Car Insurance After an Accident
What happens to your premium after an accident and how to decide whether to file a claim.
After a crash, two money questions come up quickly: will my insurance go up, and should I even file a claim? The answers depend on who was at fault, how big the damage is and how your insurer prices claims.
These guides walk through both questions with real numbers and practical checklists.
All Accidents & Claims guides
Accidents & Claims
How Much Does Insurance Go Up After an At-Fault Accident?
One at-fault accident raised full-coverage premiums by 49% on average in NerdWallet's 2026 analysis. Here is why, how long it lasts and how accident forgiveness can help.
Accidents & Claims
Should You File a Car Insurance Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?
Filing a small claim can cost you more in future premiums than the claim pays. Use this simple test to decide whether to file or pay for the damage yourself.