Can I Get Car Insurance After an Accident?

Yes, you can get car insurance after an accident, but it can get challenging, especially if you were at fault or have been involved in multiple accidents within the last 3 to 5 years. Even if you weren’t at fault, repeatedly being involved in accidents may still affect how some insurers evaluate your driving history.

The thing is, when you get into an accident, insurers may see you as more likely to file another claim in the future. Depending on your driving record and claims history, you could be labeled as a high-risk driver. 

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get car insurance. A single accident usually won’t prevent you from getting coverage, regardless of fault. Even if you’ve been involved in multiple accidents and are considered a high-risk driver, many insurers still offer coverage, though your premiums may be higher. 

If you're shopping for car insurance after an accident, understanding how insurers evaluate accident history can help you know what to expect. Here, we'll explain how accidents affect your insurance rates, whether insurers can deny coverage, and what you can do to improve your chances of finding an affordable auto insurance policy. 

Will Car Insurance Cover an Accident That Already Happened?

If you didn’t have an active auto insurance policy when the accident happened, then, no, your car insurance policy won’t cover the accident. The condition here is that your policy must already be active before the accident occurs. 

Let's say you've purchased car insurance, but your policy hasn't taken effect yet, and you suddenly get into an accident. Even though you've already bought the policy, it isn't active yet, so the accident won't be covered. 

Likewise, if you buy car insurance after the accident, you can't file a claim for damages that happened before your policy became effective. Car insurance isn't retroactive; it only covers accidents that occur after your coverage begins. 

How Does an Accident Affect Your Car Insurance?

An accident can affect your car insurance in different ways. If you already have an existing policy, your premiums may increase at renewal, or your insurer may choose not to renew your policy, depending on the circumstances. 

On the other hand, if you don't have car insurance and are shopping for coverage, it may be more difficult to find a policy, or you may be offered higher premiums. The overall impact largely depends on whether you were at fault for the accident, along with other factors such as your age, location, driving record, and insurance history. 

Let's take a closer look at how at-fault and not-at-fault accidents can affect your car insurance. 

When You Were At-Fault

If you were at fault for an accident, you're generally more likely to see an impact on your car insurance. Insurers typically view at-fault accidents as an indication of higher future risk, which can affect both your premiums and coverage options. 

Depending on the severity of the accident and your driving history, you may experience one or more of the following: 

• Higher insurance premiums: Your insurer may increase your premium when it's time to renew your policy. 
• Loss of discounts: You could lose discounts you've earned, such as a safe driver discount. 
• Policy cancellation or non-renewal: In some cases, your insurer may cancel your policy (where permitted by state law and the terms of your policy) or choose not to renew it when it expires. 
• Fewer coverage options: If you're shopping for a new policy, some insurers may decline your application or offer limited coverage options. 
• Higher quotes from new insurers: You may receive higher premiums than drivers with a clean driving record. 
• Accident forgiveness: If your policy includes accident forgiveness, your insurer may waive the premium increase for your first eligible at-fault accident. But the eligibility criteria vary by insurer, and not all auto insurance policies include this benefit.

However, being at fault doesn't mean you won't be able to get car insurance. Many insurers provide coverage for high-risk drivers, although you may need to compare multiple quotes to find the most affordable policy within your budget.  

When You Weren't At Fault

If you weren't at fault for an accident, getting car insurance is generally less difficult than it would have been if you had caused the accident. Since you weren't responsible for the crash, many insurers are less likely to view you as a high-risk driver. However, the impact on your eligibility and premiums can still vary depending on your insurer's underwriting guidelines and your state's insurance regulations. 

Based on your circumstances, you may experience one or more of the following: 

• Little or no impact on your premium: Many insurers don't raise rates after a single not-at-fault accident, especially if you have a clean driving record. 
• Premium increases in some cases: Some insurers may still consider your overall claims history when determining your rates, particularly if you've been involved in multiple accidents. 
• Changes at renewal: Your insurer may review your driving and claims history when it's time to renew your policy, which could affect your premium or coverage options. 
• Different quotes from other insurers: If you're shopping for a new policy, insurers may evaluate your accident history differently, so the premiums you're offered can vary from one insurer to another.

However, if you've been involved in multiple not-at-fault accidents, particularly within the last 3 to 5 years, some insurers may still view you as a higher-risk driver. While this doesn't mean you won't be able to get car insurance, it could limit your coverage options or result in higher premiums. 

Do Car Insurance Rates Increase After an Accident? 

Yes, your car insurance rates can increase after an accident. According to the Zebra and ValuePenguin, your premiums can increase by up to 50% after an at-fault accident, although the exact increase depends on your insurer, state, driving record, and claims history. 

The impact of a not-at-fault accident is less predictable. While many insurers don't raise premiums after a single no-fault accident, some still consider your overall claims history and underwriting guidelines when determining your rates. 

For example, in one Reddit discussion, a driver reported a 200% increase in their premium after a not-at-fault accident. Although experiences like this are uncommon and shouldn't be considered typical, this incident shows that a no-fault accident doesn't always guarantee your rates will stay the same, as every insurer evaluates risk differently, so the impact on your premium can vary. 

