Best Cheap Car Insurance After an Accident


Enter your ZIP code to get started

Shield

Free. Simple. Secure.

State Farm offers the best and cheapest full coverage car insurance for drivers with accidents on their records at $1,091 annually, regardless of age. It also provides the lowest rates in 21 states.

Accidents can increase insurance rates when policies renew because they indicate a higher risk to insurers. Providers typically charge higher rates for three to five years after the accident, depending on its severity, the driver's location and company policies.

We analyzed top insurers to identify the best car insurance deals for drivers with an accident on record. Learn more about our methodology.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Why do we need ZIP code?

What Is the Best Cheap Car Insurance After an Accident?

State Farm is the best and cheapest option for most drivers with at-fault accidents, with a MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 and an annual premium of $1,091 for full coverage. Travelers comes in second, scoring 88 and charging $1,506.

Overall Best Insurance After an Accident: State Farm

State Farm

pros

checkmark

Offers cheap rates for drivers with an accident, ticket or DUI

checkmark

Available in every state

checkmark

Highest score (89 /100) in MoneyGeek's overall best provider comparison study

cons

close

No specialized coverage options, such as accident forgiveness, new car replacement or gap insurance

close

Higher-than-average customer complaint ratio

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

State Farm consistently offers the most affordable coverage for drivers of all ages with accidents on their records. It also provides a broad range of stackable discounts. 

State Farm offers policies in every state, making affordable insurance accessible. Switching to State Farm is straightforward, with free quotes available online or over the phone.

Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident by Age

mglogo
MoneyGeek's Top Pick

State Farm

State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage policy after an accident across all age groups. On average, its rates are 34% lower than the national average for drivers with an accident on their record.

Find the best car insurance that suits your needs by comparing quotes from different providers. The table below can help you choose the right coverage — search for the best providers based on your age group and preferred type of coverage.

Also, MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator can show potential policy costs before entering your details into a quote tool.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:30-59
Select
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
State Farm89$1,091$91
Travelers88$1,506$126
GEICO87$1,546$129
Nationwide86$1,409$117
Progressive86$1,810$151
Allstate85$1,584$132
Farmers85$1,838$153

Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident by State

State Farm is the most affordable car insurance provider in 21 U.S. states for drivers with an at-fault accident. The following table shows the cheapest insurer by state for minimum and full coverage policies.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:30-59
Select
Coverage:Full Coverage
AlabamaCOUNTRY Financial$996$83
AlaskaState Farm$861$72
ArizonaRoot$852$71
ArkansasState Farm$756$63
CaliforniaAAA California$1,517$126
ColoradoAmerican National$725$60
ConnecticutGEICO$1,001$83
DelawareTravelers$904$75
District of ColumbiaErie$1,040$87
FloridaState Farm$1,290$107
GeorgiaCOUNTRY Financial$936$78
HawaiiState Farm$756$63
IdahoAmerican National$431$36
IllinoisAmerican Family$825$69
IndianaAmerican Family$735$61
IowaState Farm$584$49
KansasAmerican Family$842$70
KentuckyState Farm$1,005$84
LouisianaLouisiana Farm Bureau$1,355$113
MaineVermont Mutual$562$47
MarylandProgressive$1,193$99
MassachusettsState Farm$732$61
MichiganChubb$961$80
MinnesotaAmerican Family$831$69
MississippiState Farm$1,003$84
MissouriState Farm$1,105$92
MontanaProgressive$724$60
NebraskaAmerican National$520$43
NevadaState Farm$1,151$96
New HampshireState Farm$708$59
New JerseyNJM$938$78
New MexicoState Farm$802$67
New YorkProgressive$985$82
North CarolinaState Farm$884$74
North DakotaAmerican Family$616$51
OhioAmerican Family$639$53
OklahomaState Farm$768$64
OregonState Farm$924$77
PennsylvaniaTravelers$811$68
Rhode IslandState Farm$700$58
South CarolinaAmerican National$581$48
South DakotaState Farm$917$76
TennesseeState Farm$673$56
TexasState Farm$862$72
UtahAmerican Family$899$75
VermontVermont Mutual$525$44
VirginiaAuto-Owners$689$57
WashingtonPEMCO$728$61
West VirginiaErie$945$79
WisconsinState Farm$728$61
WyomingState Farm$871$73
mglogo icon
WHAT CAN CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES SEE ON YOUR DRIVING RECORD?

Car insurance companies assess risk by reviewing driving records, including at-fault and not-at-fault accidents, which can significantly affect premiums. Completing defensive driving courses may also impact rates.

Your driving record also includes:

  • Driving history
  • License classification
  • Points

Check your record regularly for accuracy, as errors can affect insurance rates. Report discrepancies to your state’s DMV.

