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Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance.
For the past seven years, she’s dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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Amanda Clear is a licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent who runs her family insurance agency providing coverage in the states of Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. She specializes in providing customized insurance packages to her clients that provide the best coverage for the price that they can afford. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, and works as a freelance editor, proofreader, and writer outside of her insurance career.
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Filing an insurance claim will likely increase your car insurance premium. By how much depends on different factors.
Good drivers typically receive the best car insurance rates. But if you get into a car accident, your insurance company will likely view you as a high-risk driver, which means you’ll pay higher rates.
The national average rate for all drivers is $129 per month, but this increases to $180 per month for drivers with a speeding ticket on their record. Fortunately, you still have options. Auto-Owners, GEICO, Erie, and State Farm offer some of the lowest rates for drivers with an accident on their record.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about getting cheaper coverage with an accident on your record.
The average driver experiences a 44% rate increase after just one at-fault accident.
Auto-Owners is the cheapest company for liability-only insurance, at $55 per month, while State Farm is the cheapest for full-coverage insurance, at $139 per month.
Drivers in Vermont and Maine pay the lowest average car insurance after an accident, at around $90 per month.
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Your age, credit score, ZIP code, and the type of vehicle you drive all influence your car insurance costs, but your driving history is one of the most significant factors. This is because insurers see your driving history as a predictor of your future driving habits.
So, when you get a driving infraction like an at-fault accident, your rates will likely increase because companies view you as a higher-risk driver. But every insurance company evaluates driving history differently, so finding affordable car insurance after an accident is still possible.
The companies featured in the table below have the cheapest rates for drivers with an accident, according to Compare.com data.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $55 | $141 |
| GEICO | $68 | $161 |
| Erie | $69 | $148 |
| State Farm | $76 | $139 |
| American Family | $97 | $172 |
| Progressive | $107 | $218 |
| Allstate | $113 | $278 |
Auto-Owners is the cheapest option for a liability-only policy, at nearly half the cost of Progressive and Allstate. State Farm is the most affordable insurer for full coverage, although Auto-Owners isn’t far behind.
Auto-Owners’ rate is likely more affordable because its accident forgiveness program waives the surcharge for your first at-fault accident. State Farm’s wide variety of discounts helps bring down the cost of auto insurance.
Let’s take a look at each insurer in a bit more detail.
With Auto-Owners, drivers with a recent accident on their record pay an average monthly rate of $55 for liability-only insurance and $141 for full-coverage. The insurer offers a wide variety of coverages that can be beneficial following an accident.
If you’ve been claims-free for at least 36 months, you’re eligible for at-fault accident forgiveness, and Auto-Owners will waive the surcharge for your first at-fault accident. The company also covers additional expenses such as car rental, food, and lodging after an accident.
Accident forgiveness available
Rental car coverage available
Not available in all 50 states
Online quotes not available
GEICO drivers pay an average monthly rate of $68 for minimum-liability insurance and $161 for a full-coverage policy after an accident. The company also offers rental reimbursement, which helps pay your rental car costs while your car is repaired following an accident.
Policyholders can take advantage of GEICO’s many discounts, too. For example, you can earn a discount for bundling your auto and homeowners insurance, using certain safety features in your car, and taking an approved defensive driving course.
Wide variety of available discounts
Rental reimbursement available
New-car replacement coverage not available
Gap insurance not available
Erie policyholders with a recent accident pay an average monthly rate of $69 for liability-only coverage and $148 for full coverage. The insurer also offers pet coverage and pays up to $500 in treatment costs if your pet is injured in a car accident.
The company also provides personal item coverage and reimburses you up to $350 for lost personal items in your insured vehicle. But Erie isn’t available in all 50 states, so not everyone will be eligible for coverage.
Pet coverage available
Above-average J.D. Power score
Only available in 12 states and the District of Columbia
Online policy purchasing and claims filing not available
State Farm has an average monthly rate of $76 for liability-only coverage and $139 for full coverage, making it the cheapest full-coverage option after an accident. The company is known for offering excellent customer service and a wide variety of coverages, like rideshare insurance, rental coverage, and roadside assistance.
But State Farm doesn’t offer gap insurance, which pays the difference between what the vehicle is worth and what you still owe on your financing. This could be a significant disadvantage for anyone who owes more on their car than it’s worth.
High customer satisfaction ratings
Rideshare insurance available
Gap insurance not available
Must purchase a policy from an insurance agent
American Family has an average monthly rate of $97 for liability-only insurance and $172 for full coverage for drivers with a recent accident. Plus, the company has received an excellent rating from AM Best for the past 21 years.
