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Bad Driving Record? Best Cheap Car Insurance After an Accident


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Updated: Oct 31, 2023
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State Farm provides the best and cheapest full coverage car insurance for drivers with accidents on their record, regardless of age.

Accidents can raise insurance rates because they signal higher risk to insurance companies. Providers will typically charge you increased rates as long as the accident is on your record, generally between three and five years. The exact timing can vary based on the accident's severity, where the driver lives and the insurance company's rules. Some states and companies might view minor or non-fault accidents differently.

MoneyGeek Logo IconBest CheapCar InsuranceAfter Accident
2023

Best Cheap Car Insurance for Drivers After an Accident

Key Takeaways

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State Farm has the lowest rates for drivers at fault in an accident.

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If you're at fault in an accident or receive a ticket, your insurance rates are likely to increase. Generally, an accident can stay on your record for up to five years.

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Even with a bad driving record, you may qualify for discounts that lower your car insurance rates. Shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best rates.

Best Car Insurance After an Accident

For most drivers with at-fault accident record, State Farm is the best and cheapest option. It has MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 with $$1,091 annual premium. Travelers comes in second with a score of 88/100 and an annual premium of $1,506.

Overall Best After an Accident: State Farm

State Farm

pros

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

Available in every state.

High score of 89 /100 in MoneyGeek's overall best provider comparison study.

cons

Doesn't offer some specialized coverage options, such as accident forgiveness, new car replacement or gap insurance.

Higher-than-average customer complaint ratio.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

While car insurance companies, including State Farm, keep their pricing models confidential, 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 to enhance savings. These competitive offerings ensure that insurance remains budget-friendly for everyone. 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.

Read MoneyGeek's State Farm Auto Insurance Review

The table below is designed to guide you in choosing the right coverage. You can search for the best providers based on your age group and preferred type of coverage to help you make an informed decision.

By comparing quotes from different providers, you can find the best car insurance that suits your needs. Additionally, you can use MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator to preview potential policy costs before entering your personal details into a quote tool.

Company
MG Best Score (out of 100)
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

State Farm

89

$1,004

$84

State Farm

89

$1,091

$91

State Farm

89

$1,347

$112

Travelers

89

$1,635

$136

State Farm

89

$491

$41

State Farm

88

$523

$44

Travelers

88

$731

$61

State Farm

88

$623

$52

Travelers

88

$1,548

$129

Travelers

88

$1,506

$126

Travelers

88

$706

$59

Travelers

88

$773

$64

GEICO

87

$1,747

$146

GEICO

87

$776

$65

GEICO

87

$688

$57

GEICO

87

$1,593

$133

GEICO

87

$1,546

$129

GEICO

87

$736

$61

Nationwide

87

$1,310

$109

Nationwide

86

$1,696

$141

Nationwide

86

$1,409

$117

Progressive

86

$890

$74

Progressive

86

$2,098

$175

Allstate

86

$1,765

$147

Progressive

86

$798

$67

Nationwide

86

$689

$57

Nationwide

86

$708

$59

Farmers

86

$2,098

$175

Progressive

86

$1,810

$151

Progressive

86

$877

$73

Progressive

86

$1,910

$159

Allstate

86

$1,631

$136

Allstate

85

$1,584

$132

Nationwide

85

$865

$72

Farmers

85

$1,892

$158

Farmers

85

$1,838

$153

Allstate

85

$890

$74

Farmers

85

$1,026

$86

Farmers

85

$899

$75

Allstate

85

$835

$70

Farmers

85

$984

$82

Allstate

85

$890

$74

Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident

On average, State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage policy after an accident for every age group:

  • Drivers aged 22-29: $1,347
  • Drivers aged 30-59: $1,091
  • Drivers aged 60+: $1,004

The provider’s policies are 34% cheaper on average than the national average for drivers with a record.

