The best options for cheap car insurance after an accident are USAA, State Farm, and Geico. Rates start as low as $29 monthly.
USAA is the cheapest car insurance company after an accident but is only available to military members. State Farm follows closely with competitive monthly rates starting at $40, while Geico provides solid coverage beginning at $50 per month.
Company | Rank | Monthly Rates | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | $29 | A++ | Military Families | USAA | |
#2 | $40 | B | High-Risk Rates | State Farm | |
#3 | $50 | A++ | Online Quotes | Geico | |
#4 | $53 | A++ | Industry Experience | Travelers | |
#5 | $61 | A+ | Low-Mileage | Nationwide | |
#6 | $66 | A | Discount Opportunities | American Family | |
#7 | $69 | A+ | Snapshot Program | Progressive | |
#8 | $76 | A | Loss of Use | Farmers | |
#9 | $87 | A+ | Bundling Discounts | Allstate | |
#10 | $91 | A | Customized Coverage | Liberty Mutual |
These are the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers who have experienced an accident. Ready to find cheaper car insurance coverage? Enter your ZIP code to get free quotes.
What You Should Know
- USAA has the cheapest insurance rates after an accident at $29 monthly
- State Farm and Geico provide competitive rates and solid coverage
- Nationwide is cheapest for low-mileage drivers with accidents
#1 – USAA: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Lowest Monthly Rates: Affordable car insurance after an accident starts at $29 per month.
- A++ A.M. Best Rating: Top financial stability ensures reliable car insurance claims after an accident.
- Military Discounts: Military members get exclusive savings on car insurance after an accident. Learn how to qualify in our USAA review.
Cons
- Limited Eligibility: USAA only offers coverage to military members, limiting access to its cheap auto insurance after an accident.
- No Gap Coverage: If you finance or lease a car, you can't buy gap coverage from USAA to protect your vehicle if it's totaled after an accident.
#2 – State Farm: Cheapest High-Risk Rates
Pros
- Affordable Rates: Best car insurance for multiple accidents starting at $40 monthly. Check State Farm insurance reviews for more quotes.
- Strong Customer Service: Excellent claims and customer support if you have accidents on your record.
- Files SR-22: State Farm files SR-22 car insurance after an accident for high-risk drivers who need it.
Cons
- Lower A.M. Best Rating: State Farm’s B rating may concern drivers who need to file car insurance claims after an accident.
- Leaving Some States: State Farm is no longer writing new policies in some high-risk states.
#3 – Geico: Cheapest Online Quotes
Pros
- Competitive Rates: Geico offers cost-effective car insurance after an accident, starting at $50 per month, with discounts for drivers who get quotes online.
- Online Tools: Easily manage Geico car insurance coverage after an accident from the mobile app (Read More: Online Marketplaces for Insurance).
- Easy Claims Process: File and keep track of insurance claims after an accident with Geico's convenient online claims process.
Cons
- Poor Customer Service: Geico has lower customer satisfaction ratings than other car insurance companies, especially after an accident.
- No Gap Insurance: Geico does not offer gap insurance to cover financed or leased cars totaled after an accident.
#4 – Travelers: Best for Industry Experience
Pros
- Reasonable Rates: Affordable car insurance after an accident starts at $53 monthly, with comprehensive coverage options.
- A++ A.M. Best Rating: Travelers is one of the most established car insurance companies in the industry with strong financial ratings.
- Accident Forgiveness: Choose from two programs that will stop car insurance rates from going up after an accident. Learn more in our Travelers review.
Cons
- Limited Discount Options: Fewer discounts compared to competitors in some states can limit savings on car insurance after an accident.
- Strict Qualifications: Some drivers may not be eligible for Travelers accident forgiveness after a car accident.
#5 – Nationwide: Cheapest for Low-Mileage Drivers
Pros
- Competitive Rates: Provides competitive car insurance rates after an accident, starting at $61 a month. Compare quotes in our Nationwide Insurance review.
- Low-Mileage Discounts: High-risk drivers with accidents can get cheaper rates with Nationwide SmartMiles pay-per-mile insurance.
- Deductible Waiver: Nationwide waives full coverage deductibles if your vehicle is totaled in an accident.
Cons
- Mileage Restrictions: You must drive less than 11,000 miles annually to benefit from SmartMiles insurance discounts after an accident.
