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Last updated: January 22, 2026Best Car Insurance After an Accident 2026
USAA, Auto-Owners, Erie, and GEICO offer competitive rates for car insurance for people who have been in an accident.
Best for Military and Veterans
Editor's Rating:
5/5
5/5Full Coverage Average with At-Fault Accident
- Monthly: $200
- Annual: $2,401
Best for Online Quotes
Editor's Rating:4.2/5
4.2/5Full Coverage Average with At-Fault Accident
- Monthly: $236
- Annual: $2,831
Best for Telematics Discount
Editor's Rating:4.9/5
4.9/5Full Coverage Average with At-Fault Accident
- Monthly: $248
- Annual: $2,972
Key Takeaways
- An at-fault accident will increase your auto insurance premiums, because it increases your risk profile. The greater the cost of injuries and damages associated with the accident, the higher the premium increase. The national average for auto insurance after an at-fault accident is $3,156 annually, about $800 more than the average cost for full coverage with a clean record.
- The best way to find cheaper car insurance after an accident is to shop around with multiple providers. Be completely honest about the accident and any other claims or violations on your record.
- USAA, Erie, Auto-Owners, and GEICO have cheaper average rates after an accident, between $2,200 and $2,900. USAA, Erie, and Auto-Owners score the best on third party rankings for customer satisfaction between the cheapest options.
Best Car Insurance Companies After an At-Fault Accident
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Best for Online Quotes: GEICO
- Best for Telematics Discount: State Farm
- Best for Households with Young Drivers: Auto-Owners
- Best Regional Provider: Erie
Breaking Down the Best Car Insurance Companies After an At-Fault Accident
1. Best for Military and Veterans - USAA
What We Like Most:
- Reputation for customer satisfaction
- Cheap rates after an accident
- Military-specific discounts
Why we chose it
USAA offers some of the cheapest rates for great coverage. After an accident, USAA’s rates increase by slightly more than the national average, but due to the company’s already low rates the price remains competitive. USAA scores high on J.D. Power studies (although it doesn’t technically qualify due to eligibility restrictions).
Who it’s best for
USAA is a great option for military and their family members. This includes pre-commissioned officers and members of the National Guard It is also a more affordable choice for people with low credit, a DUI, or a speeding ticket. However, due to USAA’s eligibility requirements, it is not an option for many drivers.
| Category | Full Coverage Average with Clean Record | Average After At-Fault Accident | Average Increase After Accident |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,533 | $2,401 | 57% |
| National Average | $2,356 | $3,156 | 34% |
2. Best for Online Quotes - GEICO
What We Like Most:
- Cheap rates after at-fault accident, as well as speeding ticket
- Wide range of car insurance discounts
- Competitive rates for seniors
Why we chose it
GEICO’s average car insurance cost after an at-fault accident falls well below the national average. The provider offers a smooth digital experience for drivers who prefer to get quotes and purchase policies online. GEICO also offers competitive rates for senior drivers and drivers with a speeding ticket.
Who it’s best for
GEICO is a great option for drivers looking to buy car insurance policies online. However, for those looking for a company with high customer satisfaction scores, GEICO may not be the best choice. It is worth getting a quote from GEICO if you are looking for an affordable option for auto insurance after an at-fault accident.
| Category | Full Coverage Average with Clean Record | Average After At-Fault Accident | Average Increase After Accident |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,867 | $2,831 | 52% |
| National Average | $2,356 | $3,156 | 34% |
3. Best for Telematics Discount - State Farm
What We Like Most:
- Personalized service
- High potential telematics discount
- Intuitive mobile app
Why we chose it
State Farm offers competitive rates for auto insurance after an at-fault accident. Its telematics discount, Drive Safe & Save, can save you up to 30 percent on renewal depending on your driving habits. If you have an accident on your record but tend to drive safely overall, this is a great way to lower your bill. The company also offers competitive rates for high-risk drivers, like drivers with a DUI or a speeding ticket and young drivers. State Farm scores highly on J.D. Power studies for customer satisfaction.