National Provider
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

State Farm

$491

$41

State Farm

$523

$44

State Farm

$623

$52

GEICO

$688

$57

Nationwide

$689

$57

Travelers

$706

$59

Nationwide

$708

$59

Travelers

$731

$61

GEICO

$736

$61

Travelers

$773

$64

GEICO

$776

$65

Progressive

$798

$67

Allstate

$835

$70

Nationwide

$865

$72

Progressive

$877

$73

Progressive

$890

$74

Allstate

$890

$74

Allstate

$890

$74

Farmers

$899

$75

Farmers

$984

$82

State Farm

$1,004

$84

Farmers

$1,026

$86

State Farm

$1,091

$91

Nationwide

$1,310

$109

State Farm

$1,347

$112

Nationwide

$1,409

$117

Travelers

$1,506

$126

GEICO

$1,546

$129

Travelers

$1,548

$129

Allstate

$1,584

$132

GEICO

$1,593

$133

Allstate

$1,631

$136

Travelers

$1,635

$136

Nationwide

$1,696

$141

GEICO

$1,747

$146

Allstate

$1,765

$147

Progressive

$1,810

$151

Farmers

$1,838

$153

Farmers

$1,892

$158

Progressive

$1,910

$159

Progressive

$2,098

$175

Farmers

$2,098

$175

Several factors determine your insurance premiums, not just accidents on your record. You can control some, like your address and credit score. Others, like your age or local insurance costs, are out of your hands. Even with an accident on your driving record, you can keep costs down by using available car insurance discounts and comparing insurance options every year for the best deal.

Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident by State

State Farm is the most affordable car insurance provider in 21 U.S. states. State Farm consistently delivers unmatched value for drivers seeking cost-effective coverage, solidifying its reputation as a leading choice for many nationwide.

Car insurance rates can vary significantly from one state to another, especially for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record. Each state has its own regulations and laws that influence insurance premiums. In some states, specific laws dictate how much an insurer can increase rates after an at-fault accident, ensuring that hikes remain within reasonable limits. Drivers should know their state's guidelines to understand the potential impact on their insurance costs.

The following table displays the cheapest insurer by state for both minimum and full coverage policies.

