As long as your vehicle wasn’t totaled, you do still pay for auto insurance after an accident.

If you have insurance and you file a claim against your policy to help pay for your expenses after an accident, the case will be assigned to an adjuster and investigated.

The adjuster will look at reports, assess the location of the damage, take statements, and interview witnesses to determine who is at fault for the accident.

The claim isn’t closed until the at-fault party has been declared and the settlement is paid out.

As long as you had coverage at the time of the accident, you’re free to switch companies in the middle of the claims investigation before the case is even closed.

Most policyholders will wait to make the switch, but if you decide you want to move to another company right away, your original insurer still has to pay the claim.

So, can you switch insurance after an accident? Yes, you can switch insurance after a claim is filed, but it’s best to wait until the claim has been closed.

Switching car insurance companies is relatively easy. You just need to make sure you have the new coverage in place before you cancel your old policy. Otherwise, you’ll be driving uninsured and can face huge penalties.

What’s the cost of being uninsured at the time of the accident?

While you can get insurance the same day as an accident, don’t expect it to cover your previous collision. What happens if you get auto insurance after an accident? Buying insurance after an accident will not cover anything that took place before the policy was purchased.

What happens after an auto accident without insurance? If you’re deemed at fault for a crash and were uninsured at the time, you’re responsible for paying for damages out of pocket.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, one out of every eight drivers is uninsured. If you let your coverage lapse or you never purchased a policy to begin with, being uninsured can cost you.

In most states, if you don’t buy insurance you’ll be penalized. You could be assessed monetary fines or you could even be charged with a Class C misdemeanor that can later be upgraded to a Class B.

The following table shows penalties for getting caught driving without insurance by the state.

As you can see, driving uninsured is never worth it—the consequences are very real.

Criminal and civil penalties aren’t the only things that can affect you. If you have an uninsured loss and law enforcement arrives at the scene of the accident, it’s possible that your vehicle will be impounded.

In some states, uninsured drivers who get into accidents that result in property damage or injury can be arrested at the scene. Remember, getting insurance right after an accident won’t help you.

If you’re wondering whether you are still insured after a claim, the answer is yes. A claim will not cancel your insurance coverage.

Similarly, if you’re wondering whether you’re still insured after a write-off or after your vehicle is totaled, the answer is still yes.

Fortunately, there are many options for auto insurance for those with accidents on their record.

What happens if you’re the at-fault driver?

You may now be wondering if you can get insurance after an accident if you’re the at-fault driver. The answer is yes, but it will not cover any pre-existing damages.

If the fault has been allocated and the companies investigating agree that you were primarily to blame for the loss, the claim will be classified as an at-fault accident.

When you’re at fault, the company can surcharge your rates at your next renewal. You won’t see a change in your rates during the current term.

The accident surcharge will raise your rates and could even make you ineligible for receiving good driver discounts.

If you already have tickets and accidents on your record, there is a possibility that the company could discontinue your policy at the next term because of your risk level.

Can the new auto insurance company charge you if you’re at fault for the accident?

If you decide to switch to a new company, you aren’t free and clear of being charged for the accident.

There’s no rule that says only the company that pays out the claim is able to surcharge your rates when you have an accident.

Any company that sells you insurance is free to run your driving record and claims record. If they see the accident and it’s been declared your fault, they can surcharge you on the new policy.

How much is an accident surcharge?

Accident surcharges vary by household. Companies that prefer to insure excellent drivers might have larger surcharges than sub-standard companies.

Some other factors that can play a role in the amount of your surcharge are:

• State limits to auto insurance surcharges
• Accident history and if you have other at-fault accidents
• Your driving record and if you have moving violations
• Your age, gender, marital status, and years of driving experience
• The vehicle that you drive
• Discounts for accident-free and good drivers

Whether you got insurance after an accident or just got insurance and had an accident, you will always be able to find auto insurance when you qualify for a driver’s license.

If you’re having trouble finding cheap insurance after an accident, it’s best to use an online quoting system to compare rates. Enter your information and make sure that you disclose the accident.

Can you be penalized if you’re uninsured in a not-at-fault accident?

When you’re in an accident with a reckless driver and there’s no question that the other driver is at fault, don’t count on collecting from the other party for your damages.

In some states, insurance companies are legally allowed to deny a claim made by a third party if the party who suffers damages doesn’t have insurance.

In some cases, you might be able to get away with filing a third-party auto insurance claim and collecting for your repairs and your medical bills.

What is a third-party claim in auto insurance? It means filing your claim with the other driver’s insurance company, as that company is responsible for the damages.

What you should know is that most insurance adjusters will use a database to check your insurance status when you’re filing the claim, even if you choose to handle it yourself without involving a company.

If this happens, the adjuster could deny your claim if they see that your insurance doesn’t exist.

What are the types of auto insurance coverage?

You may be able to scale back on other types of coverage in a bid to save money on your auto insurance.

If your vehicle would cost more to insure than it would to replace, you may be able to forget about comprehensive or collision coverage altogether.

Of course, you do want to comply with state law and obtain the minimum amount of auto insurance required for the state, but additional coverage is your choice.

Review state minimums and then decide how much additional coverage you would feasibly need. Also, make sure an insurance company is not automatically including coverage you don’t want or need when they are offering a quote or drawing up a policy.

