Plain Policy Guide
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.

By Plain Policy Guide Editorial Team Published 2 min read

An at-fault accident is one of the most common reasons car insurance goes up. The size of the increase depends on how serious the crash was, how much your insurer paid and your history, but the numbers below give a realistic picture.

The average increase after an at-fault accident

NerdWallet's 2026 analysis priced the same 35-year-old driver before and after one at-fault accident that caused $10,000 of property damage:

Driver profileFull coverage per yearMinimum coverage per yearChange (full coverage)
Clean record$2,361$648-
One at-fault accident$3,524$952+49%

Source: NerdWallet, 2026, median rates from public insurer filings for a 35-year-old driver with good credit.

That is about $1,163 more per year. If the surcharge lasts three years, the total cost of the accident in extra premiums can reach several thousand dollars, which is why it can sometimes make sense to pay for small accidents yourself. See whether to file a claim or pay out of pocket.

Why one accident costs so much

Insurers price you on how likely you are to file claims in the future, and a recent at-fault accident is one of the strongest signals they have. The surcharge also reflects what the insurer just paid. A crash with injuries or a large payout usually costs more than a small fender-bender.

At fault vs. not at fault

  • At fault: you were mainly responsible. This is what triggers most surcharges.
  • Not at fault: the other driver was responsible and their insurer pays. These usually affect your premium much less, and some states restrict surcharges for them.
  • Shared fault: in some states fault can be split between drivers, and insurers have their own rules for when a shared-fault crash counts against you.

How long it affects your rate

Most insurers count an at-fault accident for about three to five years. The record of the accident may stay on your driving history longer, and a serious crash combined with a violation, such as a DUI, can count for much longer. Ask your insurer when the surcharge ends and re-shop around that date.

Accident forgiveness

Many insurers offer accident forgiveness, either as a reward for a long clean record or as an add-on you pay for. It typically means your first at-fault accident doesn't raise your premium. Two things to know:

  • It usually has to be on your policy before the accident.
  • It may not carry over if you switch insurers, and it doesn't erase the accident from your driving record.

What to do after an at-fault accident

  1. Report the accident to your insurer promptly, as your policy requires, even if you are unsure about filing a claim.
  2. Check your state's reporting rules. California, for example, requires drivers to report a crash to the DMV within 10 days if it caused more than $1,000 in property damage or any injury.
  3. Ask your insurer how the claim will affect your premium and for how long.
  4. Re-shop at renewal. Insurers weigh accidents differently, so a different company may charge you less.
  5. Offset the increase with a higher deductible or discounts. See 12 ways to lower your car insurance.
Next guideShould You File a Car Insurance Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?

Frequently asked questions

Does insurance go up after an accident that wasn't my fault?

Usually less than after an at-fault accident, and some states restrict surcharges for not-at-fault crashes. Insurer practices vary, so ask yours how it treats claims where you weren't at fault.

How long does an at-fault accident stay on my insurance?

Typically about three to five years for pricing purposes, though it may stay on your driving record longer. Ask your insurer when it will stop counting.

Should I report a minor accident to my insurer?

Read your policy: most require prompt notice of any accident that could lead to a claim, even if you don't file one. Failing to report can create problems if the other driver later files a claim against you.

Can my insurer drop me after one accident?

It is uncommon after a single accident, but insurers can decline to renew policies for multiple claims or serious accidents. State laws limit mid-term cancellations.

Sources

  1. Average Cost of Car Insurance (rate analysis, 2026), NerdWallet
  2. How Do Traffic Tickets Affect Insurance? (March 12, 2025), Experian
  3. Does your vehicle have the right protection? Best practices for buying auto insurance, NAIC
  4. California Driver Handbook, Section 10: Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions, California DMV

Sources were checked on October 14, 2026. Laws, fees and prices change; always confirm with your state agency or insurer.

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