- Not in Every State: Nationwide car insurance is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, or Massachusetts.
#6 – American Family: Best for Discount Opportunities
Pros
- Affordable Rates: Reasonably priced car insurance after an accident begins at $66 per month. Compare quotes in our American Family review
- Costco Discount: Costo members get exclusive discounts on American Family auto insurance after a car accident.
- Loyalty Discounts: Get a discount on every policy renewal, and family members can earn generational discounts if their parents already have AmFam Insurance.
Cons
- Not in Every State: AmFam car insurance after an accident is only available in 26 states.
- Online Presence: Its online tools may not be as streamlined as some national providers.
#7 – Progressive: Cheapest With Snapshot Program
Pros
- Snapshot Program: Progressive Snapshot usage-based insurance rewards safe driving with lower car insurance rates after an accident.
- Competitive Rates: Car insurance after an accident starts at $69 a month. Compare Geico vs. Progressive insurance to see which is cheaper near you.
- Name Your Price Tool: Use the Progressive online tools to choose only the coverage you need to get the cheapest car insurance quotes after an accident.
Cons
- Variable Snapshot Rates: Snapshot-based premiums can fluctuate, leading to unpredictable car insurance costs after an accident.
- Snapshot Eligibility: Depending on your driving record, you may not be eligible for Snapshot usage-based insurance after an accident.
#8 – Farmers: Cheapest Loss of Use Coverage
Pros
- Competitive Rates: Farmers offers minimum car insurance after an accident for $76 per month. Read Farmers insurance reviews for more quotes.
- Loss of Use Coverage: It pays for your rental car, rideshare, or public transit if your car is totaled after an accident.
- Lots of Discounts: Farmers has more discounts on car insurance after an accident than any other provider.
Cons
- Expensive Full Coverage: Full coverage auto insurance after an accident is nearly $200 monthly with Farmers, twice the price of State Farm.
- Pulling State Coverage: Farmers is not writing new car insurance policies in some high-risk states.
#9 – Allstate: Best Bundling Discounts
Pros
- Bundle Discounts: Bundle Allstate car insurance after an accident with home, renters, business, or life insurance for up to 25%.
- A+ A.M. Best Rating: Reliable claims management for car insurance after an accident due to Allstate’s financial strength.
- Customizable Coverage Options: Customize your car insurance after an accident with Allstate's flexible options. Learn how in our Allstate review.
Cons
- Higher Rates than Competitors: Allstate’s minimum car insurance after an accident coverage starts at $87 monthly.
- Poor Customer Satisfaction: Allstate ranks below average for customer service and claims handling.
#10 – Liberty Mutual: Cheapest Customized Coverage
Pros
- Customizable Coverage Options: Liberty Mutual offers tailored car insurance after an accident, including new car replacement.
- A Rating from A.M. Best: Reliable claims handling backed by Liberty Mutual’s strong financial standing for car insurance after an accident.
- Discount Opportunities: Several discounts available, helping lower car insurance premiums after an accident.
Cons
- Higher Minimum Rates: Liberty Mutual car insurance rates after an accident are higher than some competitors. Check Liberty Mutual reviews for details.
- Poor Customer Service: Liberty Mutual consistently ranks below average for customer satisfaction year after year in J.D. Power surveys.
Minimum vs. Full Coverage Car Insurance Rates After an Accident
Minimum car insurance is the cheapest after an accident, but it won't pay for your vehicle damages or personal injuries. Full coverage will be more expensive, but USAA has the best rates for $78 monthly.
Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
$87 | $225 | |
$66 | $176 | |
$76 | $198 | |
$50 | $132 | |
$91 | $234 | |
$61 | $161 | |
$69 | $186 | |
$40 | $102 | |
$53 | $139 | |
$29 | $78 |
USAA is the cheapest car insurance company after an accident, but coverage is only available to military members and their immediate families.
For everyone else with accidents on their records, State Farm and Geico’s minimum coverage starts at $40 and $50 per month, respectively. Our practical guide for understanding car insurance can help you decide how much coverage you need after an accident.
Discount Opportunities for Cheapp Car Insurance After an Accident
Finding cheap car insurance after an accident is possible by leveraging vehicle safety features for discounts. Insurers recognize that advanced safety technologies can reduce claims, even after an accident, so they often offer lower rates for drivers who install anti-theft or safe-driving features into their vehicles.
