By Roberto Gomes, Prime Capital Report | Updated October 2026
If you cause a crash, expect your premium to rise by roughly 45% to 49% at your next renewal. That works out to about $1,000 to $1,200 more a year for full coverage. ValuePenguin (July 2026) and NerdWallet (October 2026) both put the average at 49%. LendingTree measured 45.0%, or $1,030.95 a year, using January 2026 rate data. If the other driver caused the accident, your rate usually stays the same. A few states, California among them, ban insurers from raising it at all.
Car insurance after an accident is less about the national average and more about three things: which insurer you have, which state you live in and how bad the damage was. Below we break down the 2026 numbers on all three. We also cover how long the surcharge lasts, which accident forgiveness programs actually protect you, and when you’re better off paying for a fender-bender yourself. Every figure links to the study it came from.
Key takeaways
- Average at-fault increase: 45%–49%. That’s +$102/month (ValuePenguin), +$1,163/year (NerdWallet) or +$1,031/year (LendingTree).
- Not at fault? Your rate usually won’t rise. California law (Ins. Code §491) forbids it, and NerdWallet reports Oklahoma does too.
- Your insurer matters most. In MoneyGeek’s 2026 study, State Farm raised rates 24.3% after a crash and Progressive raised them 58.1% (MoneyGeek).
- Your state matters too. Rates jump 70.7% in California but only 16.5% in Pennsylvania (LendingTree).
- The surcharge usually lasts 3–5 years and shrinks over time (ValuePenguin).
- Small damage barely moves your rate. A $500 property-damage accident added just $3/month in ValuePenguin’s test, versus $46/month for a $2,000 accident.
How much does car insurance go up after an accident?
The four largest 2026 rate studies agree on the basic picture. One at-fault accident adds something like half again to a full coverage premium. The exact number depends on the test driver, the car and how much damage the study assumed. Here is how each one measured it:
| Study (date) | Average increase | Extra cost | Test profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ValuePenguin (Jul 2026) | 49% | +$102/month | 30-year-old man, 2018 Honda Civic, full coverage, all 50 states + DC |
| NerdWallet (Oct 2026) | 49% | +$1,163/year ($2,361 → $3,524) | 35-year-old driver, 2023 Toyota Camry, $10,000 property-damage crash |
| MoneyGeek (Aug 2026) | 48.8% | +$1,056/year (~$88/month) | 40-year-old man, 2021 Toyota Camry, $1,000–$1,999 damage |
| LendingTree (Feb 2026) | 45.0% | +$1,030.95/year ($2,277 → $3,308) | 30-year-old man, 2018 Honda CR-V, $2,000+ damage |
Minimum coverage goes up too. NerdWallet found a liability-only policy rose from $648 to $952 a year after one at-fault crash (NerdWallet). The dollar jump is smaller simply because the starting premium is lower.
The cost adds up because the surcharge sticks for years. LendingTree estimates a single at-fault accident costs about $3,092.84 over three years. Your age changes the dollar amount as well. A 20-year-old pays about $2,024 more a year after a crash, while a 50-year-old pays about $1,073 more (LendingTree). If you’re not sure what a normal premium looks like in the first place, our US car insurance by state guide shows typical clean-record rates.
At-fault vs. not-at-fault accidents
Fault is the single biggest switch. ValuePenguin notes that your rate usually won’t rise after a crash someone else caused, because the other driver’s insurance should pay. There are exceptions, though:
- Some insurers surcharge anyway. A Consumer Federation of America study cited by NerdWallet found some companies raised rates 10% or more after not-at-fault accidents. That study dates from 2017, but NerdWallet says it’s still the most recent data available.
- You can lose a claim-free discount. This is more likely after an uninsured-motorist claim or a hit-and-run collision claim (ValuePenguin).
- No-fault states work differently. In a no-fault state, everyone files injury claims with their own insurer. That’s why drivers there can see increases no matter who caused the crash (NerdWallet).
- Several claims in a short period can raise your rate even if none of them was your fault (MoneyGeek).
Some states protect you by law. California Insurance Code §491 says an insurer’s rating plan “shall not provide for an increase in the premium” for an accident in which the insured is not at fault. California also defines when you count as “principally at fault.” Under 10 CCR §2632.13, you must be at least 51% responsible, and the accident must have caused an injury, a death or more than $1,000 in property damage. The rule presumes you’re not at fault if you were lawfully parked, rear-ended without getting a ticket, or hit by a hit-and-run driver you reported. You also get 30 days to ask your insurer to reconsider a fault decision. Beyond California, NerdWallet reports that Oklahoma bans not-at-fault surcharges, and ValuePenguin says Washington does too.