State
Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

Alabama

Allstate

$1,162

$97

Alabama

Cincinnati Insurance

$451

$38

Alabama

Country Financial

$996

$83

Alabama

Cincinnati Insurance

$357

$30

Alabama

Country Financial

$952

$79

Alabama

Cincinnati Insurance

$308

$26

Alaska

GEICO

$1,003

$84

Alaska

State Farm

$443

$37

Alaska

State Farm

$861

$72

Alaska

Umialik Insurance

$402

$33

Alaska

State Farm

$794

$66

Alaska

State Farm

$377

$31

Arizona

Root Insurance Company

$853

$71

Arizona

Travelers

$446

$37

Arizona

Root Insurance Company

$852

$71

Arizona

Travelers

$422

$35

Arizona

Root Insurance Company

$915

$76

Arizona

Travelers

$487

$41

Arkansas

Hanover

$957

$80

Arkansas

Hanover

$341

$28

Arkansas

State Farm

$756

$63

Arkansas

State Farm

$293

$24

Arkansas

State Farm

$686

$57

Arkansas

State Farm

$276

$23

California

CSAA

$1,735

$145

California

CSAA

$531

$44

California

AAA California

$1,517

$126

California

CSAA

$522

$43

California

AAA California

$1,515

$126

California

CSAA

$572

$48

Colorado

American National P&C

$907

$76

Colorado

American National P&C

$373

$31

Colorado

American National P&C

$725

$60

Colorado

American National P&C

$311

$26

Colorado

American National P&C

$733

$61

Colorado

American National P&C

$357

$30

Connecticut

Amica Mutual

$1,169

$97

Connecticut

GEICO

$578

$48

Connecticut

GEICO

$1,001

$83

Connecticut

GEICO

$464

$39

Connecticut

State Farm

$968

$81

Connecticut

GEICO

$490

$41

Delaware

Travelers

$980

$82

Delaware

Travelers

$459

$38

Delaware

Travelers

$904

$75

Delaware

Travelers

$464

$39

Delaware

Travelers

$903

$75

Delaware

Travelers

$479

$40

District of Columbia

Erie

$1,281

$107

District of Columbia

Erie

$624

$52

District of Columbia

Erie

$1,040

$87

District of Columbia

Chubb

$500

$42

District of Columbia

Erie

$1,067

$89

District of Columbia

Chubb

$473

$39

Florida

State Farm

$1,540

$128

Florida

State Farm

$720

$60

Florida

State Farm

$1,290

$107

Florida

State Farm

$627

$52

Florida

State Farm

$1,184

$99

Florida

State Farm

$584

$49

Georgia

Allstate

$1,267

$106

Georgia

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$653

$54

Georgia

Country Financial

$936

$78

Georgia

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$460

$38

Georgia

Country Financial

$881

$73

Georgia

Country Financial

$463

$39

Hawaii

State Farm

$756

$63

Hawaii

State Farm

$327

$27

Hawaii

State Farm

$756

$63

Hawaii

State Farm

$327

$27

Hawaii

State Farm

$756

$63

Hawaii

State Farm

$327

$27

Idaho

American National P&C

$550

$46

Idaho

American National P&C

$219

$18

Idaho

American National P&C

$431

$36

Idaho

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$180

$15

Idaho

State Farm

$416

$35

Idaho

State Farm

$180

$15

Illinois

American Family

$885

$74

Illinois

State Farm

$464

$39

Illinois

American Family

$825

$69

Illinois

State Farm

$385

$32

Illinois

American Family

$807

$67

Illinois

State Farm

$364

$30

Indiana

American Family

$791

$66

Indiana

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$392

$33

Indiana

American Family

$735

$61

Indiana

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$308

$26

Indiana

American Family

$724

$60

Indiana

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$318

$27

Iowa

State Farm

$737

$61

Iowa

State Farm

$214

$18

Iowa

State Farm

$584

$49

Iowa

State Farm

$176

$15

Iowa

State Farm

$517

$43

Iowa

State Farm

$166

$14

Kansas

American Family

$993

$83

Kansas

Nationwide

$405

$34

Kansas

American Family

$842

$70

Kansas

State Farm

$338

$28

Kansas

American Family

$766

$64

Kansas

State Farm

$318

$27

Kentucky

State Farm

$1,283

$107

Kentucky

State Farm

$536

$45

Kentucky

State Farm

$1,005

$84

Kentucky

Kentucky Farm Bureau

$424

$35

Kentucky

State Farm

$918

$76

Kentucky

Kentucky Farm Bureau

$401

$33

Louisiana

State Farm

$1,897

$158

Louisiana

State Farm

$777

$65

Louisiana

Louisiana Farm Bureau

$1,355

$113

Louisiana

Louisiana Farm Bureau

$631

$53

Louisiana

State Farm

$1,563

$130

Louisiana

State Farm

$691

$58

Maine

State Farm

$866

$72

Maine

State Farm

$374

$31

Maine

Vermont Mutual

$562

$47

Maine

Vermont Mutual

$260

$22

Maine

Vermont Mutual

$533

$44

Maine

Vermont Mutual

$247

$21

Maryland

Progressive

$1,385

$115

Maryland

Progressive

$783

$65

Maryland

Progressive

$1,193

$99

Maryland

Progressive

$698

$58

Maryland

Progressive

$1,341

$112

Maryland

Progressive

$788

$66

Massachusetts

State Farm

$732

$61

Massachusetts

State Farm

$373

$31

Massachusetts

State Farm

$732

$61

Massachusetts

State Farm

$373

$31

Massachusetts

State Farm

$557

$46

Massachusetts

State Farm

$281

$23

Michigan

Chubb

$1,066

$89

Michigan

Travelers

$271

$23

Michigan

Chubb

$961

$80

Michigan

Travelers

$250

$21

Michigan

Chubb

$798

$67

Michigan

Travelers

$239

$20

Minnesota

American Family

$842

$70

Minnesota

State Farm

$503

$42

Minnesota

American Family

$831

$69

Minnesota

State Farm

$426

$35