Your auto insurance policy is like several mini-policies rolled into one. Together they can give you complete coverage so that you are protected no matter what calamity might befall your vehicle.

Here are the different coverage types:

• Liability Insurance – Liability is the minimum type of insurance that most states legally require their drivers to have. Property liability covers the damages you cause to the property of others while bodily injury liability covers their medical or funeral expenses. It is important to remember that liability only covers other parties for the damages you cause—it will not cover your losses.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance – Although insurance is a mandatory requirement in almost every corner of the nation, some drivers still ignore this requirement. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you are covered if you are hit by someone who has no insurance or if you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident. Underinsured motorist coverage provides additional payments if the other party’s liability coverage does not pay for all of your damages.
• Medical Payments/Personal Injury Protection – If you have medical payments coverage (also known as med pay or PIP) it will pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and even hired help around the house that is needed due to your own injuries. You can use this coverage regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
• Collision Insurance – Collision is an optional coverage that pays for damages to your vehicle as a result of colliding with something else like a vehicle, tree, or building. With this coverage, you select your deductible and your policy limits.
• Comprehensive Insurance – Comprehensive coverage also requires you to choose a deductible and policy limits. However, it differs from collision coverage in that it covers other events such as natural disasters, fire, flood, theft, vandalism, and hitting an animal.
• GAP Insurance – If you lease your vehicle, you likely already pay for GAP insurance within your lease. If you have a financed vehicle, it is also wise to look into this coverage. Since vehicles depreciate quickly, it is likely that you owe more on your loan or lease than your auto insurance company would give you if they determined that your vehicle was a total loss after you filed a claim. GAP coverage will pay the difference in the amounts.

There is no one size fits all car insurance. Pick and choose the coverages that you need.

What are auto insurance special programs?

If a driving record is particularly awful, some insurance companies may refuse to offer insurance at all. However, just because one insurance company denies coverage, don’t mean they all will.

The Texas Department of Insurance points out that each company sets its own rules and what works for one may not work for another.

The Texas DUI also notes that the highest costs of insurance may come from some of the more serious traffic violations.

These include:

• Involuntary manslaughter
• Criminally negligent driving
• Driving with a suspended license
• Driving under the influence

Even companies that refuse to insure high-risk drivers may be associated with other member companies that do.

It never hurts to ask. It also never hurts to look into insurance companies that specialize in insuring high-risk drivers when comparing your options.

One more area to research if you are having trouble finding high-risk insurance would be programs that may be available in your state.

Texas has a state-run insurance program that may insure drivers that cannot obtain it elsewhere.

California also has a plan, known as the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan. Each insurance company in the state is required to take on CAARP applications according to the California Department of Insurance.

While the rates may be different than you’d find through a traditional program, all CAARP rates are the same regardless of which company offers the insurance.

If you successfully maintain a good driving record for three years under the CAARP plan, you will be eligible to move from CAARP to a standard insurance policy.

Your state’s department of insurance may be able to guide you in the right direction and let you know if such a program exists for you.

However, state-run auto insurance programs usually have very strict requirements and are one of the last places to look for insurance.

What do you do after an accident?

I had an accident. Now what?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 51,872 vehicles were involved in accidents in 2018. Chances are that one day you will be in an auto accident if you haven’t already. It’s better to know what to do after an auto accident before one even occurs.

It is important for you, your passengers, and any other involved parties to seek medical care immediately if it is necessary, without regard to how it will be paid.

The health and well-being of everyone involved should be a priority.

As soon as possible after the accident, you will need to notify your auto insurance company. Be prepared to describe the accident and the circumstances preceding it.

If available, you should also provide your company with the name of the responding law enforcement officer and the police report number. Your auto insurance company will help you officially file your claims for the accident.

Remember, buying a vehicle after an accident is common if your vehicle is deemed a total loss.

What are some automobile accident statistics?

Worldwide, about 1.2 million people die in auto accidents every year. Read on to learn more about auto accident statistics with even more facts and data.

• Pedestrians have a 90 percent chance of survival if hit by an automobile traveling 30 mph or slower
• Approximately 25 percent of all automobile accidents are the direct result of a driver talking on a cell phone

Worldwide, 1.2 million people die in auto accidents yearly. Researchers have found many different facts and data to analyze the causes of crashes in order to prevent them in the future.

Here are some interesting statistics about auto accidents:

Auto accident statistics should serve to remind us not only to drive safely but also to save us some money. The safer a driver you are then the more likely it is that you will pay less for auto insurance.

No matter what your accident and driving history is like, driving defensively is what matters most.

Hopefully, the auto accident stats above will persuade you to be a safe driver and a conscientious auto insurance shopper.

Now you know how to find the cheapest auto insurance after an accident. But how do you calculate auto insurance after an accident?

It’s easy to see which company offers the best rates and services after an accident just by entering your ZIP code into our free auto insurance comparison tool. Compare auto insurance quotes after an accident now to find a cheap insurance company.

Auto Insurance FAQ / Auto Insurance Tips

07.10.2020 / auto insurance claims / car insurance after an accident / Cheap Auto Insurance After an Accident / filing a claim