Car insurance after an accident: increase by insurer
The insurer you’re with when the surcharge arrives matters more than any other factor. MoneyGeek priced the same 40-year-old driver at five large carriers before and after a $1,000–$1,999 at-fault accident:
| Insurer | Clean record (monthly) | After at-fault accident (monthly) | Monthly increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $172 | $214 | $42 | 24.3% |
| AAA | $172 | $260 | $88 | 51.5% |
| Allstate | $224 | $341 | $117 | 52.5% |
| GEICO | $141 | $221 | $80 | 56.9% |
| Progressive | $193 | $305 | $112 | 58.1% |
Source: MoneyGeek, updated August 30, 2026. Full coverage, 2021 Toyota Camry, good credit.
NerdWallet’s October 2026 analysis covers more companies and uses a bigger $10,000 crash. Its annual figures tell the same story. State Farm, Travelers, USAA and American Family add the fewest dollars, and Farmers and Allstate add the most:
| Insurer | Clean record (annual) | One at-fault accident (annual) | Dollar difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,652 | $2,274 | +$622 |
| USAA* | $1,587 | $2,258 | +$671 |
| State Farm | $1,985 | $2,565 | +$580 |
| American Family | $2,832 | $3,677 | +$845 |
| Progressive | $2,277 | $3,416 | +$1,139 |
| GEICO | $2,020 | $3,510 | +$1,490 |
| Nationwide | $2,663 | $4,226 | +$1,563 |
| Allstate | $3,210 | $5,018 | +$1,808 |
| Farmers | $4,042 | $6,051 | +$2,009 |
Source: NerdWallet, October 2026 analysis of Quadrant Information Services data. *USAA is for military members, veterans and their families. Dollar difference is our arithmetic on NerdWallet’s published figures.
NerdWallet says State Farm had the smallest percentage increase and Travelers the lowest post-accident price. ValuePenguin also ranks State Farm best among national carriers, with a 14% increase to $218/month. It found GEICO raises rates the most of any major insurer, by 73%. Among midsize insurers, ValuePenguin found NJM charged just 9% more, at $183/month, but NJM is sold in only 5 states.
The cheapest company before your accident may not be the cheapest after it. Getting quotes from at least three carriers is how you find out. Our guide to comparing car insurance quotes walks through how to make sure the quotes are truly comparable.
How much rates go up after an accident by state
Where you live can double or halve the effect of the same accident. LendingTree’s expert Rob Bhatt says states with higher crash rates and pricier medical and repair costs see bigger post-accident surcharges (LendingTree). Here is a sample of states from the two 2026 state-by-state studies:
| State | Annual premium before | Annual premium after | Annual $ increase | % increase (LendingTree) | % increase (ValuePenguin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $2,382.91 | $4,066.73 | $1,683.82 | 70.7% | 98% |
| New Jersey | $3,188.46 | $5,188.09 | $1,999.64 | 62.7% | 74% |
| Arizona | $3,819.67 | $5,911.42 | $2,091.75 | 54.8% | 45% |
| Illinois | $2,114.67 | $3,247.42 | $1,132.75 | 53.6% | 52% |
| Georgia | $2,696.14 | $3,946.86 | $1,250.71 | 46.4% | 35% |
| Florida | $3,411.14 | $4,983.14 | $1,572.00 | 46.1% | 46% |
| Texas | $2,635.50 | $3,851.50 | $1,216.00 | 46.1% | 55% |
| North Carolina | $1,212.11 | $1,711.44 | $499.33 | 41.2% | 69% |
| New York | $2,609.50 | $3,192.80 | $583.30 | 22.4% | 26% |
| Pennsylvania | $2,129.60 | $2,481.20 | $351.60 | 16.5% | 13% |
Sources: dollar figures and first % column from LendingTree (Quadrant data pulled Jan. 8, 2026; $2,000+ damage). Second % column from ValuePenguin (July 2026). The two studies use different profiles, so their numbers don’t match exactly.
Both studies rank California as the state with the steepest percentage jump. ValuePenguin says full coverage there “nearly doubles” after a crash. That’s partly because California bases rates heavily on your driving record and doesn’t allow accident forgiveness (more on that below). See our best car insurance in California for 2026 for carriers that price at-fault drivers more gently. Arizona and New Jersey have the biggest dollar increases, at about $2,000 a year. Pennsylvania is the mildest in both studies. North Carolina shows a split: a modest dollar increase in LendingTree’s data, but a 69% jump in ValuePenguin’s. That’s likely because North Carolina uses a state points system that sets surcharges as a percentage of a low base rate (MoneyGeek). Texas drivers can find carrier-level numbers in our cheapest car insurance in Texas guide.
