Last reviewed: October 2026 · By the SmartCoverage Editorial Team · How we research
One at-fault accident raises full coverage car insurance by about 55% to 64% on average, depending on the type of claim, according to CarInsurance.com’s 2026 analysis. For a driver paying the national average of $2,578 a year, that is roughly $1,400 to $1,700 more every year, usually for three to five years. A second at-fault accident more than doubles the price.
The increase depends a lot on your insurer and your state, and there are a few situations where filing a small claim costs more than it pays. Both are covered below.
What one accident does to your premium
The type of claim matters. In the 2026 data, starting from the same $2,578 policy:
- A property damage claim under $2,000 raised the price by 55%, to $3,988.
- A property damage claim over $2,000 raised it by 61%, to $4,153.
- A claim with bodily injury raised it by 64%, to $4,238.
- Two at-fault property damage claims over $2,000 raised it by 136%, to $6,075.
Some insurers forgive more than others
For the same driver and the same accident, the increase ranged from 26% to 82% depending on the company:
| Insurer | Before | After one accident | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,875 | $3,634 | +26% |
| Travelers | $1,962 | $2,823 | +44% |
| USAA | $1,628 | $2,490 | +53% |
| Amica | $2,769 | $4,308 | +56% |
| Progressive | $2,569 | $4,061 | +58% |
| Nationwide | $2,524 | $4,359 | +73% |
| Allstate | $3,159 | $5,589 | +77% |
| GEICO | $2,159 | $3,872 | +79% |
| Farmers | $3,207 | $5,823 | +82% |
The pattern matches what we found in our GEICO vs Progressive vs State Farm comparison: State Farm penalizes accidents least, while GEICO goes from one of the cheapest options before a crash to a mid-priced one after it. If you have just had an accident, that alone is a reason to shop around at your next renewal.
Where you live matters too. In the same analysis, one accident raised rates by 120% in Texas and 100% in Michigan, but by about 30% in Rhode Island.
How long the increase lasts
Insurers generally keep an at-fault surcharge for three to five years, according to the Insurance Information Institute, as cited by CarInsurance.com. It usually peaks at your first renewal after the accident and drops off at a renewal date, not on the anniversary of the crash.
Your driving record and your insurer’s records are separate things. An accident can stay on your state driving record for longer than your insurer charges for it, and a new insurer may look back further than your current one, so ask each company how many years it considers.
Should you file a small claim?
For a minor accident with no injuries, it can be cheaper to pay for the repair yourself than to file and pay a higher premium for years. Try the numbers:
File the claim or pay it yourself?
For a small at-fault accident with no injuries, compare what the insurer would pay you with what the rate increase could cost you over the years it stays on your record.
Average increases after one at-fault accident from CarInsurance.com’s 2026 analysis (Quadrant Information Services data, 40-year-old driver, full coverage). The tool assumes the full increase applies every year until it drops off; in practice it often shrinks a little each year. Always report injuries and any accident your policy or state law requires you to report. Results are for guidance only.
Two warnings before you decide to pay yourself. First, if anyone was hurt or the other driver may claim against you, report it to your insurer straight away: your policy requires prompt notice, and a late report can put your coverage at risk. Second, many states require you to report crashes above a certain damage amount to the police or the DMV, whatever you decide about the insurance claim.
What if the accident was not your fault?
Usually your rates do not go up, because the other driver’s insurer pays. The exceptions are the no-fault states, where your own insurer pays for injuries regardless of who caused the crash: Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Utah. Some insurers may also remove a claims-free discount after any claim. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, see our guide to what full coverage and uninsured motorist cover pay for.
Ways to soften the increase
- Check for accident forgiveness. Some insurers waive the surcharge on a first accident. Progressive automatically forgives small claims of $500 or less for new customers, and State Farm offers forgiveness after nine years as a customer with a clean record. Ask your insurer before you file.
- Shop around at renewal. Because surcharges range from 26% to 82%, a different insurer can be much cheaper after an accident. Our quote comparison guide shows how to compare fairly.
- Take a defensive driving course if your state and insurer give a discount for it.
- Raise your deductible or review your coverage, especially on an older car.
If you have several accidents or violations, the standard market may not be your best option. Our guide to car insurance for high-risk drivers covers the alternatives.
Sources
- CarInsurance.com: How much does car insurance go up after an accident (updated August 14, 2026)
- ValuePenguin: How much will my car insurance go up after a crash (updated July 17, 2026)
- NAIC: Comparing online auto insurance quotes (insurers typically review three years of driving history)
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not insurance or legal advice. Surcharges, accident forgiveness and reporting rules vary by insurer and state. Check your policy and speak to your insurer or a licensed agent before deciding whether to file a claim.