How much does insurance go up after an accident?

The increase in your insurance premium after an accident can vary widely depending on several factors, including your insurance company, the severity of the accident, your driving history, and your location.

Here are some general guidelines to consider:

1. Severity of the Accident: The more severe the accident, the greater the likelihood of a significant premium increase. Accidents resulting in major damage, injuries, or fatalities tend to have more substantial rate hikes.
   
   

2. At-Fault vs. Not At-Fault: If you were not at fault in the accident and the other driver’s insurance covers the damages, your rates may not increase. However, if you were at fault, your rates are more likely to go up.
   
   

3. Previous Driving Record: Your driving history plays a crucial role. If you have a clean record with no prior accidents, your rate increase may be less than someone with previous accidents or traffic violations.
   
   

4. Insurance Company Policies: Different insurance companies have varying policies regarding rate increases after accidents. Some may be more forgiving, while others could have more significant rate hikes.
   
   

5. Location: The state and city where you live can also impact rate increases. Some areas have higher insurance costs in general, and accidents may lead to more substantial increases.
   
   

6. Claim History: If you’ve made multiple claims in a short period, your rates may increase more than if it’s your first claim.
   
   

7. Type of Insurance: The type of insurance you have can affect rate increases. For example, if you have accident forgiveness coverage, your rates may not increase after your first at-fault accident.
   
   

8. Coverage Limits: Your existing coverage limits and deductibles can influence the rate increase. Higher coverage limits and lower deductibles may lead to larger premium hikes.
   
   

It’s essential to contact your insurance company and discuss the specifics of your policy and the accident to get a precise estimate of how much your premium will increase. In many cases, insurance companies provide this information during the claims process or upon renewal.

Keep in mind that the rate increase can vary significantly between insurance companies, so shopping around for quotes from different insurers may help you find more competitive rates after an accident. Additionally, some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs that prevent your rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident, but these programs may come with additional costs.