Car Insurance Rate After Accident Calculator
Find out how much your premium will rise after an accident and what the total 3-year cost increase will be.
How Accidents Affect Your Insurance Rate
After an accident, insurers typically surcharge your premium for 3–5 years. The increase depends on fault determination and your accident history:
- At-Fault (First): +40% — the most common surcharge for a single at-fault incident.
- At-Fault (Second): +80% — multiple at-fault accidents signal high-risk behavior.
- Not At-Fault: +10% — some insurers raise rates even when you're not at fault, though many states restrict this.
Shopping for a new insurer after 1–2 years can often reset your rate, as some companies are more lenient on older incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an accident affect my insurance rate?
Most insurers surcharge your premium for 3 years after an at-fault accident. The incident typically stays on your record for 3–5 years depending on your state. After it drops off, your rate should return to normal if you've had no further incidents.
Can my insurer cancel my policy after an accident?
Insurers generally cannot cancel mid-term for a single accident. However, at renewal they may non-renew your policy if you are considered high-risk, especially after multiple at-fault accidents. They must provide advance notice (usually 30–60 days) before non-renewal.
What is accident forgiveness and is it worth it?
Accident forgiveness is an add-on that waives the surcharge for your first at-fault accident. It typically costs $30–$80 per year. If your premium is $1,800/year and the surcharge would add $720/year for 3 years ($2,160 total), paying $50/year makes it worthwhile for most drivers.
Should I file a claim for minor accidents?
For small repairs under $1,500–$2,000, paying out-of-pocket may save more than the claim payout once you factor in premium increases over 3 years. Use this calculator to estimate the 3-year extra cost before deciding whether to file.
Does a not-at-fault accident always raise my rate?
Not always — many states prohibit insurers from raising rates solely for not-at-fault accidents. However, in states that allow it, one not-at-fault claim can still trigger a 5–15% surcharge. Check your state's insurance regulations for specifics.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates only. Actual rate changes depend on your insurer, state regulations, full driving history, and policy type. Consult a licensed insurance professional for actual quotes.