Can an Insurance Provider Deny You Coverage After an Accident?

Yes, an insurance provider can deny your application for coverage after an accident. If your insurer determines that covering you poses a higher risk of future claims, your application may be denied, especially if you've been involved in multiple accidents or are classified as a high-risk driver. 

Whether your application is approved or declined depends on some common factors, such as: 

• The severity of the accident: Accidents involving significant property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities may have a greater impact on your application. 
• Whether you were at fault: At-fault accidents generally carry more weight than not-at-fault accidents when insurers assess risk. 
• Your driving record: Multiple traffic violations, DUIs, or a history of frequent accidents can make it more difficult to qualify for coverage. 
• Your claims history: Drivers who have filed multiple insurance claims within a short period may be considered higher risk. 
• Your insurer's underwriting guidelines: Every insurer evaluates risk differently, so one company may deny your application while another may be willing to insure you.

A denial from one insurance provider doesn't mean you won't be able to get car insurance. There are many insurers that specialize in covering high-risk drivers through non-standard car insurance, so it's worth comparing quotes from multiple insurers or a reliable insurance agency before deciding. 

How to Get Car Insurance If You're Having Trouble Finding Coverage?  

If you're having trouble getting car insurance after an accident, don't assume you're out of options. While some insurers may decline your application due to your driving record or claims history, others specialize in providing coverage for high-risk drivers. 

Here are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting insured: 

• Compare quotes from multiple insurers: Every insurance company evaluates risk differently. If one insurer denies your application or offers an expensive policy, another may provide better coverage at a more competitive rate. 
• Be honest about your driving and claims history: Always provide accurate information when applying for coverage. Withholding or misrepresenting details could result in your application being denied or your policy being canceled later. 
• Look for insurers that cover high-risk drivers: Some insurance providers specialize in offering policies to drivers with accidents, traffic violations, or other high-risk factors. 
• Choose only the coverage you need: If affordability is a concern, consider starting with the coverage required by your state and adding optional coverages later when your rates improve. 
• Maintain continuous coverage: Avoid letting your policy lapse, as gaps in coverage can make insurers view you as a higher-risk driver. A policy lapse may make it more difficult to get car insurance and could result in higher premiums when you apply for a new policy.

Even if you've been denied coverage by one insurer, don't get discouraged. Shopping around and comparing multiple quotes can significantly improve your chances of finding a policy that meets both your coverage needs and your budget. 

Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Premiums After an Accident 

An accident doesn't always mean you'll have to pay high insurance premiums forever. While your rates can increase after an at-fault accident, sometimes by as much as 50% or more, depending on your insurer and state. Here are some practical tips to help you lower your car insurance premiums after an accident. 

• Maintain a Safe Driving Record  
• Take a Defensive Driving Course  
• Opt for the Coverage You Need  
• Consider Increasing Your Deductible  
• Seek Available Discounts  
• Bundle Policies (If You're Shopping for Multiple Policies) 
• Get Help from a Trusted Insurance Agency

The Bottom Line: Should I Get Car Insurance After an Accident?

It can be frustrating to buy car insurance, especially if your rates have increased after an accident, but keep in mind that it is mandatory in most states in the U.S. to maintain at least the auto insurance coverage.  

Also, if you have any lapse in coverage, it can increase your premiums in the future, and most importantly if you end up in an accident, you may have to spend a hefty amount covering damages, liability costs, and medical bills.  

So, to stay legally compliant and financially secure, you should get a suitable auto insurance policy within your budget. Even if you have to spend a higher amount on premiums,  it is possible to eventually lower your premiums by acting responsibly.  

If you need help finding an affordable car insurance policy, you can connect with a nearby agent to get a free quote and expert guidance in choosing the right coverage for your needs.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I get car insurance after an accident?

You can buy car insurance after an accident, but your new policy won't cover the accident that already happened. Depending on the accident, your driving record, and your insurer's underwriting guidelines, you may also pay higher premiums or have fewer coverage options. 

How long after a crash can you make an insurance claim? 

It is recommended to promptly claim car insurance after an accident, typically within 24 to 48 hours. But if you’re concerned about a strict legal deadline, it can range from 1 to 3 years, depending on your insurer and state laws.  

How difficult is it to get car insurance after an accident? 

The difficulty depends on factors such as whether you were at fault, the severity of the accident, your driving record, and your claims history. While some insurers may charge higher premiums or deny coverage, many still offer policies to drivers with accident histories, especially if you compare your options. 

How long does car insurance stay up after an accident?

In most cases, an accident stays on your insurance record for 3 to 5 years, although the exact timeframe varies by insurer and state. During this period, the accident may affect your premiums, especially if you were at fault, or were involved in multiple accidents.  

Is it ever too late to get car insurance after an accident?

No, it's generally never too late to buy car insurance after an accident. However, your new policy will only cover future accidents, not the one that already happened. Depending on your driving record and accident history, you may also pay higher premiums or have fewer coverage options.