Can a single car accident raise your insurance?
Yes, it can. But it's a little more complicated. Accidents can happen even to the most careful drivers. If you're involved in an accident, you may wonder if you'll have to pay more for your car insurance.
Knowing if and why your insurance changes can help you better understand how to save you time and money.
Key Takeaways
- An at-fault car accident will typically raise your insurance premiums, but by how much depends on the severity of the accident, cost of damages, your driving history, and your insurance company. Serious injuries or extensive property damage lead to larger increases than minor fender benders.
- Auto insurance claims typically stay on your record for 3 to 5 years, after which the accident may be removed from your motor vehicle report and you may qualify for lower rates.
- Options to lower your rate after an accident include increasing your deductible, reviewing your policy for unused coverages or eligible discounts, bundling your auto and home insurance, or asking about Accident Forgiveness coverage, which can prevent a first accident from raising your rate at all.
How much will my insurance go up after an accident?
If you're at-fault for an accident, your auto insurance premiums will probably go up. How much your rates go up depends on things like
- Your insurance company
- Details of the accident
- Cost of damages
- Severity
- Your driving history
In general, an at-fault accident involving serious injuries or extensive property damage will typically increase your rates more than a minor accident.
We offer Accident Forgiveness1 as an optional coverage that can be added to your Liberty Mutual auto insurance policy. If you qualify for Accident Forgiveness Coverage your price won't go up due to your first accident.
Will my insurance go up if I was in an accident where I wasn't at-fault?
It depends. Studies show even if you're not-at fault, your insurance cost may go up, but not as much as an at-fault accident.
Car insurance premiums are about assessing risk. If you're involved in any kind of accident, regardless of fault, you'll likely be considered higher-risk to insure for a time after an accident—even if you weren't at-fault.
Furthermore, each state has their own at-fault insurance requirements that may require you file a claim with your insurance company, even if you're not at-fault.
Does insurance go up after an insurance claim that involves theft, vandalism, or another type of comprehensive claim?
Whether a comprehensive auto claim may result in a rate increase depends on many factors. However, because most comprehensive claims involve incidents beyond your control, you may not get an increase.
How long do accidents stay on my insurance?
Auto insurance claims typically stay on your record for 3-5 years, depending on your insurance company. After a certain time and once the accident is removed from your motor vehicle report, you may qualify for lower rates.
This can be a good time to get a new auto insurance quote. If you aren't sure when an accident will be removed from your driving record, talk with your insurance company.
Should I switch insurance after an accident?
Switching car insurance companies after an at-fault accident may not end in better rates as your accident is part of your motor vehicle report which all insurance companies have access to. If you switch with a pending at-fault claim, be sure to tell your new insurer so there are no surprises at renewal time.
After a single accident, you may have options to lower your insurance rate.
If your insurance rates go up due to a first-time accident, here are things you can do that may help lower your rates
- Deductibles: Increasing your deductibles may lower your rates
- Policy review: Review your policy for discounts or coverage you may no longer need
- Bundle and save: Many companies offer discounts for bundling policies, like a home/renters and auto bundle
When you insure your car and home with Liberty Mutual, you may qualify for more savings!
Get a car insurance quote in under 10 minutes and only pay for what you need.
Written by Kathryn Messer
Kathryn Messer is an insurance and financial services copywriter with more than 25 years of hands on industry experience. A fully licensed P&C and Life & Health broker, she has worked as an independent agency owner, commercial risk manager, and financial and investment adviser. She holds CIC, CPCU, CFP, and LUTC designations. Her writing is grounded in real world knowledge of insurance operations, regulatory complexity, P&C claims, insurance technology, and sales—giving clients a true subject matter expert with no learning curve.