An at-fault accident can have significant consequences beyond just the immediate aftermath. One of the most impactful changes drivers experience is the increase in their car insurance premiums. Understanding how an at-fault accident affects your insurance rates, and what you can do about it, is essential for managing your car insurance costs effectively.
What Does It Mean to Be “At-Fault”?
Being at-fault for a car accident means that you are held responsible for causing the collision. This determination is made by the insurance companies based on evidence from the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports. If you are found at fault, your insurance company will be responsible for covering the damages to the other party, which can significantly increase your premiums.
How At-Fault Accidents Affect Insurance Premiums
Car insurance premiums are determined by various factors, including your driving history. An at-fault auto accident is considered a negative mark on your driving record and can lead to a substantial increase in your insurance rates. On average, drivers can expect their premiums to increase by 48-49% after an at-fault accident, depending on the severity of the accident and the resulting damages.
Comparing Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With an At-Fault Accident
After an at-fault accident, your car insurance rates will likely go up. The exact increase varies depending on your insurance provider and location. Here’s a comparison of average car insurance costs per year and per month for drivers with an at-fault accident that resulted in injury:
| Company | Average Annual Cost | Average Monthly Cost |
| USAA* | $1,958 | $163 |
| Erie | $2,224 | $185 |
| Travelers | $2,293 | $191 |
| Nationwide | $2,337 | $195 |
| State Farm | $2,428 | $202 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,539 | $212 |
| Geico | $2,748 | $229 |
| Progressive | $2,770 | $231 |
| Westfield | $2,901 | $242 |
| Mercury | $3,860 | $322 |
| Safe Auto | $4,101 | $342 |
| Farmers | $4,412 | $368 |
| Allstate | $4,545 | $379 |
As you can see, USAA offers the most affordable rates for eligible drivers with an at-fault accident, while companies like Allstate and Farmers tend to charge higher premiums.
State-by-State Breakdown of Car Insurance Costs After an At-Fault Accident
The cost of car insurance after an at-fault accident can also vary significantly by state. For example, states like Vermont, Idaho, Maine, and Hawaii offer the cheapest rates, while states like Florida, California, and Louisiana have the most expensive rates. California, in particular, has the highest average rate increase—nearly doubling after an accident.
Here’s a look at the average annual and monthly car insurance costs in various states:
| State | Average Annual Cost | Average Monthly Cost |
| Alabama | $2,804 | $234 |
| Alaska | $2,510 | $209 |
| Arizona | $3,152 | $263 |
| Arkansas | $3,157 | $263 |
| California | $5,393 | $449 |
| Colorado | $3,768 | $314 |
| Connecticut | $3,345 | $279 |
| Delaware | $3,444 | $287 |
| Florida | $5,557 | $463 |
| Georgia | $2,944 | $245 |
| Hawaii | $1,961 | $163 |
| Idaho | $1,837 | $153 |
| Illinois | $2,812 | $234 |
| Indiana | $2,396 | $200 |
| Iowa | $2,289 | $191 |
| Kansas | $3,066 | $256 |
| Kentucky | $3,564 | $297 |
| Louisiana | $5,177 | $431 |
| Maine | $1,921 | $160 |
| Maryland | $3,373 | $281 |
| Massachusetts | $2,960 | $247 |
| Michigan | $3,756 | $313 |
| Minnesota | $2,988 | $249 |
| Mississippi | $2,922 | $244 |
| Missouri | $3,341 | $278 |
| Montana | $3,478 | $290 |
| Nebraska | $2,475 | $206 |
| Nevada | $3,608 | $301 |
| New Hampshire | $2,125 | $177 |
| New Jersey | $3,760 | $313 |
| New Mexico | $2,958 | $247 |
| New York | $3,696 | $308 |
| North Carolina | $2,750 | $229 |
| North Dakota | $3,239 | $270 |
| Ohio | $2,165 | $180 |
| Oklahoma | $3,710 | $309 |
| Oregon | $2,675 | $223 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,440 | $287 |
| Rhode Island | $2,911 | $243 |
| South Carolina | $2,990 | $249 |
| South Dakota | $3,188 | $266 |
| Tennessee | $2,696 | $225 |
| Texas | $4,196 | $350 |
| Utah | $3,047 | $254 |
| Vermont | $1,761 | $147 |
| Virginia | $2,864 | $239 |
| Washington | $2,150 | $179 |
| West Virginia | $2,663 | $222 |
| Wisconsin | $2,467 | $206 |
| Wyoming | $2,059 | $172 |
What to Do After an At-Fault Accident
If you are involved in an at-fault car accident, there are several steps you should take to minimize the impact on your insurance premiums:
- Shop Around for Insurance: Compare car insurance rates from different providers, especially if your current provider raises your premiums significantly. Some companies are more lenient with at-fault accidents than others.
- Consider Accident Forgiveness: Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness, which can prevent your first at-fault accident from increasing your rates. This is an option worth considering when choosing a provider.
- Improve Your Driving Record: Over time, maintaining a clean driving record can help reduce your premiums. Many insurance companies lower rates after three to five years without any further incidents.
- Increase Your Deductible: If you can afford a higher out-of-pocket cost in the event of another accident, raising your deductible can lower your monthly premiums.
An at-fault auto accident can have long-lasting effects on your insurance premiums, but you can take steps to mitigate these increases. By understanding how your rates might change, comparing insurance options, and considering strategies like accident forgiveness, you can better manage the financial impact of an at-fault accident.