In addition to standard coverages like collision insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, and bodily injury liability, American Family offers gap insurance, rental reimbursement coverage, and emergency roadside assistance.
You can lower your insurance rate further by taking advantage of the company’s many discounts.
Gap insurance available
AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent)
Only available in 18 states
Average car insurance rates
Progressive’s average monthly rate of $107 for liability-only insurance and $218 for full coverage for drivers with a recent accident. The company offers coverages such as loan/lease payoff, rental car reimbursement, and pet injury coverage that can be helpful after an accident.
You can cut your insurance costs by taking advantage of the many discounts Progressive offers. For example, the company’s “deductible savings bank” feature reduces your deductible by $50 for each policy period you go without an accident or violation. You can potentially lower your premium if you enroll in its usage-based insurance program to track your driving habits.
Wide variety of available discounts
Coverage available in all 50 states
Below-average J.D. Power score
More expensive than other insurers listed
Allstate has an average monthly cost of $113 for liability-only insurance and $278 for full-coverage insurance after an accident. But the company received a below-average J.D. Power score rating in 2024 — though it’s consistently recognized for its superior financial strength by AM Best.
Allstate offers rideshare insurance, classic car coverage, and rental car reimbursement coverage. And, if you don’t spend much time driving, you could save with Milewise, Allstate’s pay-per-mile coverage.
Superior financial strength rating from AM Best
Good option for low-mileage drivers
More expensive than any other insurer on this list
Below-average J.D. Power score
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Your insurance premium will increase when you file a claim for an at-fault accident. In fact, the average auto insurance rate increases by 44% after one accident, according to data from Compare.com — and these rate increases usually remain in place for 3-5 years after you file the claim.
The following table shows the rate increase you can expect from the five largest insurers after you get into an at-fault accident.
Insurance Company | Clean Record | At-Fault Accident | Rate Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $155 | $195 | 26% |
| GEICO | $70 | $115 | 64% |
| Nationwide | $123 | $196 | 59% |
| Progressive | $109 | $162 | 47% |
| State Farm | $86 | $107 | 24% |
Drivers with clean driving records pay the lowest rates for auto insurance — as much as 64% and 59% less with GEICO and Nationwide, respectively. If you have a bad driving record, your monthly rates will increase — but the increase can vary dramatically depending on your insurance company.
State Farm has the lowest average rate increase, while GEICO’s is the highest. However, it’s worth noting that GEICO’s monthly premiums following an at-fault accident are still pretty affordable, at an average rate of $115 per month.
How much your car insurance rate increases following an accident also depends largely on where you live.
The following table outlines the average statewide rate following one at-fault accident in the last three to five years, as well as the cheapest car insurance company for drivers in that state.
State | Statewide Average Rate | Cheapest Company | Cheapest Average Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $162 | COUNTRY Financial | $93 |
| Alaska | $110 | GEICO | $65 |
| Arizona | $206 | GEICO | $109 |
| Arkansas | $170 | State Farm | $73 |
| California | $205 | Progressive | $116 |
| Colorado | $216 | American National | $80 |
| Connecticut | $244 | State Farm | $88 |
| Delaware | $213 | State Farm | $99 |
| Florida | $336 | State Farm | $142 |
| Georgia | $240 | Georgia Farm Bureau | $86 |
| Hawaii | $109 | State Farm | $66 |
| Idaho | $118 | State Farm | $54 |
| Illinois | $183 | SECURA | $64 |
| Indiana | $124 | Pekin Insurance | $68 |
| Iowa | $103 | Hastings Mutual | $46 |
| Kansas | $182 | Auto-Owners | $82 |
| Kentucky | $240 | State Farm | $92 |
| Louisiana | $409 | State Farm | $158 |
| Maine | $91 | Concord Group | $58 |
| Maryland | $253 | GEICO | $127 |
| Massachusetts | $212 | State Farm | $68 |
| Michigan | $287 | SECURA | $43 |
| Minnesota | $176 | SECURA | $66 |
| Mississippi | $149 | State Farm | $83 |
| Missouri | $235 | Missouri Farm Bureau | $85 |
| Montana | $150 | State Farm | $62 |
| Nebraska | $137 | EMC Insurance | $58 |
| Nevada | $254 | COUNTRY Financial | $55 |
| New Hampshire | $115 | Commerce Group | $69 |
| New Jersey | $322 | NJM Insurance | $110 |
| New Mexico | $157 | State Farm | $82 |
| New York | $368 | NGM | $115 |
| North Carolina | $131 | Erie | $88 |
| North Dakota | $146 | State Farm | $65 |
| Ohio | $127 | Hastings Mutual | $54 |
| Oklahoma | $156 | State Farm | $69 |
| Oregon | $236 | GEICO | $115 |
| Pennsylvania | $210 | Cumberland Mutual | $88 |
| Rhode Island | $193 | State Farm | $70 |
| South Carolina | $168 | American National | $61 |
| South Dakota | $113 | Farmers | $71 |
| Tennessee | $145 | Tennessee Farmers | $69 |
| Texas | $201 | GEICO | $69 |
| Utah | $196 | Auto-Owners | $82 |
| Vermont | $90 | State Farm | $50 |
| Virginia | $163 | Virginia Farm Bureau | $52 |
| Washington | $152 | State Farm | $80 |
| Washington, D.C. | $151 | GEICO | $81 |
| West Virginia | $153 | State Farm | $66 |
| Wisconsin | $153 | SECURA | $54 |
| Wyoming | $117 | State Farm | $68 |
Vermont, Maine, and Iowa have the cheapest car insurance rates following one at-fault accident. Drivers in these states pay a monthly rate below the national average of $189 per month, according to Compare.com. Louisiana is the most expensive state, with an average monthly rate of $409.