Insurance Company | Available Discounts |
---|---|
Accident Forgiveness, Safe Driving Bonus, Multi-Policy, Deductible Rewards | |
Accident Forgiveness, Multi-Policy, Safe Driver, Loyalty Discount | |
Accident Forgiveness, Signal® App, Multi-Policy, Safe Driver | |
Accident Forgiveness, Defensive Driving, Multi-Policy, Good Driver | |
Accident Forgiveness, New Car Replacement, Multi-Policy, Safe Driver | |
Accident Forgiveness, Vanishing Deductible®, Multi-Policy, Bundling | |
Accident Forgiveness, Snapshot®, Multi-Policy, Continuous Insurance | |
Accident-Free Discount, Drive Safe & Save™, Multi-Policy, Loyalty | |
Accident Forgiveness, Multi-Policy, Safe Driver, Bundling | |
Accident Forgiveness, Safe Driver, Multi-Policy, Loyalty |
The top ways customers have saved money on car insurance rates include utilizing discounts for safety features like anti-lock brakes and lane departure warnings. For example, Geico provides discounts for these technologies, while State Farm and Progressive have usage-based insurance programs that reward safe driving habits.
Additionally, USAA features an accident forgiveness program, allowing first-time at-fault drivers to keep their rates. Progressive also offers discounts for those enrolled in safe driving programs.
Understanding Car Insurance Claims After an Accident
Filing a car insurance claim is one of the key steps to take after a car accident. It can seem overwhelming, but understanding the steps can simplify the experience.
- Tell Your Insurance Company: Start by reporting the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, either online or over the phone.
- Provide Details And Pictures: Provide all necessary details, including any police reports, photos of the damage, and repair estimates.
- Work With an Adjuster: An adjuster will review the claim, assess the damages, and determine compensation based on your coverage.
Prompt reporting helps your claim get processed efficiently. Keep in mind that delays in reporting an accident may complicate the process or even result in denial of coverage.
Expect your rates to increase after filing a claim, and you might need to file SR-22 insurance if you need car insurance with multiple accidents. You should also be prepared to pay your deductible before the insurance payout applies.
Summary: Best Car Insurance Options After an Accident
For cheap car insurance after an accident, USAA, State Farm, and Geico are top choices. USAA offers the lowest rates at $29 monthly. State Farm provides competitive pricing and excellent customer service. Geico has slightly higher rates but has convenient online tools for claims and policy management.
To find the best and cheapest car insurance companies after an accident, compare quotes online. Enter your ZIP code to compare rates and get the best value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest car insurance for one accident?
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance after one accident at $29 a month. State Farm is an affordable option at $40 per month.
What is the cheapest full coverage car insurance?
USAA provides the cheapest full coverage at $78 monthly, followed by Geico at $132 per month and State Farm at $102 monthly. Enter your ZIP code to find cheap full coverage near you
Which insurance is best for a car accident?
USAA is best overall for car accidents, with low rates and accident forgiveness for military members. State Farm offers good non-military options. Compare USAA vs. State Farm car insurance here.
What car insurance is best for someone with a bad driving record?
Progressive and Geico are ideal for bad driving records, offering discounts and programs to improve rates.
What type of cover is the cheapest for car insurance?
Minimum coverage is the cheapest, providing only legal liability. USAA offers it at $29 per month, and State Farm at $40 a month.
What is the lowest cost of auto collision insurance?
USAA offers the lowest rates at $78 monthly for full coverage with collision insurance. Learn more about collision vs. comprehensive insurance coverage.
Can you claim insurance if it was your fault?
Yes, with collision coverage, you can claim if it's your fault. Rates may increase unless your insurer offers accident forgiveness (Read More: If an accident isn't your fault, do your rates increase?).
What is the best car insurance for high-risk drivers?
Progressive is best for high-risk drivers, offering flexible options and rewards for safe driving with its Snapshot program.
What is the fastest insurance claim settlement?
Geico offers one of the fastest claims processes with an efficient online portal for quick settlements.
How does insurance work when it's not your fault?
The at-fault driver's insurance covers damages. If they’re uninsured, your collision or uninsured motorist coverage can help.
How much does insurance increase after a claim?
Insurance premiums may rise 20-40% after a claim, depending on severity, insurer, and whether accident forgiveness applies. Learn when to file a car insurance claim.