State Farm offers the most affordable rates at $1,444 annually while still maintaining a strong score of 90, making it the best value for budget-conscious drivers. However, Progressive is the best option for drivers with at-fault accidents, earning the highest MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100, with an annual premium of $1,745 for full coverage.
Best Cheap Car Insurance After an Accident
Updated: September 5, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance after an accident at $69 monthly minimum coverage and $145 full coverage.
Car insurance rates increase 24% on average after an accident, adding $208 annually for 3-5 years.
State Farm provides the most affordable full coverage at $120 monthly with strong MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100.
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 3-5 years of clean driving before eligibility.
Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident by Age
State Farm consistently offers the most affordable full coverage rates for drivers with accidents across all age groups, with premiums that actually decrease as you get older. Young drivers aged 22 to 29 pay $112 monthly, while middle-aged drivers (30 to 59) see rates drop to $91 monthly, and seniors (60+) enjoy the lowest rates at just $84 monthly.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:30-59
Select
Coverage: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 is the most affordable car insurance provider in 15 U.S. states for drivers with an at-fault accident, making it the leader in state-by-state affordability. Progressive follows with the cheapest rates in eight states, while Auto Owners leads in six states, State Farm in four states, and GEICO in two states. The following table shows 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've analyzed the top insurance companies to find which ones offer the best combination of affordable rates, solid coverage, and reliable service for drivers with accidents on their records. Below are the top performers, each offering something different depending on what matters most to you: affordable rates, premium coverage options, or outstanding customer service when filing claims.
Progressive: Best Cheap Company Overall
Progressive
MoneyGeek Score:
94/ 100
Avg. Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate$77
Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Rate$145
Overview
Progressive stands out for drivers who want comprehensive coverage options after an accident. While you'll pay more upfront, you get access to industry-leading coverage features and innovative programs that can help reduce your rates over time.
Progressive accident forgiveness is available as an add-on for eligible drivers who have been accident-free for 5 years. The feature costs approximately $30-60 annually but can save hundreds in rate increases after your first at-fault accident.
The company's Snapshot program is particularly valuable for post-accident drivers, as it can help you earn discounts based on actual driving behavior rather than just your accident history. Progressive also leads in eight states for affordability, including key markets like North Carolina, New York, and New Hampshire.
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
At $120 monthly for full coverage, State Farm offers the lowest rates among major national insurers in our analysis. While State Farm may not offer the most comprehensive coverage options or score as highly as competitors in customer service, it delivers solid, reliable insurance at prices that won't strain your budget.
State Farm accident forgiveness is automatically included with full coverage policies after maintaining a clean driving record for 3 years, making it one of the most generous accident forgiveness programs available without additional premium costs.
You'll get dependable coverage backed by one of the largest insurers in the country, plus the option to work with local agents if you prefer face-to-face service. However, if you want extensive coverage options or premium customer service, you might find better value with other insurers in our rankings.
Travelers: Best For Comprehensive Coverage
Travelers
MoneyGeek Score:
94/ 100
Avg. Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate$77
Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Rate$148
Overview
Travelers doesn't penalize accident-prone drivers as harshly as some competitors. Their IntelliDrive program lets you earn discounts based on current driving habits, while bundling and responsible driver discounts help reduce the sting of accident-related rate increases.
Travelers' accident forgiveness is included automatically after 5 years of continuous coverage and a clean driving record, providing valuable protection for long-term customers without additional fees.
When you do need to file a claim, Travelers delivers reliable service with strong customer satisfaction scores. Plus, if you're in one of their 15 leading states, you'll likely pay less than competitors even with an accident on your record.
GEICO: Most Widely Available
GEICO
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ 100
Avg. Monthly Minium Coverage Rate$55
Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Rate$120
Overview
GEICO excels at making insurance simple for accident-prone drivers through industry-leading digital tools and streamlined claims processing. Their mobile app lets you report accidents instantly, track claim progress, and manage your policy, especially valuable when dealing with post-accident stress.
While premiums run higher, you're paying for convenience and reliability. Military families particularly benefit from substantial discounts that can offset the higher base rates, making GEICO competitive for service members with accidents.