How long does an accident affect your insurance?
Most insurers keep the surcharge for three to five years (MoneyGeek). It doesn’t stay flat the whole time. ValuePenguin tracked one Pennsylvania driver’s full coverage rate as the accident aged:
| Time since accident | Monthly rate | vs. clean record |
|---|---|---|
| No accident | $181 | — |
| 6 months | $226 | +$45 |
| 1 year | $226 | +$45 |
| 2 years | $224 | +$43 |
| 3 years | $206 | +$25 |
| 4 years | $205 | +$24 |
| 5 years | $181 | $0 |
Source: ValuePenguin, 30-year-old man in Pennsylvania.
Insurers drop the surcharge on different schedules. According to ValuePenguin, rates return to normal after three years at Erie, Progressive and USAA. At Allstate, Travelers and GEICO, you keep paying more into the fourth year.
Keep in mind that the surcharge clock and your DMV record are separate things. MoneyGeek notes a state DMV record can show an accident for 3 to 10 years. Your insurer, though, uses its own look-back window, usually three to five years. Increases also usually don’t happen mid-policy. They show up at your next renewal (MoneyGeek).
A second at-fault accident within three years stacks on top of the first and can push some insurers to non-renew you (MoneyGeek). If an accident also comes with a license suspension or an uninsured-driving violation, your state may require an SR-22 filing. Our SR-22 insurance cost guide covers that situation.
Accident forgiveness programs compared
Accident forgiveness keeps your premium from rising after your first qualifying at-fault accident. It only helps if it’s on your policy before the crash. LendingTree notes that some companies include it free, while others charge “usually less than $20 a month” (LendingTree). Here is how the major programs work, according to each insurer’s own terms:
| Insurer | How you get it | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | Free after a milestone anniversary, or bought as “Upgraded Claim Forgiveness” | Free version needs 5+ accident-free years and may not apply under age 21. One use per policy, not per driver. Not available in CA, CT or MA. |
| Progressive | Small Accident Forgiveness is automatic for new customers in most states. Large Accident Forgiveness is a loyalty reward. Extra forgiveness can be bought. | Small: first claim of $500 or less. Large: 5 years with Progressive and accident- and violation-free. |
| Allstate | Optional paid add-on | Rates won’t go up “even if it was your fault.” Not available in every state. |
| Liberty Mutual | Optional coverage for new customers | No accidents or violations in the last 5 years. Drivers 25 and under need 5 straight clean years. Not available in CA. |
| Nationwide | Bought as an add-on | Select states only. Can be used once per policy. |
Two caveats apply. First, forgiveness waives the surcharge, but you may still lose a safe-driver or claim-free discount (ValuePenguin). Second, forgiveness only applies at your current insurer. If you switch, the accident still shows on your record. In California the product isn’t offered at all (MoneyGeek).
How to lower your car insurance after an accident
You can’t erase an at-fault accident, but you can shrink what it costs you:
- Shop at renewal, not the day after the crash. The increase arrives at renewal, so that’s when to compare (LendingTree). MoneyGeek estimates switching can save $30 to $80 a month, depending on your record and the new insurer (MoneyGeek). ValuePenguin found full coverage from Allstate after a crash costs twice as much as from State Farm.
- Take a state-approved defensive driving course. These cost $25 to $75 and can earn a 5% to 10% discount where allowed. In some states, a course also reduces your points (MoneyGeek).
- Raise your deductible if you can afford it. Going from a $500 to a $1,000 deductible on an $8,000–$12,000 car can offset $15 to $25 a month of the surcharge (MoneyGeek).
- Add discounts. Bundling, good-student discounts and app-based safe-driving programs can all help offset the surcharge (ValuePenguin).
- Work on your credit. Most states let insurers use credit-based scores, so better credit lowers rates over time (NerdWallet).
- Set a reminder for when the accident drops off. Re-shop as soon as it leaves your insurer’s three- to five-year window (MoneyGeek).
- Challenge a wrong fault decision. In California, you can request reconsideration within 30 days of the insurer’s written notice (10 CCR §2632.13). Other states have their own complaint processes through their insurance departments.
