Progressive is the best option for drivers with at-fault accidents, earning the highest MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100, with an annual premium of $1,745 for full coverage. However, 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.
Best Cheap Car Insurance After an Accident
Updated: June 25, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Progressive offers the cheapest minimum coverage at $69.00 monthly and competitive full coverage at $145.44 monthly for drivers with accidents.
Car insurance rates increase 24% on average after an accident, adding about $208 annually to your premium for 3-5 years.
Shop multiple insurers immediately after an accident since accident penalties vary widely between companies. Bundle auto and home policies to save 10-25%, and consider safer vehicles with lower repair costs to reduce your premiums.
Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies After an Accident
| State Farm | $55 | $120 | 90 |
| Auto Owners | $75 | $142 | 92 |
| Progressive | $77 | $145 | 94 |
| Travelers | $77 | $148 | 94 |
| Geico | $82 | $164 | 89 |
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 22-29 pay $112.28 monthly, while middle-aged drivers (30-59) see rates drop to $90.95 monthly, and seniors (60+) enjoy the lowest rates at just $83.67 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 8 states, while Auto Owners leads in 6 states, State Farm in 4 states, and GEICO in 2 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/ of 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.
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 8 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/ of 100
Avg. Cheap Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate$55
Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Rate$120
Overview
At $120.29 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.
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 accident forgiveness, 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/ of 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.
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/ of 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 at $163.71 monthly, 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 Insurance: Best Regional Provider
Auto-Owners Insurance
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ of 100
Avg. Monthly Minimum Coverage Rate$55
Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Rate$120
Overview
Auto-Owners Insurance 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
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
$883
Driver With an Accident
Annual Premium
$1,091Drivers with an accident pay:$208 more
This is 24% more expensive.
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's past three to five years. This is why accident forgiveness is valuable, especially for teenage drivers seeking insurance.
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 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.
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.
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?
State Farm provides the cheapest full coverage car insurance for drivers with accidents on their records, regardless of age.
How long does an accident impact my car insurance rates?
An accident typically stays on your driving record for three to five years. Afterward, it may no longer affect your insurance premiums. The exact duration varies based on the severity of the accident, your location and your insurance company's rules.
Can drivers still qualify for discounts even with accidents on their records?
An accident on your record doesn't mean you're excluded from discounts. You can save by paying your policy in full or adding safety devices to your vehicle.
If my current insurer raises my rates due to an accident, can I switch to a different provider?
If your current insurer raises rates, you can switch to another car insurance company. Different insurers have unique pricing models, and some might be more lenient toward drivers with accidents.
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.
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.