State Farm balances affordability and quality with the lowest rates at $1,444 annually while maintaining a strong MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100. Progressive earns the highest MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 for drivers with at-fault accidents, though its annual premium costs $1,745 for full coverage ($301 more than State Farm).
Best Cheap Car Insurance After an Accident
Updated: October 24, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
State Farm provides the most affordable full coverage after an accident at $120 monthly with strong MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100.
Car insurance rates increase 24% on average after an accident, adding $208 annually for three to five years, according to MoneyGeek's analysis of major insurers.
Accident forgiveness car insurance prevents rate increases for your first at-fault accident.
Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies After an Accident
Provider | Monthly Minimum Coverage | Monthly Full Coverage | MoneyGeek Score | Accident Forgiveness Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$55 | $120 | 90 | Yes - included with full coverage | |
Auto Owners | $75 | $142 | 92 | Yes - available as add-on |
$77 | $145 | 94 | Yes - available as add-on | |
$77 | $148 | 94 | Included after 5 years | |
GEICO | $82 | $164 | 89 | Yes - available as add-on |
Note: Accident forgiveness availability and terms vary by state and driving history. Most insurers require three to five years of clean driving before eligibility. This feature prevents rate increases for your first at-fault accident but doesn't remove the incident from your driving record.
Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident by Age
State Farm offers the most affordable full coverage rates for drivers with accidents across all age groups, with premiums that decrease as you age. Young drivers aged 22 to 29 pay $112 monthly, middle-aged drivers (30 to 59) pay $91 monthly, and seniors (60+) get the lowest rates at $84 monthly.
Data filtered by:
30-59
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
| State Farm | 89 | $1,091 | $91 |
| Travelers | 88 | $1,506 | $126 |
| GEICO | 87 | $1,546 | $129 |
| Nationwide | 86 | $1,409 | $117 |
| Progressive | 86 | $1,810 | $151 |
| Allstate | 85 | $1,584 | $132 |
| Farmers | 85 | $1,838 | $153 |
Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident by State
Travelers offers the lowest rates for at-fault accident drivers in 15 states, more than any other insurer we analyzed. Progressive has the cheapest rates in eight states, Auto-Owners in six states, State Farm in four states and GEICO in two states. Review the table below for the cheapest insurer by state for minimum and full coverage policies.
| Arizona | Travelers | $84 | $153 |
| Arkansas | Travelers | $69 | $135 |
| California | Progressive | $126 | $245 |
| Connecticut | Geico | $69 | $153 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $85 | $141 |
| Florida | Travelers | $120 | $257 |
| Illinois | Auto Owners | $65 | $118 |
| Indiana | Progressive | $70 | $117 |
| Iowa | Travelers | $48 | $102 |
| Kansas | Travelers | $56 | $124 |
| Kentucky | Travelers | $80 | $149 |
| Maine | Travelers | $48 | $85 |
| Maryland | Travelers | $122 | $215 |
| Michigan | Auto Owners | $101 | $195 |
| Minnesota | Auto Owners | $72 | $135 |
| Missouri | Travelers | $68 | $134 |
| Montana | State Farm | $30 | $98 |
| Nebraska | Auto Owners | $60 | $125 |
| Nevada | Travelers | $145 | $252 |
| New Hampshire | Progressive | $70 | $109 |
| New York | Progressive | $74 | $116 |
| North Carolina | Progressive | $57 | $94 |
| Ohio | Auto Owners | $54 | $119 |
| Oklahoma | Progressive | $84 | $199 |
| Oregon | Progressive | $99 | $176 |
| Rhode Island | Travelers | $68 | $120 |
| South Carolina | Auto Owners | $100 | $164 |
| South Dakota | Progressive | $34 | $108 |
| Tennessee | Travelers | $63 | $134 |
| Texas | State Farm | $69 | $137 |
| Utah | Geico | $96 | $184 |
| Virginia | Travelers | $63 | $115 |
| Washington | State Farm | $83 | $169 |
| Wisconsin | Travelers | $55 | $104 |
| Wyoming | State Farm | $27 | $89 |
Best Car Insurance After an Accident Company Reviews
We evaluated each insurer's rates, coverage options and customer service to identify which companies serve drivers with accidents best. Each excels in different areas: affordable rates, comprehensive coverage or exceptional claims handling.