Minnesota

American Family

$773

$64

Minnesota

State Farm

$370

$31

Mississippi

State Farm

$1,270

$106

Mississippi

State Farm

$463

$39

Mississippi

State Farm

$1,003

$84

Mississippi

State Farm

$380

$32

Mississippi

Mississippi Farm Bureau

$873

$73

Mississippi

State Farm

$358

$30

Missouri

American Family

$1,303

$109

Missouri

State Farm

$574

$48

Missouri

State Farm

$1,105

$92

Missouri

State Farm

$480

$40

Missouri

State Farm

$1,007

$84

Missouri

State Farm

$455

$38

Montana

State Farm

$813

$68

Montana

State Farm

$230

$19

Montana

Progressive

$724

$60

Montana

State Farm

$207

$17

Montana

State Farm

$659

$55

Montana

State Farm

$191

$16

Nebraska

American National P&C

$646

$54

Nebraska

American National P&C

$229

$19

Nebraska

American National P&C

$520

$43

Nebraska

American National P&C

$193

$16

Nebraska

American National P&C

$504

$42

Nebraska

American National P&C

$219

$18

Nevada

State Farm

$1,456

$121

Nevada

State Farm

$754

$63

Nevada

State Farm

$1,151

$96

Nevada

State Farm

$619

$52

Nevada

State Farm

$1,073

$89

Nevada

Capital Insurance Group

$576

$48

New Hampshire

State Farm

$872

$73

New Hampshire

State Farm

$429

$36

New Hampshire

State Farm

$708

$59

New Hampshire

Vermont Mutual

$368

$31

New Hampshire

State Farm

$662

$55

New Hampshire

Vermont Mutual

$349

$29

New Jersey

NJM

$1,163

$97

New Jersey

Amica Mutual

$519

$43

New Jersey

NJM

$938

$78

New Jersey

Amica Mutual

$450

$38

New Jersey

NJM

$798

$66

New Jersey

NJM

$442

$37

New Mexico

State Farm

$1,026

$85

New Mexico

State Farm

$384

$32

New Mexico

State Farm

$802

$67

New Mexico

State Farm

$315

$26

New Mexico

State Farm

$731

$61

New Mexico

State Farm

$297

$25

New York

Progressive

$1,108

$92

New York

Progressive

$665

$55

New York

Progressive

$985

$82

New York

Progressive

$618

$52

New York

Progressive

$997

$83

New York

Progressive

$638

$53

North Carolina

Erie

$931

$78

North Carolina

Erie

$445

$37

North Carolina

State Farm

$884

$74

North Carolina

Nationwide

$374

$31

North Carolina

Nationwide

$850

$71

North Carolina

Nationwide

$355

$30

North Dakota

American Family

$709

$59

North Dakota

Nodak Mutual

$276

$23

North Dakota

American Family

$616

$51

North Dakota

Nodak Mutual

$249

$21

North Dakota

American Family

$551

$46

North Dakota

Nodak Mutual

$225

$19

Ohio

American Family

$662

$55

Ohio

Erie

$318

$27

Ohio

American Family

$639

$53

Ohio

Erie

$252

$21

Ohio

American Family

$601

$50

Ohio

Erie

$249

$21

Oklahoma

State Farm

$967

$81

Oklahoma

State Farm

$326

$27

Oklahoma

State Farm

$768

$64

Oklahoma

State Farm

$267

$22

Oklahoma

State Farm

$685

$57

Oklahoma

State Farm

$252

$21

Oregon

State Farm

$1,069

$89

Oregon

State Farm

$556

$46

Oregon

State Farm

$924

$77

Oregon

State Farm

$514

$43

Oregon

State Farm

$859

$72

Oregon

State Farm

$484

$40

Pennsylvania

Travelers

$906

$76

Pennsylvania

Westfield

$350

$29

Pennsylvania

Travelers

$811

$68

Pennsylvania

Westfield

$267

$22

Pennsylvania

Travelers

$772

$64

Pennsylvania

Westfield

$264

$22

Rhode Island

State Farm

$862

$72

Rhode Island

State Farm

$422

$35

Rhode Island

State Farm

$700

$58

Rhode Island

State Farm

$344

$29

Rhode Island

State Farm

$712

$59

Rhode Island

State Farm

$356

$30

South Carolina

American National P&C

$701

$58

South Carolina

American National P&C

$369

$31

South Carolina

American National P&C

$581

$48

South Carolina

American National P&C

$321

$27

South Carolina

American National P&C

$614

$51

South Carolina

American National P&C

$365

$30

South Dakota

Allstate

$1,090

$91

South Dakota

State Farm

$320

$27

South Dakota

State Farm

$917

$76

South Dakota

Western National

$264

$22

South Dakota

State Farm

$805

$67

South Dakota

State Farm

$251

$21

Tennessee

State Farm

$863

$72

Tennessee

State Farm

$313

$26

Tennessee

State Farm

$673

$56

Tennessee

State Farm

$257

$21

Tennessee

State Farm

$612

$51

Tennessee

State Farm

$241

$20

Texas

State Farm

$1,083

$90

Texas

State Farm

$489

$41

Texas

State Farm

$862

$72

Texas

State Farm

$409

$34

Texas

State Farm

$791

$66

Texas

State Farm

$385

$32

Utah

American Family

$1,124

$94

Utah

American Family

$726

$60

Utah

American Family

$899

$75

Utah

American Family

$592

$49

Utah

American Family

$892

$74

Utah

State Farm

$572

$48

Vermont

State Farm

$721

$60

Vermont

State Farm

$278

$23

Vermont

Vermont Mutual

$525

$44

Vermont

Vermont Mutual

$221

$18

Vermont

Vermont Mutual

$525

$44

Vermont

Vermont Mutual

$221

$18

Virginia

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$931

$78

Virginia

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$409

$34

Virginia

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$689

$57

Virginia

American Family

$327

$27

Virginia

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$720

$60

Virginia

State Farm

$342

$28

Washington

PEMCO

$845

$70

Washington

PEMCO

$427

$36

Washington

PEMCO

$728

$61

Washington

PEMCO

$369