Who it’s best for
State Farm is a good choice for people who tend to drive safely, as they’ll benefit the most from the company’s telematics discount. Its website and mobile app allow you to easily manage your policy, and you can start quotes online, but you’ll have to speak to an agent by phone to complete your purchase initially.
| Category | Full Coverage Average with Clean Record | Average After At-Fault Accident | Average Increase After Accident |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,030 | $2,972 | 46% |
| National Average | $2,356 | $3,156 | 34% |
4. Best for Households with Young Drivers - Auto-Owners
What We Like Most:
- Cheapest rates for at-fault accidents
- Strong customer satisfaction scores
- Competitive rates for families with teens
Why we chose it
Auto-Owners offers competitive insurance rates well below the national average. Although it scored below average in most regions for overall customer satisfaction according to J.D. Power, it fares better when it comes to claims satisfaction specifically. It received an above-average score on J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Study, and made the CRASH Network Honor Roll with a grade of B, placing 14th out of 97 insurers nationally.
Who it’s best for
In addition to drivers who have been in an accident, Auto-Owners has competitive rates for drivers with clean records, households with teen drivers, and people with low credit. It offers student discounts for good grades, good driving, and storing a vehicle more than 100 miles away from where they attend school. Auto-Owners is not available in every state, so make sure to confirm its availability where you live.
| Category | Average Full Coverage with Clean Record | Average After At-Fault Accident | Average Increase After Accident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,870 | $2,246 | 20% |
| National Average | $2,356 | $3,156 | 34% |
5. Best Regional Provider - Erie
What We Like Most:
- Cheapest average rates after Auto-Owners
- Stellar customer satisfaction scores
- Local independent agents
Why we chose it
Erie Insurance offers some of the cheapest rates for auto insurance after an at-fault accident at an average rate of $2,265 annually. It scored the highest among our top picks for claims satisfaction on both J.D. Power’s study and the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card. Erie’s Rate Lock option keeps your premiums stable unless you make changes to your policy (like adding a vehicle) — meaning that if you do need to file another claim, your rates won’t change.
Who it’s best for
Erie is only available in twelve states and D.C. — it’s worth getting a quote if the company sells auto policies where you live. While you can begin quotes online, you must complete them with an agent. Overall, Erie does not have a strong digital presence, so it’s best for drivers who don’t prioritize managing their policy with an app.
| Category | Full Coverage Average with Clean Record | Average After At-Fault Accident | Average Increase After Accident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $1,833 | $2,265 | 23% |
| National Average | $2,356 | $3,156 | 34% |
Best Cheap Picks After an At-Fault Accident: Customer Satisfaction Comparison
| Company | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction1 | CRASH Network Report Card2 | NAIC Complaint Index3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 741 | D+ | 2.74 |
| State Farm | 716 | C- | 2.15 |
| GEICO | 697 | C- | 1.95 |
| Auto-Owners | 711 | B | 0.94 |
| Erie | 742 | A- | 1.30 |
| Average | 700 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 1 |
| What the study measures | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from over 9,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
*USAA technically doesn’t qualify to rank on J.D. Power studies, due to its eligibility restrictions.
Cheapest Car Insurance With At-Fault Accident
If you’ve recently caused an accident, your insurance rates will likely go up—but some companies are more forgiving than others. There are even providers whose average rate with an accident falls below the national average with a clean record.
USAA, Auto-Owners, Erie, and GEICO have the cheapest average rates after an accident. Note that USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families, and Erie and Auto-Owners are available in select states.
| Company | Annual Average With At-Fault Accident | Monthly Average With At-Fault Accident |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $2,401 | $200 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,246 | $187 |
| Erie | $2,265 | $189 |
| GEICO | $2,831 | $236 |
| State Farm | $2,917 | $243 |
| Nationwide | $2,985 | $249 |
| Progressive | $3,048 | $254 |
| Travelers | $3,521 | $293 |
| U.S. Average | $3,156 | $263 |
TIP:
Most insurance companies look back three years on your driving record when determining rates, though the exact time frame varies by state and insurer. If you’ve had an at-fault accident, shopping around after that period can help you find cheaper coverage as the incident falls off your record.
