How much does car insurance go up after an accident?
What surcharges look like in Texas, how long they last, and what to do at renewal instead of just paying the new number.
An at-fault accident raises your premium. How much depends on the carrier, the size of the claim and what else is on your record, and the range is wide enough that the increase is worth challenging with a quote rather than accepting.
What typically happens
- An at-fault claim commonly produces a surcharge somewhere in the range of 20 to 50 percent of the premium at renewal
- The surcharge usually applies for three years, and some carriers use five
- A not-at-fault claim generally does not carry a surcharge, though the claim still appears in your history
- Comprehensive claims such as hail or theft are treated more gently than collisions
Accident forgiveness
Some carriers offer accident forgiveness, either earned through years of clean driving or purchased. It waives the surcharge for the first at-fault accident. It is worth asking about before you need it, since it cannot be added after the crash.
What to do at renewal
Do not simply pay the higher renewal. Your current carrier has already priced the accident in. Other carriers weigh it differently, and some rate a single at-fault claim far more leniently. This is the moment where independent shopping pays for itself.
The reverse is also true. If you have been with the same company for years without a claim, check anyway. Loyalty pricing works against long-term customers more often than it helps them.
Small claims are a judgment call
If the damage is close to your deductible, filing may cost more over three years of surcharge than the claim pays. A 1,400 dollar repair with a 1,000 dollar deductible returns 400 dollars and can cost far more than that in premium. Damage to another person's vehicle is different, and should always go through the policy.
How long until it comes off
Most carriers stop counting an at-fault accident at three years, some at five. Ask your carrier exactly when the surcharge drops off and set a reminder to re-shop that month.
Let us re-quote it
Bring your renewal notice. If nobody can beat it, we will tell you to stay put. Call (956) 687-3334. Se habla español.
Common follow-up questions
Will my rate go up if the accident was not my fault?
Usually not directly, though a carrier may still consider claim frequency. Make sure the claim is coded correctly, because miscoded fault happens.
Does a parking lot scrape count?
If you were at fault and a claim was paid, yes, though small claims sometimes fall under a threshold. Ask before filing.
Can I switch carriers with an open claim?
Yes. The existing claim stays with the carrier that had the policy when it happened, and it gets handled under that policy.
Want this looked at properly?
We are an independent agency in McAllen serving Hidalgo, Cameron and Starr counties. No cost to talk it through.
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