📈 Average Rate Increases After an Accident
Not-at-Fault Accident
0-10%
May not increase at all
At-Fault (Minor)
20-40%
Under $2,000 damage
At-Fault (Major)
40-60%
Over $2,000 or injuries
Insurers with Accident Forgiveness
Allstate
Built-in accident forgiveness after claim-free period. Your first at-fault accident won't raise rates.
Progressive
Small Accident Forgiveness prevents increases for minor fender-benders. Large Accident Forgiveness available as add-on.
State Farm
Accident forgiveness available as paid add-on in most states. Must add before accident occurs.
Liberty Mutual
Accident forgiveness included free after 5 years claim-free. One accident forgiven per policy.
Best Insurers After an At-Fault Accident
| Company | Avg. Post-Accident Rate | vs. Clean Record |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $2,650 | +35% |
| GEICO | $2,890 | +67% |
| State Farm | $2,950 | +36% |
| Allstate | $3,400 | +30% |
Progressive is often most forgiving of accidents. Allstate has the smallest percentage increase if you have their accident forgiveness.
How Long Do Accidents Affect Rates?
Most insurers consider accidents for 3-5 years, depending on your state:
3
Years (most states)
5
Years (CA, NY, NV)
6
Years (MI)
10
Years (with injuries)
What to Do After an Accident
🔍 Shop Your Policy
Different insurers weigh accidents differently. Get 5+ quotes—savings can be significant.
🎓 Take Defensive Driving
Some states allow course completion to offset accident impact on your record.
📊 Use Telematics
Proving you're a safe driver now can help offset the accident's impact.
⏳ Wait It Out
After 3 years with no incidents, most of the rate impact disappears.
The Bottom Line
An at-fault accident typically raises rates 20-60% for 3-5 years. Progressive is usually most forgiving of accidents. If you have Allstate's accident forgiveness, your first accident won't raise rates at all. Shop aggressively after any accident—the right insurer can save you thousands.