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 is the best option in the Midwest insurance market for good reason. It understands regional driving conditions, weather patterns, and customer expectations better than national carriers. While the insurer only operates in select Midwest states, it has built deep community roots, allowing it to offer a personalized local agent approach. The company's claims service consistently ranks above industry averages, and their accident forgiveness program is particularly generous compared to national competitors.
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, compare quotes regularly, bundle policies, use available discounts, and consider coverage adjustments like higher deductibles or accident forgiveness. Taking these strategic steps can help you secure a more affordable rate and protect against future increases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compare Quotes Regularly
Compare quotes every 6 months as rates can change frequently. Insurers regularly adjust their pricing models, and you may find better deals by shopping around regularly.
Consider Higher Deductibles
Consider higher deductibles to reduce monthly premiums. Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can lower your premium by 10-15%.
Ask About Accident Forgiveness
Ask about accident forgiveness before your next incident. Adding this coverage now protects you from rate increases if you have another accident.
Maintain Continuous Coverage
Maintain continuous coverage to avoid additional penalties. Gaps in coverage can result in higher rates when you restart your policy.
Complete Defensive Driving Courses
Complete defensive driving courses for potential discounts. Many insurers offer 5-10% discounts for state-approved defensive driving programs.
What Makes Car Insurance Cheaper After an Accident?
Insurance companies evaluate multiple criteria when setting premiums for drivers with accidents, and knowing these factors helps you target the right insurers and coverage options. Understanding what factors influence your insurance rates after an accident can help you find the most affordable coverage options.
Insurance Company Risk Assessment Policies
Some insurers are more forgiving of accidents than others, using different algorithms to calculate risk and set rates. Companies like State Farm and Travelers often offer competitive rates for drivers with accidents because they factor in customer loyalty, overall profitability, and regional competition. Understanding each company's approach to accident penalties helps you target the most forgiving insurers:
- 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
- GEICO: Provides substantial military and federal employee discounts that can offset accident penalties
- Auto Owners: Regional focus allows for more personalized risk assessment
Time Since Accident
Most insurers reduce penalties after 3 years, with full rate restoration after 5 years. The longer it's been since your accident, the more options you'll have for cheap coverage. Insurance companies view recent accidents (within 12 months) as the highest risk, with penalties decreasing gradually over time. After 3 years, many insurers treat you similarly to drivers with clean records, significantly expanding your options for affordable coverage.
Accident Severity and Fault Status
Minor fender-benders with no injuries typically result in smaller rate increases than accidents involving injuries or significant property damage. At-fault accidents generally carry higher penalties than not-at-fault incidents, though some insurers don't penalize drivers for accidents where they weren't responsible. The total payout amount also matters - a $500 fender-bender will impact 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 or accidents. Insurance companies look at your complete driving history over 3-5 years, including speeding tickets, DUIs, and other violations. Drivers with one accident but no other infractions often qualify for standard rates with most insurers, while those with multiple incidents may face high-risk classification and significantly higher premiums.
Geographic Location Impact
Your location significantly affects how much accidents impact your rates. Urban areas with higher accident frequencies may result in smaller penalties, while rural areas with fewer accidents may impose larger rate increases. State insurance regulations also vary - some states limit how much insurers can increase rates after accidents, while others allow more flexibility in pricing.
Credit Score and Financial Stability
In states where allowed, insurers consider your credit score when setting rates after an accident. Drivers with excellent credit often receive smaller rate increases than those with poor credit, even for identical accidents. Maintaining good credit can help offset some of the financial impact of an accident 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 often rise because insurers see drivers with poor records 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 accidents. Some, like your address and credit score, are within your control. Others, such as age and local insurance costs, are not.
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.
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.
Fault Status
At-fault accidents typically increase your rates more than not-at-fault accidents, with some insurers offering accident forgiveness that waives the first at-fault incident.
Insurance Provider
Each company has different policies for rate increases after accidents, with some being more forgiving than others when calculating your new premium.
Other Infractions
Multiple violations like speeding tickets or DUIs combined with an accident can compound your rate increase significantly.
Injuries or severity of the accident
Accidents involving injuries or significant property damage result in larger insurance payouts and correspondingly 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 can significantly impact your settlement amount and processing time. Avoiding common car insurance claims mistakes like delayed reporting, accepting low settlement offers, admitting fault, or inadequate documentation is crucial for maximizing your compensation. Follow this step-by-step process to ensure the best possible outcome for your car accident and insurance claim while protecting your financial interests.
