A history of accidents usually means one thing: higher car insurance rates. The more accidents you’re involved in, the worse off you’ll be when it comes time to pay your insurance premium.
However, by asking the right questions and taking the necessary and proper actions, you may be able to keep any potential rate increases to a minimum, or even lower you car insurance rates.
For most insurance providers, your accident history is a good indicator of how risky you will be to insure. However, your history doesn’t tell the whole story. That means that you won’t necessary see the standard rate hike if you’re able to show that you’re a safe driver.
So what should you do to keep your rates down? We’ve put together a list of steps to help you find cheap car insurance despite your accident history.
Evaluate your situation
Table of Contents
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for getting cheap car insurance with an accident history. Everybody’s situation is different. That means that what worked for your neighbor may not necessarily work for you.
- Before you contact your car insurance company, do your research. Determine whether or not you were at fault for any of your accidents. If you weren’t at fault, then there’s a good chance you’ll be able to fight any rate hikes.
- Prepare copies on any accident reports you might have, and then contact your insurance company. Explain to them that you have proof that you were not at fault for any of the accidents, and as such, you shouldn’t be punished with higher rates.
- If you were deemed to be at fault for at least one of the accidents listed in your history, you may have a bit more trouble getting the cheap car insurance that you want. However, that doesn’t mean it is impossible for you to get lower rates on your auto insurance.
Table – Top Causes of Car Accidents
| Rank | Cause of Accident |
|---|---|
| 1 | Distracted Driving |
| 2 | Speeding |
| 3 | Drunk Driving |
| 4 | Reckless Driving |
| 5 | Rain |
| 6 | Running Red Lights |
| 7 | Running Stop Signs |
| 8 | Teenage Drivers |
| 9 | Night Driving |
| 10 | Design Defects |
| 11 | Unsafe Lane Changes |
| 12 | Wrong-Way Driving |
| 13 | Improper Turns |
| 14 | Tailgating |
| 15 | Driving Under the Influence of Drugs |
| 16 | Ice |
| 17 | Snow |
| 18 | Road Rage |
| 19 | Potholes |
| 20 | Drowsy Driving |
| 21 | Tire Blowouts |
| 22 | Fog |
| 23 | Deadly Curves |
| 24 | Animal Crossings |
Look for discounts
One of the best ways to lower your car insurance rates, regardless of your accident history, is to ask for discounts. Most auto insurance providers have affiliations with various organizations and businesses. Check to see if your employer has a website that lists which companies offer you discounts on your car insurance. If your employer doesn’t have such a database, contact your insurance provider and ask if they have an agreement with them.
Graph – Top Car Insurance Discounts Illustrated
Note: Your percentage of discounts will vary with insurance company, driver history, and other influential factors.
Don’t stop with your employer. Ask your insurance provider if there are any organizations for which members qualify for a monthly discount. While AAA and AARP are the best known organizations that offer their members discounts, there are plenty of others nationwide.
Remember, there are a variety of discounts
Discounts aren’t limited to just employers and organizations. Most auto insurance companies offer other discounts that might help reduce the percentage hike you’ll face with an accident history. It might be a good idea to take a defensive driving class if you have multiple accidents on your record. By taking this class, you’ll show your auto insurance provider that you are serious about improving your driving ways and avoiding accidents.
Graph – Importance of Being Accident Free
Note: As illustrated by the graph the biggest discount is “good driver”. Although, if you have been in accident, it is best to get discounts available to you then strive for a clean driving record or take a safety driver course to “try” and offset the increase in car insurance rates.
Once you’ve proven yourself to be accident-free for six months to a year, your insurance provider may even offer you additional discounts for being a safe driver. As with those discounts available to members of select organizations, it is always a good idea to ask your car insurance company about the discounts they have available to their customers.
Table – Top Car Insurance Companies & Discounts Offered
Note: If a “x”, the discount is offered. If left blank, no discount is offered.
| Discount | Travelers | State Farm | GEICO | Progressive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple policies | x | x | x | x |
| Multivehicle | x | x | x | x |
| Anti-theft | x | x | x | x |
| Anti-lock brakes | x | x | x | |
| Passive restraint | x | x | ||
| Daytime running lights | x | x | ||
| New vehicle | x | x | ||
| 'Green' vehicle | x | |||
| Safe driver/accident-free | x | x | x | x |
| Defensive driver | x | x | x | x |
| Low mileage | x | x | x | |
| Military | x | x | x | |
| Affinity / occupational | x | x | ||
| Full payment | x | x | x | |
| Paperless billing / automatic payment | x | x | x | x |
| Loyalty | x | x | x | |
| Early signing: | x | x | ||
| Good student | x | x | x | x |
| Distant student | x | x | x | |
| Homeowner | x | x | x |
Don’t be afraid to switch providers
In case you haven’t noticed by the countless car insurance commercials and Internet advertisements, insurance companies want your business. If your car insurance provider is giving you a hard time about your accident history, then perhaps it’s time to bid them farewell, and switch to one that actually wants your business.
Been in accident & you need cheaper insurance? Get Quotes
Changing car insurance companies has never been easier. Even with an accident history, you can still get accurate quotes within minutes. Here at AutoInsureSavings, we’ve made it even easier for you as a customer. Just enter your zip code in the quote comparison tool at the top of this page, and then honestly answer a few quick questions. We’ll then provide you with quotes from all the leading car insurance companies in your area.
You’ll be able to see in minutes where you can get the cheapest rates on car insurance with an accident history. Once you’ve picked out the right provider for your needs, go ahead and sign up for their insurance and start saving.
Graph – More ways to get lower rates…
Note: As illustrated by the graph, the fastest way to lower your insurance rates is to increase your deductible and lower coverage. If you have been in a car accident and your rates have spiked, then raise your deductible and lower coverage, only if you are comfortable doing so. Also, be sure to consult with an insurance agent.
Raise Your Deductible & Lower Coverage
There are other ways to get lower rates if you don’t mind minimizing your coverage. By reducing your liability coverage for personal injury and property damage while also raising your deductible, you could cut as much as 20% off your car insurance premium. Such adjustments aren’t for everybody, though, so it is important that you evaluate whether you’d be able to get by with such minimal coverage in the event of a future accident.
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