Progressive: Best Cheap Company Overall
Progressive
MoneyGeek Score:
94/ 100
Avg. Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate$77
Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Rate$145
Overview
Progressive combines comprehensive coverage options with rate-reduction programs for drivers recovering from accidents. You'll pay more upfront ($145 monthly) but access coverage features and discount programs unavailable from cheaper competitors.
Progressive's Snapshot program helps you earn discounts based on current driving behavior rather than past accident history. Progressive also offers the cheapest rates in eight states, including North Carolina, New York and New Hampshire.
Accident forgiveness is available as an add-on for eligible drivers who've been accident-free for five years. The feature costs $30 to $60 annually but can save hundreds in rate increases after your first at-fault accident.
State Farm: Best Value for Budget-Conscious Drivers
State Farm
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ 100
Avg. Cheap Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate$55
Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Rate$120
Overview
State Farm offers the lowest rates among major national insurers at $120 monthly for full coverage with solid reliability. Although its coverage options and customer service scores trail competitors, its prices won't strain your budget.
State Farm provides access to local agents for face-to-face service if you prefer in-person support. Drivers seeking extensive coverage options or premium customer service should consider other insurers in our rankings.
Accident forgiveness is automatically included with full coverage policies after maintaining a clean driving record for three years, one of the most generous programs available without additional premium costs.
Travelers: Best For Comprehensive Coverage
Travelers
MoneyGeek Score:
94/ 100
Avg. Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate$77
Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Rate$148
Overview
Travelers allows drivers to earn discounts through their IntelliDrive program based on their driving habits. Bundling and responsible driver discounts help offset accident-related rate increases.
Travelers delivers reliable claims service with strong customer satisfaction scores. Drivers in Travelers' 15 leading states pay less than competitors, even with an accident on record.
Accident forgiveness is included automatically after five years of continuous coverage and a clean driving record, protecting long-term customers without additional fees.
GEICO: Most Widely Available
GEICO
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ 100
Avg. Monthly Minium Coverage Rate$55
Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Rate$120
Overview
GEICO's industry-leading digital tools and streamlined claims processing simplify insurance for accident-prone drivers. The GEICO mobile app lets you report accidents instantly, track claim progress and manage your policy, especially helpful when dealing with post-accident stress.
GEICO's premiums run higher, but military families benefit from substantial discounts that offset the higher base rates.
Auto-Owners: Best Regional Provider
Auto-Owners
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ 100
Avg. Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate$55
Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Rate$120
Overview
Auto-Owners understands Midwest regional driving conditions, weather patterns and customer expectations better than national carriers. Auto-Owners only operates in select Midwest states but has built deep community roots through a personalized local agent approach.
Auto-Owners' claims service consistently ranks above industry averages, and its accident forgiveness program offers more generous terms compared to national competitors.
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance Premiums After an Accident
An accident increases your car insurance premiums 24% on average, adding $208 annually. Offset this increase by switching providers, comparing quotes regularly, bundling policies, maximizing discounts and adjusting coverage options like deductibles or accident forgiveness.
Switch car insurance companies
Your insurer may raise your rates at renewal, but competitors price accidents differently. Switch car insurance after an accident anytime; you don't need to wait for renewal. Work with your previous insurer if you filed a claim to ensure smooth transition.
Shop around with multiple providers
Get quotes from at least three providers every six months. Insurance companies use different pricing models, so rates vary widely. Accidents affect your rates less over time, and insurers regularly adjust pricing, so shopping around helps you capture better deals.
Bundle your home and car insurance policies
Home and auto bundles result in lower rates. Insuring multiple vehicles with the same company also qualifies you for discounts. Ask about bundling options for potential savings.
Seek out other discounts
Accidents don't disqualify you from other discounts. Save on premiums by paying your policy in full, installing safety or security devices or participating in telematics programs like Progressive's Snapshot.
Switch to a less expensive vehicle
Your vehicle type affects insurance costs. Cars with better safety features or lower repair costs cost less to insure. Vehicles like the Toyota Camry, known for safety and affordability, help lower premiums.