Best Cheap Car Insurance for Military Members After an Accident

mglogo
MoneyGeek's Top Pick

USAA

USAA often provides the best rates for military drivers with an at-fault accident, scoring 93 out of 100 in MoneyGeek’s best car insurance comparison review. Its average annual rate is $953 for full coverage. It offers exclusive military discounts for active-duty service members, veterans and their families.

Getting Car Insurance After an Accident: Buying Guide

To ensure you get the best full coverage option for your needs, explore the following sections for guidance on choosing the right policy. This will help you balance coverage and cost based on your situation.

Factors That Raise Insurance Rates After an Accident

Your insurance premiums depend on several factors beyond accidents. Some, like your address and credit score, are within your control. Others, such as age and local insurance costs, are not.

    money2 icon

    State laws

    Car insurance rate increases vary by state, especially after an at-fault accident. State laws regulate how much insurers can raise rates, ensuring reasonable increases. Understanding these guidelines helps drivers anticipate changes in costs.

    buyingACar icon

    Age

    Age is a key factor in rate changes after an accident. Rates are typically lowest from your early 20s through your 60s. Younger drivers face higher rates due to inexperience, while older drivers may see increases because of slower reaction times.

Other factors include:

  • Fault status
  • Insurance provider
  • Type of car
  • Other infractions
  • Injuries or severity of the accident

To save on premiums after an accident, use discounts and compare insurance options annually for better rates.

How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After an Accident?

Full coverage costs increase by 24% on average after an at-fault accident, adding about $208 annually. Premiums often rise because insurers see drivers with poor records as higher risks.

Premium Increase After a Car Accident

car
Average Driver

Annual Premium Increases

$883
accident2
Driver With an Accident

Annual Premium

$1,091
Drivers with an accident pay:$208 more

This is 24% more expensive.

How to Get Cheap Car Insurance Premiums After an Accident

An increase in car insurance premiums after an accident can strain your budget. To reduce the impact, shop for different providers, use available discounts and improve your driving habits. Taking these steps can help you secure a more affordable rate.

    carVsCar icon

    Switch car insurance companies

    If your insurer raises your rates significantly at renewal, consider switching companies. Each insurer has its own pricing model; some may offer better rates for drivers with accidents. You don't have to wait for renewal to make the change.

    You can switch car insurance after an accident, but you may need to work with your previous insurer if you filed a claim.

    find icon

    Shop around with multiple providers

    Insurance companies use different methods to set rates, so quotes can vary. To find the best deal, get quotes from at least three providers. Over time, accidents on your record impact your rates less, so compare quotes annually to ensure you get the best price.

    insurance2 icon

    Bundle your home and car insurance policies

    Many insurers offer home and auto bundles, which often result in lower rates. Insuring multiple vehicles with the same company might also qualify you for discounts. Inquire about bundling options for potential savings.

    discount icon

    Seek out other discounts

    Having an accident doesn't disqualify you from various discounts. You might save on premiums by paying your policy in full, installing safety or security devices or participating in a telematics program.

    carInsurance icon

    Switch to a less expensive vehicle

    Your vehicle type can affect insurance costs. Cars with better safety features or lower repair costs are cheaper to insure. Consider vehicles known for safety and affordability, like the Toyota Camry, to help lower your premiums.

How Long Does an Accident Stay On Your Driving Record?

A car accident typically stays on your record for three to five years, but this can vary depending on where you live, the severity of the accident and any other infractions involved.

For instance, an at-fault accident may be removed from your record if no major charges, like DUI or reckless driving, were added.

Most insurers base premiums on your driving history's past three to five years. This is why accident forgiveness is valuable, especially for teenage drivers seeking insurance.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Why do we need ZIP code?

Best Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident: Bottom Line

Getting affordable car insurance after an accident is possible. Compare quotes, use available discounts and understand your coverage options to find a policy that fits your needs. Explore different providers to keep premiums low while ensuring you're adequately covered.

Car Insurance After an Accident: FAQ

Check our frequently asked questions to get the answers about choosing the best car insurance after an accident.

Which company offers the cheapest car insurance after an accident?

How long does an accident impact my car insurance rates?

Can drivers still qualify for discounts even with accidents on their records?

If my current insurer raises my rates due to an accident, can I switch to a different provider?

What is non-standard insurance?

Affordable Car Insurance After an Accident: Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzes car insurance rates using data from hundreds of companies. We rely on data from the following independent agencies and reputable authorities:

We keep our editorial policy and standards clear and straightforward for readers. Our writers focus on useful topics by researching and answering frequently asked questions. For accuracy, the MoneyGeek editorial team conducts research, edits, fact-checks and reviews each article throughout the process.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.


MoneyGeek Address:1325 Howard Ave, Suite 338
Burlingame, CA 94010

MoneyGeek Phone:904-878-4335



Copyright © 2025 MoneyGeek.com. All Rights Reserved