$31

Washington

PEMCO

$821

$68

Washington

Capital Insurance Group

$379

$32

West Virginia

Erie

$1,166

$97

West Virginia

Erie

$443

$37

West Virginia

Erie

$945

$79

West Virginia

Erie

$366

$31

West Virginia

Erie

$929

$77

West Virginia

Erie

$363

$30

Wisconsin

American Family

$783

$65

Wisconsin

State Farm

$353

$29

Wisconsin

State Farm

$728

$61

Wisconsin

State Farm

$293

$24

Wisconsin

State Farm

$663

$55

Wisconsin

State Farm

$278

$23

Wyoming

Farmers

$1,067

$89

Wyoming

GEICO

$291

$24

Wyoming

State Farm

$871

$73

Wyoming

State Farm

$255

$21

Wyoming

State Farm

$755

$63

Wyoming

State Farm

$222

$18

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WHAT CAN CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES SEE ON YOUR DRIVING RECORD?

Car insurance companies review driving records to assess a driver's risk level. These records include both at-fault and not-at-fault accidents, which can significantly impact premiums, and may highlight defensive driving course completions, which can benefit drivers.

You driving record also includes your:

  • Driving history
  • License classification
  • Points

Drivers should actively check their records for accuracy, as mistakes can affect insurance rates. If you find discrepancies, you should contact your state's DMV.

Best Cheap Car Insurance for Military Members After an Accident

For those affiliated with the U.S. Armed Forces, including active-duty service members, veterans and their families, select insurance providers may offer exclusive military discounts. Among these, USAA stands out, earning a score of 93 out of 100 in MoneyGeek’s best car insurance comparison review. USAA frequently presents the most favorable rates for drivers with an at-fault accident violation.

If a driver has an at-fault accident on their record and is insured with USAA, they can expect to pay an average annual rate of $953 for full coverage.

USAA

USAA offers competitive insurance rates tailored for active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. USAA members can anticipate significant yearly savings on their car insurance premiums even with an at-fault accident on their record.

How Much Car Insurance Goes Up After an Accident

Car insurance premiums often increase after an at-fault accident because insurance companies see drivers with poor driving records as riskier to insure.

According to MoneyGeek’s in-depth analysis of car insurance rates, full coverage policy costs increase by 24% after an at-fault accident, which amounts to an average of $208.

Premium Increase After an Accident

car
Average Driver

Annual Premium

$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 Insurance After an Accident

A hike in car insurance premiums after an accident can strain your finances. However, by being proactive and exploring various options, you can find ways to mitigate the increase and secure a more affordable rate. Whether it's shopping around for different providers, taking advantage of discounts or improving your driving habits, there are actionable steps you can take to ease the financial burden.

  • carVsCar icon

    Switch car insurance companies

    If your current insurer raises your rates significantly at renewal time, consider switching to a different car insurance company. Every company uses a unique pricing model; some may offer better rates for drivers with accidents. There's no need to wait for your renewal to make the switch. You can switch car insurance after an accident, but you may need to work with your previous insurer if you filed a claim.

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    Shop around with multiple providers

    Insurance companies use different methods to set rates, so quotes can vary widely. To find the best car insurance deal, get quotes from at least three different companies. Over time, accidents on your record impact your rates less, so you should compare rates each year to make sure you're getting the best price.

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    Bundle your home and car insurance policies

    Many insurers offer home and auto bundles. Bundling these policies can often result in lower rates. Additionally, insuring multiple vehicles with the same company might qualify you for discounts. Inquire about bundling options for potential savings.

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    Seek out other discounts

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

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    Switch to a less expensive vehicle

    Your vehicle type can influence insurance costs. Some cars, due to their safety profile or other factors, cost more to insure. When possible, consider vehicles known for safety and affordability, such as the Toyota Camry, to potentially reduce your premiums.

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Compare Auto Insurance Rates

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Knowledge empowers your decisions, so spend some time looking over our frequently asked questions to equip yourself with the answers you need to pick the best car insurance following an accident.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.