Top 3 carriers for this situation
Estimated national full-coverage premiums with this situation applied, cheapest first. Directional model estimates — enter your ZIP below for your real local ranking.
| # | Carrier | Est. national | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USAA | $1,207/yr | Military & immediate family only |
| 2 | GEICO | $1,243/yr | No agents — buy and manage online |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,301/yr | Large local agent network |
Often the most expensive for this situation: Liberty Mutual · Safeco · Farmers If you're with one of these, you're probably overpaying — it takes two minutes to check.
Why this raises your rate
An at-fault accident typically adds 20–45% to your premium for 3–5 years. How much depends entirely on the carrier: forgiving insurers (and those offering accident forgiveness) barely move, while strict ones can non-renew. The cheapest after an accident combine a low base rate with a modest surcharge.
How to pay less
- Ask about accident forgiveness — some carriers waive the first at-fault accident entirely.
- Shop at renewal: your current carrier's surcharge may be far higher than a competitor's fresh quote.
- Raise your deductible to offset the surcharge if you have savings to cover it.
- The surcharge usually drops off after 3 years — re-shop once it does.
Rankings are directional estimates from the BoringRate model, not quotes — your real rate depends on your ZIP, vehicle, and history. Related: Why Your Premium Went Up →
Frequently asked questions
Who is cheapest for this situation?
USAA, GEICO, and State Farm rank cheapest in the model. Enter your ZIP to see the order for your area.
Will my rate stay high forever?
An at-fault accident typically adds 20–45% to your premium for 3–5 years. How much depends entirely on the carrier: forgiving insurers (and those offering accident forgiveness) barely move, while strict ones can non-renew. The cheapest after an accident combine a low base rate with a modest surcharge.