State Farm is the cheapest insurer in 19 different states. At the end of the day, either State Farm or GEICO is the cheapest option in half the country.
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Below, we explore six ways to lower your insurance costs and find cheap car insurance following an accident.
Insurance companies understand that accidents happen, which is why some offer accident forgiveness. This coverage is usually offered to drivers with a good driving history for several years. The specifics will vary depending on your insurance company, but most agree to overlook your first accident when calculating your insurance premiums.
Most insurance companies recommend filing a claim after a car accident. But if you’re the only person involved in the accident or the damages cost less than your deductible, filing a claim may not be worth it.
Most insurance companies offer discounts as a way to lower your insurance premiums. You can save by taking advantage of the following discounts:
Defensive driving course: Many companies give a discount if you complete a state-approved defensive driving course.
Telematics: Companies like Allstate, Progressive, and GEICO offer telematics programs. For example, Allstate’s Drivewise tool measures your driving behavior and rewards you for good driving.
Safe vehicle: You can earn a discount for having certain safety features in your car, like anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft systems.
Multi-policy: You can also earn a discount for purchasing multiple insurance policies from the same company.
It’s a good idea to review your coverage choices regularly and update them accordingly. You may find you’re still paying for coverage you don’t need.
For example, if you drive an older car that’s paid off and not worth much, switching to liability-only insurance may lower your auto insurance premiums.
Your deductible is the out-of-pocket expense you’ll pay before your insurance coverage kicks in when you file a claim. The higher your deductible, the lower your insurance premiums, so raising your deductible is an excellent way to save money on car insurance.
If you choose the minimum requirements for car insurance, make sure you have enough money in savings to cover the deductible if you do have to file a claim.
The best way to save money on car insurance is to compare car insurance quotes from at least three different insurance companies. You can use an online comparison tool to evaluate the quotes you receive.
If you have more questions about purchasing auto insurance after an accident, the following frequently asked questions may help.
It’s possible. Whether your car insurance increases after a not-at-fault accident depends on your location. Your rate will increase in certain states, but it won’t go up as much as it would for an at-fault accident.
Yes, but not always. Insurance companies can always choose not to renew your policy at the end of the term. But most insurers won’t drop you after one accident — your rates will likely increase first.
It depends. Whether your auto insurance rates increase with accident forgiveness varies on your insurer and the terms of your policy. Many insurance companies will waive the rate increase for your first accident if you have accident forgiveness.
Yes. You can switch insurance companies at any time. But your insurer may charge a cancellation fee if you switch companies mid-policy.
Sources
Insurance Information Institute, “Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?,” Accessed November 3, 2023.
Insurance Information Institute, “What is gap insurance?,” Accessed November 3, 2023.
J.D. Power “2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study,” Accessed November 3, 2023.
AM Best, “AM Best Takes Various Credit Rating Actions on The Allstate Corporation and Its Key Subsidiaries,” Accessed November 3, 2023.
Mass.gov, “Accident Forgiveness,” Accessed November 3, 2023.
Insurance Information Institute, “Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs,” Accessed November 3, 2023.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance.
For the past seven years, she’s dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
Amanda Clear is a licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent who runs her family insurance agency providing coverage in the states of Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. She specializes in providing customized insurance packages to her clients that provide the best coverage for the price that they can afford. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, and works as a freelance editor, proofreader, and writer outside of her insurance career.
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