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Will Your Car Insurance Go Up After an Accident? How Surcharges Work and What You Can Do

By AutoInsuranceBundle.pro · Published October 29, 2026

It's one of the first questions people ask after a crash, sometimes before they've even called a tow truck: "Is my insurance going to go up?" The honest answer is "maybe," and the details are worth knowing, because they affect whether to file, how to file, and when to shop around.

How insurers decide

Insurers price policies based on expected risk. A crash, especially one you caused, is treated as a sign of higher future risk. At renewal, many insurers apply a surcharge, an increase tied to the accident, or move you to a different rating tier.

The main factors are:

• Fault. At-fault accidents are far more likely to raise rates than accidents where you weren't to blame.
• Claim size. Large injury or damage payouts tend to weigh more heavily.
• Your history. A first accident after years of clean driving may be treated differently from a second or third.
• Violations. A ticket issued with the crash, like following too closely or DUI, can add its own increase.
• Your insurer and state. Each company files its own rating rules, and states regulate how surcharges can be applied.

At fault vs. not at fault

Many states restrict or prohibit surcharges for accidents where you weren't principally at fault, though definitions and rules vary. Even then, some insurers consider overall claim frequency when setting rates. If the other driver was at fault and their insurer pays, your rates are less likely to be affected.

If you think you were wrongly found at fault, ask your insurer how it made that determination and provide evidence. Some states let you dispute a surcharge formally.

Do comprehensive claims count?

Claims for hail, theft, animal strikes, floods, or glass are not collisions you caused, and many insurers treat them more lightly. Several claims in a short period, though, may still affect pricing at some companies. See our guides on deer collisions and windshield claims.

How long does a surcharge last?

Commonly, accidents affect your rates for around three to five years, but practices vary by insurer and state. The impact usually shrinks over time. Your motor vehicle record and insurance claims databases keep track of crashes and claims, and insurers check them when you apply for a new policy.

When the change shows up

Rates usually don't change the day after a crash. Most insurers apply surcharges at your next renewal, which may be months away on a six- or twelve-month policy. That timing matters:

1. The claim is opened and investigated, and fault is determined.
2. The insurer reviews your record before renewal, often including the claim and any violations.
3. Your renewal offer arrives, commonly a few weeks before the policy ends. Many states require insurers to explain significant increases or give notice.
4. You have a window to compare quotes before the new term starts.

If an insurer decides not to renew your policy at all, it usually must give advance written notice, with timing set by state law.

Ways to soften the impact

Accident forgiveness

Some insurers offer accident forgiveness, either as a reward for years of claim-free driving or as a paid add-on, so your first at-fault accident doesn't raise your premium. It typically must be in place before the crash, and terms vary. Ask whether it transfers if you switch companies (it usually doesn't).

Raise your deductible

A higher collision deductible lowers your premium, which can offset part of a surcharge. Make sure you can afford the deductible.

Review your coverage

If your car's value has dropped, collision and comprehensive may cost more than they're worth to you. Weigh that carefully, especially if the car is financed.

Look for discounts

Defensive driving courses, telematics programs, bundling home and auto, paying in full, and good-student discounts can all help, depending on your insurer and state.

Shop around

Each insurer weighs accidents differently. After a surcharge, the company that was cheapest for you before may no longer be. Comparing quotes from several companies at renewal is one of the most effective ways to limit the hit.

Should you skip filing to protect your rates?

Sometimes, for very small damage with no injuries and no other driver involved, paying out of pocket can make sense. But skipping a claim carries risks, especially if the other driver later claims injuries. Our guide on minor fender benders walks through that decision. Also note that most policies require you to report an accident even if you don't file a claim.

Common mistakes

• Not reporting an accident to your insurer when your policy requires it.
• Admitting fault at the scene before the facts are known.
• Ignoring a surcharge you believe is wrong rather than asking how it was decided.
• Renewing automatically after an accident without comparing quotes.
• Dropping coverage entirely, which creates a lapse that can raise future premiums more than the accident did.

Compare quotes after an accident

An accident on your record doesn't mean you have to accept the first renewal price. A licensed agent can compare quotes from multiple carriers. Call (888) 217-5854. Comparing is free.

FAQ

How much will my insurance go up after an accident?

It depends on fault, the claim size, your history, your insurer, and your state. There's no single number.

Will a not-at-fault accident raise my rates?

Often not, and many states restrict surcharges for not-at-fault crashes. Practices vary.

How long does an accident stay on my insurance?

Typically around three to five years, depending on the insurer and state.

Can I switch insurers after an accident?

Yes. New insurers will see the accident, but they may weigh it differently, so comparing can save money.

Important: This article is general information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice, and coverage rules vary by state, insurer, and policy. AutoInsuranceBundle.pro is a free, independent insurance comparison and referral service. We are not an insurance company, we do not issue policies, and we do not provide insurance advice. Calls to the number on this site are routed to licensed insurance agents or agencies in our partner network, who may receive compensation. Calling is completely voluntary and there is no obligation to buy. Rates, discounts, and availability vary by carrier, state, and individual eligibility; not all carriers, products, or discounts are available in all states. Calls may be recorded for quality and compliance purposes.