Average Cost of Car Insurance with a Clean Record
In most cases your car insurance rates gradually go down each year after an at-fault accident, as long as you maintain a clean driving record. Once the accident falls off your record — typically after three years — your rates will likely return closer to average.
| Company | Annual Average With Clean Record | Monthly Average With Clean Record |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,533 | $128 |
| GEICO | $1,731 | $153 |
| Erie | $1,833 | $137 |
| Travelers | $1,837 | $153 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,870 | $156 |
| Nationwide | $1,987 | $166 |
| State Farm | $2,030 | $169 |
| Progressive | $2,060 | $172 |
| U.S. Average | $2,356 | $196 |
Car Insurance After an Accident by State: Average Costs and Cheapest Providers
New York, New Hampshire, and Alaska have the smallest average rate increases after an at-fault accident. Meanwhile, Maine, Vermont, and Wyoming offer some of the lowest overall insurance rates in the country, including for drivers with an accident on their record.
Minnesota has the highest rate increases and overall rates in the country after an at-fault accident. After Minnesota, rate increases are also highest in Illinois and Virginia. Additionally, Louisiana and Nevada take the second and third spot for the highest overall rates in the country after an at-fault accident.
USAA has the cheapest average rates for drivers with an at-fault accident in 24 states.
| State | Statewide Average with Clean Record | Statewide Average After At-Fault Accident | Statewide Average Increase | Cheapest Provider with Accident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,169 | $2,640 | 22% | State Farm |
| Alaska | $2,196 | $2,513 | 14% | GEICO |
| Arizona | $2,676 | $3,626 | 36% | State Farm |
| Arkansas | $2,388 | $3,312 | 39% | USAA |
| California | $2,569 | $3,460 | 35% | USAA |
| Colorado | $2,917 | $4,067 | 39% | Farm Bureau |
| Connecticut | $2,411 | $3,493 | 45% | State Farm |
| Delaware | $2,977 | $3,651 | 23% | Travelers |
| Florida | $3,672 | $4,471 | 22% | State Farm |
| Georgia | $2,776 | $3,645 | 31% | USAA |
| Hawaii | $1,572 | $2,081 | 32% | USAA |
| Idaho | $1,549 | $2,136 | 38% | USAA |
| Illinois | $2,166 | $3,721 | 72% | Travelers |
| Indiana | $1,868 | $2,422 | 30% | USAA |
| Iowa | $1,943 | $2,624 | 35% | Pekin |
| Kansas | $2,377 | $3,099 | 30% | USAA |
| Kentucky | $2,782 | $3,847 | 38% | Travelers |
| Louisiana | $3,651 | $4,769 | 31% | Southern Farm Bureau |
| Maine | $1,522 | $1,910 | 25% | Travelers |
| Maryland | $2,435 | $3,295 | 35% | USAA |
| Massachusetts | $2,148 | $2,781 | 29% | Plymouth Rock |
| Michigan | $3,013 | $4,060 | 35% | USAA |
| Minnesota | $2,192 | $5,328 | 143% | USAA |
| Mississippi | $2,297 | $3,042 | 32% | USAA |
| Missouri | $2,458 | $3,228 | 31% | USAA |
| Montana | $2,315 | $3,036 | 31% | State Farm |
| Nebraska | $2,461 | $3,558 | 45% | American National |
| Nevada | $3,373 | $4,675 | 39% | USAA |
| New Hampshire | $1,900 | $2,140 | 13% | USAA |
| New Jersey | $2,746 | $3,702 | 35% | NJM |
| New Mexico | $2,235 | $2,941 | 32% | USAA |
| New York | $3,184 | $3,246 | 2% | Progressive |
| North Carolina | $1,830 | $2,208 | 21% | Progressive |
| North Dakota | $2,185 | $2,907 | 33% | American Family |
| Ohio | $1,767 | $2,328 | 32% | Grange |
| Oklahoma | $2,771 | $3,338 | 20% | USAA |
| Oregon | $2,267 | $3,068 | 35% | State Farm |
| Pennsylvania | $2,473 | $3,015 | 22% | Travelers |
| Rhode Island | $2,759 | $3,293 | 19% | USAA |
| South Carolina | $2,458 | $3,336 | 36% | USAA |
| South Dakota | $2,378 | $3,060 | 29% | Farmers Mutual |
| Tennessee | $2,047 | $2,843 | 39% | USAA |
| Texas | $2,821 | $3,871 | 37% | State Farm |
| Utah | $2,431 | $3,460 | 42% | USAA |
| Vermont | $1,478 | $2,019 | 37% | State Farm |
| Virginia | $2,003 | $3,040 | 52% | Farm Bureau |
| Washington | $2,433 | $3,312 | 36% | USAA |
| Washington, D.C. | $2,833 | $3,740 | 32% | USAA |
| West Virginia | $2,217 | $2,964 | 34% | Erie |
| Wisconsin | $2,050 | $2,665 | 30% | USAA |
| Wyoming | $1,616 | $2,029 | 26% | USAA |
How To Save on Car Insurance After an Accident
While an at-fault accident typically affects car insurance costs for three (and sometimes up to five years), there are other ways to save:
- Defensive Driver Course: With certain providers and in certain states you can take a defensive driver course which may allow you a discount on your car insurance.