- 1
Secure the Accident Scene
Immediately after the accident, ensure everyone's safety by moving 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 significant property damage.
- 2
Document Everything Thoroughly
Take comprehensive photos and gather essential 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
- 3
Contact 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.
- 4
Notify 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.
- 5
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24-48 hours of the accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussion,s may not show symptoms immediately. Keep detailed medical records, as these will be crucial for your insurance claim if injuries develop later.
- 6
Work with Your Insurance Adjuster
Your assigned adjuster will contact you to schedule a vehicle inspection and discuss the claim process. They'll 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 consideration.
- 7
Get 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.
- 8
Review 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. Remember that initial offers are often negotiable.
- 9
Finalize 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 for your insurance car accident claim 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 particularly valuable if your claim is denied or delayed without a reasonable explanation, you're being pressured to settle quickly, or multiple parties are involved in the accident, requiring a complex liability determination.
How Long Do Accidents Stay on Your 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 for the past three to five years. This is why accident forgiveness is valuable, especially for drivers seeking insurance after their first accident.
What Happens if You Get Into a Car Accident Without Insurance?
Immediate Legal Consequences
Most states immediately suspend your driver's license after a car accident without insurance. Suspension periods typically range from 30 days to 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 frequently provide inadequate financial protection during serious accidents, leaving uninsured drivers vulnerable to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Financial Responsibility Requirements
Following a car accident without insurance, drivers must demonstrate financial responsibility to regain their driving privileges. This comprehensive process typically requires SR-22 certificate filing costing $25-50 annually for 3-5 years, complete payment of outstanding claims and damages, plus proof of future insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements.
Violations carry substantial financial penalties, with first offenses ranging $500-2,500 depending on state laws, repeat offenses escalating to $1,000-5,000 plus potential jail time, and additional court costs and administrative fees adding $200-500 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 50-100% 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
Check our frequently asked questions to get the answers about choosing the best car insurance after an accident.
How much does car insurance cost after an accident?
Cheapest car insurance after an accident typically 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?
Getting affordable car insurance after an accident requires shopping multiple providers immediately, as penalties vary significantly between companies. Cheap car insurance for drivers with accidents can be found by bundling auto and home policies to save 10-25%, maintaining continuous coverage, and taking advantage of telematics programs that monitor current driving behavior rather than past incidents. Consider switching 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 best and cheapest car insurance after accidents with full coverage rates starting at $120 monthly. For budget-conscious drivers seeking cheap auto insurance after accidents, Progressive provides comprehensive coverage at $145 monthly. 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 typically stays on your driving record for three to five years, directly impacting your car insurance premiums after accidents during this period. Most insurers base rates on your driving history from the past three to five years, making accident forgiveness coverage particularly 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?
Yes, car insurance discounts after accidents remain available despite having accidents on your driving record. Drivers with accidents can still save money through multi-policy bundling, safe driver courses, good student discounts, military discounts, and vehicle safety feature discounts. Having an accident doesn't disqualify you from available car insurance discounts for accident-prone drivers, such as paying in full, installing anti-theft devices, or participating in usage-based insurance programs that reward current safe driving behavior rather than penalizing past incidents.
Can I switch car insurance companies after an accident?
Yes, you can switch car insurance after filing an accident claim, and it's often recommended when your current insurer significantly raises rates at renewal. Different insurance companies have varying policies for drivers with accidents, with some offering more forgiving pricing models. However, 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 people who may not qualify for a typical policy, often due to a higher risk profile from infractions like DUI or at-fault accidents. Those with non-standard policies usually pay higher premiums because of the increased risk.
Can I switch car insurance companies after an accident?
Yes, you can switch car insurance after filing an accident claim, and it's often recommended when your current insurer significantly raises rates at renewal. Different insurance companies have varying policies for drivers with accidents, with some offering more forgiving pricing models. However, you may need to continue working with your previous insurer if you filed a claim, while your new policy covers future incidents.
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:
- AM Best: Provides credit ratings and data analytics for insurance companies
- J.D. Power: Specializes in research, analytics and rankings within the insurance industry
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): Protects consumer interests by regulating insurers and providing data for informed decision-making
- Quadrant Information Services: An industry leader in car insurance pricing analytics, offering accurate comparative data
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, 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.