Our take in 10 seconds
An at-fault accident makes you a different customer to every carrier, and they disagree about how different. Your current insurer's increase is one opinion. Get two others at your next renewal, because a carrier that specializes in drivers with one incident can undercut a preferred carrier's surcharge by a wide margin. And know your date: the surcharge has an expiry, and it drops off faster if you shop the month it does.
The mechanics
How the surcharge actually works
| Question | Honest answer |
|---|---|
| How much does it rise? | Commonly 20% to 50% for a single at-fault accident, more if there was an injury or a large payout. Not-at-fault claims usually cost little or nothing. |
| How long does it last? | Three years at most carriers, five at some. The clock starts at the accident date, not the claim date. |
| Does accident forgiveness help? | Only if you had it before the crash. It waives the first surcharge at that carrier; it doesn't hide the accident from other insurers. |
| Does it show up when I switch? | Yes, through claims databases. But how much each carrier charges for it varies enormously, which is the whole reason to shop. |
| What if I paid out of pocket? | A minor incident with no claim filed usually doesn't appear. Once a claim is opened it's on the record even if later withdrawn at some carriers. |
The plan
The way out, in order
Don't cancel mid-term to escape the increase; a lapse costs more than the surcharge. At renewal, get quotes from at least two other carriers. Some price one accident lightly to win customers; some treat it as near-disqualifying. Ask about a defensive driving course: at several carriers it offsets part of the surcharge and it looks good on the record. Mark the surcharge's expiry date on your calendar and re-quote that month, because the carrier that dropped your rate may not be the one you're with.
Get a second opinion on the surchargeCarriers price a single accident very differently. Compare before you renew.
Get a Farmers Quote →Paid partner link · WiseIQ earns a commission if you request a quote. Rates and availability vary by state and driver profile.
Second accident warning: a second at-fault accident inside three years is where rates can double or a carrier declines to renew. If it happens, you'll likely need a carrier that serves higher-risk drivers, and the record stays with you for the full window.
Who gets paid on this page
Farmers Insurance — if you request a quote through our linkpays us a commission
Every other company discussedpays us $0
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Questions
FAQ
How much does car insurance go up after an accident?
A single at-fault accident commonly raises premiums 20% to 50%, more with an injury or large payout. Not-at-fault accidents usually have little or no effect. The exact increase varies widely between carriers, which is why shopping after an accident pays.
How long does an accident stay on your insurance?
Most carriers surcharge for three years; some for five. It counts from the accident date. After it ages off, re-quoting captures the drop faster than waiting for your carrier to notice.
Should I switch insurers after an accident?
Get quotes at your next renewal. Carriers price a single accident very differently, and the one you're with may not be the most forgiving. Don't cancel mid-term; wait for renewal to avoid a lapse.
Does accident forgiveness work retroactively?
No. It has to be on your policy before the accident. If you had it, it waives the surcharge at that carrier only; the accident still appears in claims databases other insurers check.
Will my insurance drop me after one accident?
Rarely for a single at-fault accident without a DUI or serious injury. Non-renewal becomes more likely after a second incident within a few years or a very large claim.