When to file a claim vs. pay out of pocket
Many drivers quietly pay for small repairs themselves. A LendingTree survey found roughly 4 in 10 insured drivers who’d had an accident or incident paid without going through insurance. Of those, 42% said they did it to keep their premium from rising (LendingTree).
Damage size is what decides it. ValuePenguin priced the same driver after accidents of different severity:
- No accident: $181/month
- $500 property damage: $184/month (+$3)
- $1,000 property damage: $216/month (+$35)
- $2,000 property damage: $227/month (+$46)
- Accident with injuries: $228/month (+$47)
Source: ValuePenguin, Pennsylvania ZIP codes.
A simple rule of thumb: compare the repair bill, minus your deductible, with the extra premium you’d pay over the surcharge period. Using LendingTree’s national average of about $1,031 a year, three years of surcharges come to roughly $3,093. A claim that would pay you less than that, after your deductible, may not be worth filing. Real claims are often much bigger than that, though. The Insurance Information Institute reports the average collision claim was $5,489 in 2024. The average property-damage liability claim was $6,770, and the average bodily-injury liability claim was $28,278 (Triple-I).
Pay yourself when the only damage is to your own car, it’s minor, and no one else is involved. LendingTree’s example is bumping a wall or light post. File a claim when someone is hurt, another car or property is damaged, or fault is disputed. Those costs can quickly exceed any premium savings, and your policy may require you to report the accident promptly. If your insurer offers small-accident forgiveness, a minor claim may cost you nothing extra. Progressive’s covers a first claim of $500 or less (Progressive).
FAQ
How much does car insurance go up after an at-fault accident in 2026?
On average, 45% to 49% for full coverage. ValuePenguin and NerdWallet both report 49% (+$102/month and +$1,163/year). MoneyGeek reports 48.8% (+$1,056/year), and LendingTree reports 45.0% (+$1,030.95/year).
Does insurance go up if the accident wasn’t my fault?
Usually not, because the at-fault driver’s insurer pays. Some insurers do surcharge or remove claim-free discounts, especially in no-fault states. California law (Insurance Code §491) bans not-at-fault increases, and NerdWallet reports Oklahoma does too.
Which insurer raises rates the least after an accident?
In 2026 studies, State Farm has the smallest increase among national carriers. MoneyGeek measured 24.3%, and ValuePenguin measured 14%. NerdWallet found Travelers had the lowest post-accident price. Among midsize insurers, ValuePenguin found NJM raised rates just 9%, but it’s sold in only 5 states.
How long does an accident stay on my insurance?
Typically three to five years. The increase is highest in the first two years and fades after that. Erie, Progressive and USAA drop it after three years, according to ValuePenguin, while Allstate, Travelers and GEICO keep it into year four.
Which state has the biggest increase after an accident?
California, in both major 2026 studies. LendingTree found a 70.7% increase there, and ValuePenguin found 98%. Arizona and New Jersey have the largest dollar increases, about $2,000 a year. Pennsylvania has the smallest.
Is accident forgiveness worth it?
It can be, since one at-fault accident costs about $3,093 over three years on average (LendingTree). Some carriers give it free after five clean years, such as GEICO and Progressive’s Large Accident Forgiveness. Others sell it as an add-on, including Allstate and Nationwide. It isn’t available in California, and GEICO doesn’t offer it in Connecticut or Massachusetts either.
Should I pay for a minor accident out of pocket?
Often, yes, if only your own car is damaged and the repair is small. In ValuePenguin’s test, a $500 accident added just $3 a month, but a $1,000 accident added $35. Always file a claim if anyone is injured or another party’s property is damaged.
Related guides
Sources
- ValuePenguin, “How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?” (updated Jul 17, 2026): valuepenguin.com
- NerdWallet, “Know How Much Insurance Goes Up After an Accident” (October 2026 analysis): nerdwallet.com
- MoneyGeek, “How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After an At-Fault Accident?” (updated Aug 30, 2026): moneygeek.com
- LendingTree, “One At-Fault Accident Can Add Thousands to Drivers’ Insurance Costs” (Feb 23, 2026): lendingtree.com
- Insurance Information Institute, “Facts + Statistics: Auto insurance”: iii.org
- California Insurance Code §491: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, §2632.13 (Principally at-fault accidents): law.cornell.edu
- Insurer accident forgiveness terms: GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide
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Written by
Roberto Gomes, Founder and Editor
Roberto researches insurance and personal finance in the United States and Canada from insurers' policy documents, regulator data and public rate filings. He is not a licensed agent or adviser. How we research.