- Discounts: Check with your provider to see if you are eligible for any discounts they may offer. For example, you may be able to save if you’re a low mileage driver or if a young driver on your policy has good grades.
- Improve Your Credit Score: In most states, improving your credit score over time can help lower the cost of your car insurance.
- Raise Deductibles: If you are able to raise the deductible on your policy, it will save money on your insurance premium. However, keep in mind this will mean you would pay more out-of-pocket for claims. Generally a $1,000 deductible strikes a good balance, but ultimately it depends on your personal finances.
- Drive An Old Car: Older, lower value cars cost less to replace in case of total loss, which can save you on your car insurance premium.
LEARN MORE:
Having an at-fault accident on your record is not the only reason a driver might be considered high-risk. Look at the best high-risk auto insurance if you are a driver who also has a speeding ticket, low credit, DUI, or you are a younger or older driver.
FAQs
On average accidents will affect insurance costs for three to five years. The exact time length will depend on the severity, who was at fault, and the insurance provider.4
It is best not to speak with the other driver’s insurance company after an accident. You are not legally required to. Instead you should speak with your own insurance company.5 If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, direct them to your own insurance company.
Yes, you can switch insurance after an at-fault accident. If you are not satisfied with your car insurance, you can switch providers at any time. Any open claims, however, you will still need to settle with your current provider.
Typically you cannot get an at-fault accident off your record, unless you can dispute that the record is inaccurate. The only way to have it removed is to wait for the time period (dependent upon the state) for which an accident stays on your record to pass.
Methodology
Our results come from our analysis of average premiums for full coverage insurance and post-accident insurance rates across different providers. Note that at-fault accidents are one of many things which can affect one’s insurance premium. Your driving record, age, credit score, and location will all affect the cost of car insurance. We evaluate auto insurance providers based on four key factors:
- Price (40%): We analyze average premiums for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit, as well as various driver profiles, including those with DUIs, accidents, or low credit. We also consider available discounts. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims Handling (25%): A good claims handling process from an auto insurer is prompt, transparent, and efficient, with clear communication throughout, fair evaluation of damages, and timely payment or resolution. We assess claims practices through sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Report, and financial strength from sources like AM Best and S&P Ratings. Real-life customer experiences are included when available.
- Customer Experience (25%): We evaluate the ease of the customer journey, from getting a quote and purchasing a policy to making changes or accessing documents. We consider the availability and quality of both online and agent interactions, as well as the functionality of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies, the NAIC complaint index, BBB ratings, and app store reviews.
- Coverage Options (10%): We review each company’s coverage offerings and value providers with options beyond the state required minimums, like accident forgiveness, gap coverage, rideshare coverage, and more.
Read more about our ratings and methodology.
Sources
Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, October 28).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-study2025 Insurer Report Card. CRASH Network. (2025).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Consumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2026).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmWhen Does a Car Accident Fall Off Your Insurance Record?. Folkman Law Offices Blog. (2025, April 16).
https://folkmanlaw.com/2025/04/when-does-a-car-accident-fall-off-your-insurance-record/Should You Speak With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After an Accident?. Cutter Law P.C. (2025).
https://cutterlaw.com/faqs/should-you-speak-with-other-drivers-insurance-company/
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