Compare Quotes Regularly
Compare quotes every six months as rates change frequently. Insurers adjust their pricing models regularly, and you may find better deals by shopping around.
Consider Higher Deductibles
Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 lowers your premium by 10% to 15%. Deductibles don't apply to liability coverage, which pays for damage you cause to others, only to comprehensive and collision coverage for your vehicle.
Ask About Accident Forgiveness
Ask about accident forgiveness before another accident occurs. Adding this coverage now protects you from rate increases if you have a future accident.
Maintain Continuous Coverage
Avoid gaps in coverage to prevent additional penalties. Coverage gaps result in higher rates when you restart your policy because insurers view lapses as increased risk.
Complete Defensive Driving Courses
State-approved defensive driving programs qualify you for 5% to 10% discounts with many insurers. Check with your provider about eligible courses in your state.
What Makes Car Insurance Cheaper After an Accident?
Insurance companies evaluate multiple factors when setting premiums for drivers with accidents. Understanding these factors helps you target the right insurers and coverage options for the most affordable rates.
Insurance Company Risk Assessment Policies
Insurers use different algorithms to calculate risk and set rates after accidents. Some companies are more forgiving than others:
- State Farm: Often offers the lowest rates for single-accident drivers
- Travelers: Includes accident forgiveness in many policies automatically
- Progressive: Uses Snapshot technology to focus on current driving behavior rather than past accidents
- GEICO: Provides substantial military and federal employee discounts that offset accident penalties
- Auto-Owners: Regional focus allows for more personalized risk assessment
Time Since Accident
Most insurers reduce penalties after three years, with full rate restoration after five years. Insurance companies view recent accidents (within 12 months) as the highest risk, with penalties decreasing gradually. After three years, many insurers treat you like drivers with clean records.
Accident Severity and Fault Status
Minor fender-benders with no injuries result in smaller rate increases than accidents involving injuries or major property damage. At-fault accidents carry higher penalties than not-at-fault incidents. Total payout amount matters: a $500 fender-bender affects your rates less than a $15,000 accident with medical claims.
Your Overall Driving Record
A single accident on an otherwise clean record receives more favorable treatment than multiple violations. Insurers review your driving history over three to five years, including speeding tickets, DUIs and other violations. Drivers with one accident but no other infractions qualify for standard rates, while those with multiple incidents face high-risk classification and higher premiums.
Geographic Location Impact
Urban areas with higher accident frequencies may impose smaller penalties, while rural areas with fewer accidents may increase rates more. State insurance regulations vary: some states limit how much insurers can increase rates after accidents, while others allow more pricing flexibility.
Credit Score and Financial Stability
In states where allowed, insurers consider your credit score when setting rates after an accident. Drivers with excellent credit receive smaller rate increases than those with poor credit for identical accidents. Maintaining good credit helps offset some of the financial impact on your insurance premiums.
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 rise because insurers view drivers with accidents as higher risks.
Premium Increase After a Car Accident
Average Driver
Annual Premium Increases
$883Driver With an Accident
Annual Premium
$1,091Drivers with an accident pay:$208 more
This is 24% more expensive.
Factors That Raise Insurance Rates After an Accident
Your insurance premium increases depend on several factors beyond just having an accident. Some factors like your address and credit score are within your control, while others such as age and local insurance costs are not.
State Laws
Car insurance rate increases vary by state after an at-fault accident. State laws regulate how much insurers can raise rates to ensure reasonable increases. Understanding these guidelines helps you anticipate changes in costs.
Age
Age affects rate changes after an accident. Rates are 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.
Fault Status
At-fault accidents increase your rates more than not-at-fault accidents. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness that waives the first at-fault incident.
Insurance Provider
Each company has different policies for rate increases after accidents. Some insurers are more forgiving than others when calculating your new premium.
Other Infractions
Multiple violations like speeding tickets or DUIs combined with an accident compound your rate increase.
Injuries or Severity of the Accident
Accidents involving injuries or major property damage result in larger insurance payouts and higher rate increases than minor fender-benders.
How to File an Insurance Car Accident Claim: Step-by-Step Guide
Filing an insurance car accident claim properly affects your settlement amount and processing time. Avoid common mistakes like delayed reporting, accepting low initial offers, admitting fault or inadequate documentation. Follow this process to protect your financial interests and get the best possible outcome.
- 1Secure the Accident Scene
Move vehicles out of traffic if possible. Turn on hazard lights, set up flares or reflective triangles if available and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there's major property damage.
- 2Document Everything Thoroughly
Take comprehensive photos and gather key information:
- Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles, showing damage
- Capture license plates, VINs and driver's licenses
- Document the accident scene, including traffic signals, road signs and weather conditions
- Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses
- Note the exact time, location and circumstances of the accident
- 3Contact the Police and File a Report
Call the police immediately, even for minor accidents. Many states require police reports for insurance claims. Provide factual information only and avoid admitting fault or speculating about causes. Request a copy of the police report number for your insurance claim.
- 4Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company within 24 hours to report the accident. Provide your policy number, accident details and police report number. Your insurer will assign a claim number and adjuster to handle your case. Be honest but stick to facts; avoid speculation or admitting fault.
- 5Seek Medical Attention
See a doctor within 24 to 48 hours of the accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries like whiplash or concussions may not show symptoms immediately. Keep detailed medical records, as these will be essential for your insurance claim if injuries develop later.
- 6Work with Your Insurance Adjuster
Your assigned adjuster will contact you to schedule a vehicle inspection and discuss the claim process. The adjuster will assess damage, determine if your car is repairable or a total loss, and explain your coverage options. Be cooperative, but don't accept the first settlement offer without careful review.
- 7Get Repair Estimates
Obtain repair estimates from at least two reputable auto body shops. Your insurance company may recommend preferred providers, but you have the right to choose your repair shop. Compare estimates and ensure all damage is included in the repair scope.
- 8Review and Negotiate Settlement
Carefully review your insurance company's settlement offer. This should cover vehicle repairs or replacement value, medical expenses, lost wages and other covered costs. If the offer seems low, provide additional documentation or repair estimates to support your position. Initial offers are often negotiable.
- 9Finalize Your Claim
Once you accept a settlement offer, review all paperwork carefully before signing. Ensure you understand what the settlement covers and whether it releases the insurance company from future claims related to this accident. Keep copies of all documents for your records.
WHEN SHOULD I SEEK LEGAL HELP AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
Consider consulting an attorney when injuries are severe or long-term, fault is disputed between insurance companies, settlement offers seem unreasonably low compared to your damages, or the other driver was uninsured or underinsured. Legal representation becomes valuable if your claim is denied or delayed without a reasonable explanation, you're pressured to settle quickly or multiple parties are involved, requiring a complex liability determination.
How Long Do Accidents Stay on Your Record?
A car accident stays on your record for three to five years, but this varies depending on where you live, the accident's severity and any other infractions involved. 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 for the past three to five years, which is why accident forgiveness is valuable for drivers seeking insurance after their first accident.
What Happens if You Get Into a Car Accident Without Insurance?
Getting into a car accident without insurance triggers immediate legal and financial consequences that can affect you for years. Here's what you'll face across different areas:
Immediate Legal Consequences
Most states immediately suspend your driver's license after a car accident without insurance. Suspension periods range between 30 days and one year, depending on your state's laws and the accident's severity.
State-Specific Penalties for Car Accidents With No Insurance
Driving without insurance carries severe penalties in both no-fault and at-fault states, including immediate license suspension and mandatory SR-22 filing requirements. At-fault states impose additional consequences like vehicle impoundment and direct civil lawsuit exposure when drivers cause car accidents. While each state establishes minimum insurance coverage requirements, these state minimums provide inadequate financial protection during serious accidents, leaving uninsured drivers vulnerable to out-of-pocket expenses.
Financial Responsibility Requirements
After a car accident without insurance, drivers must demonstrate financial responsibility to regain driving privileges. This process requires:
- SR-22 certificate filing costing $25 to $50 annually for three to five years
- Complete payment of outstanding claims and damages
- Proof of future insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements
Violations carry substantial financial penalties: first offenses range from $500 to $2,500 depending on state laws, repeat offenses escalate to $1,000 to $5,000 plus potential jail time, and additional court costs and administrative fees add $200 to $500 to total expenses.
Financial Liability When You Have a Car Accident Without Insurance
Without insurance coverage after a car accident, drivers become personally liable for extensive financial damages, including all property damage to other vehicles and property, medical expenses for injured parties that can reach $100,000+ per person, legal fees if sued by other parties, lost wages for injured parties, and pain and suffering damages awarded by courts.
Future Insurance Consequences
A car accident without insurance creates long-term consequences for future coverage affordability. Drivers become classified as "high-risk" requiring expensive SR-22 policies, face premium increases of 50% to 100% above standard rates, encounter limited insurer options as many companies won't cover drivers with uninsured accidents, and must accept higher deductibles with reduced coverage options.
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
Review our FAQ to get answers about choosing the best car insurance after an accident.
How much does car insurance cost after an accident?
Car insurance after an accident costs 24% more than standard rates, adding approximately $208 annually to your premium. Full coverage increases from an average of $883 to $1,091 per year following an at-fault accident. The cheapest car insurance companies after accidents like State Farm offer rates starting at $120 monthly for full coverage, while Progressive provides competitive options at $145 monthly for drivers with accident history.
How to get cheap car insurance after an accident?
To get affordable car insurance after an accident, shop multiple providers immediately, as penalties vary between companies. Bundle auto and home policies to save 10% to 25%, maintain continuous coverage, and take advantage of telematics programs that monitor current driving behavior rather than past incidents. Switch to safer vehicles with lower repair costs to reduce premiums further.
What is the cheapest car insurance company after an accident?
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance after accidents with full coverage rates starting at $120 monthly. Progressive provides comprehensive coverage at $145 monthly for budget-conscious drivers. Auto-Owners leads in six Midwest states with competitive $142 monthly rates, while Travelers is the most affordable in 15 states nationwide.
How long does an accident affect my car insurance rates?
An accident stays on your driving record for three to five years, directly affecting your car insurance premiums during this period. Most insurers base rates on your driving history from the past three to five years, making accident forgiveness coverage valuable for maintaining lower premiums. The exact duration varies by state laws, accident severity and individual insurance company policies.
Can drivers still qualify for discounts even with accidents on their records?
You can still qualify for car insurance discounts despite having accidents on your driving record. Save money through multi-policy bundling, safe driver courses, good student discounts, military discounts and vehicle safety feature discounts. Accidents don't disqualify you from available discounts such as paying in full, installing anti-theft devices or participating in usage-based insurance programs that reward current safe driving behavior.
Can I switch car insurance companies after an accident?
You can switch car insurance after filing an accident claim, and switching is often beneficial when your current insurer raises rates at renewal. Different insurance companies have varying policies for drivers with accidents, with some offering more forgiving pricing models. You may need to continue working with your previous insurer if you filed a claim, while your new policy covers future incidents.
What is non-standard insurance?
Non-standard insurance is for drivers who may not qualify for a typical policy, often due to a higher risk profile from infractions like DUI or at-fault accidents. Because of the increased risk, drivers with non-standard policies pay higher premiums.
Affordable Car Insurance After an Accident: Methodology
An accident on your record makes comparison shopping essential. Insurers price accidents differently, and finding the most forgiving companies saves you hundreds annually. We gathered rate data from hundreds of insurance companies and analyzed which ones offer the best combination of affordability and reliability for drivers with at-fault accidents.
We evaluated rates from major national and regional insurers using standardized driver profiles with one at-fault accident. Our analysis included both minimum coverage and full coverage quotes to show the complete cost picture across different coverage levels.
We analyzed insurer quality using data from independent authorities:
- AM Best: Credit ratings and financial stability data for insurance companies
- J.D. Power: Customer satisfaction rankings and claims experience research
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): Consumer complaint ratios and regulatory data
- Quadrant Information Services: Comparative pricing analytics across all major insurers
We combined affordability with reliability to identify insurers that won't just offer competitive rates after an accident but will also deliver strong claims service when you need it. This approach helps you find financial protection that fits your budget without sacrificing coverage quality.
Our editorial team researches, writes, fact-checks and reviews each article following our editorial policy and standards to ensure accuracy and usefulness for readers making important insurance decisions.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.