Need Car Insurance After an Accident?
Call to get a car insurance quote and secure coverage today.
Getting into a car accident can turn your insurance situation upside down overnight. Even a single at-fault accident may cause your premiums to increase, your policy to be cancelled, or your renewal to be denied. Many drivers only realize how fragile their coverage is after the accident already happened.
The good news is this:
You can still get car insurance after an accident, often the same day — even if your situation feels urgent or complicated.
This guide explains how to get car insurance after an accident, what insurers look at, how approval works, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow the process down.
Can You Get Car Insurance After an Accident?
Yes. Accidents do not make you uninsurable.
However, they do:
- Change how insurers assess risk
- Affect pricing and coverage options
- Limit which insurers are willing to quote you
The key is understanding how insurers see accidents and choosing the right approach.
How an Accident Affects Your Insurance Profile
Insurance companies look at accidents as predictors of future claims. When an accident appears on your record, insurers evaluate:
- Whether you were at fault
- Severity of the accident
- Whether injuries or property damage were involved
- How recent the accident was
- Whether multiple incidents exist
Not all accidents are treated equally.
At-Fault vs Not-At-Fault Accidents
At-Fault Accidents
Typically have the biggest impact on:
- Premium increases
- Eligibility
- Underwriting scrutiny
These usually affect rates for 3–5 years, depending on state and insurer.
Not-At-Fault Accidents
May still appear on your record, but:
- Often have less pricing impact
- Are weighted differently by insurers
Some insurers don’t surcharge for them at all.
What Happens If Your Policy Is Cancelled After an Accident?
Some drivers face:
- Non-renewal notices
- Mid-term cancellation
- Refusal to renew at expiration
This often happens when:
- The accident involved high damages
- Multiple claims exist
- You were already considered borderline risk
If this happens, do not panic — and do not wait.
Why Speed Matters After an Accident
Delays can cause:
- Coverage lapses
- Higher future premiums
- Loss of continuous-coverage discounts
- License or registration issues
The faster you secure new coverage, the better your long-term outcome.
Can You Get Same-Day Insurance After an Accident?
In many cases, yes.
Same-day approval is common when:
- Information is available
- You’re honest about the accident
- You work with insurers that accept post-accident drivers
Coverage can often start the same day, even if pricing is higher initially. Many drivers in this situation choose to get car insurance the same day with help from a licensed agent who can review accident details manually.
Why Online Quotes Often Fail After an Accident
Many drivers try online quotes first — and hit problems.
Common issues:
- Extremely high prices
- Quote rejections
- “Refer to agent” messages
- Inaccurate estimates
Online systems are designed for standard risk profiles. Once an accident is added, automation struggles.
Why Phone Quotes Are Faster After an Accident
Speaking with a licensed agent allows:
- Manual review of accident details
- Clarification of fault and severity
- Selection of insurers that accept post-accident drivers
- Immediate correction of assumptions
For accident-affected drivers, human review saves time and stress. That’s why many drivers prefer to get a car insurance quote by phone instead of relying on automated systems after an accident.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Car Insurance After an Accident
Step 1: Gather Basic Information
You typically need:
- Driver’s license details
- Vehicle information (VIN if possible)
- Approximate accident date
- Whether you were at fault
- Prior insurance details
You do not need police reports or claim files for a quote.
Step 2: Be Honest About the Accident
Never hide an accident.
Insurers verify records through:
- Motor vehicle reports
- Claims databases
Misrepresentation can result in:
- Policy cancellation
- Claim denial
- Higher long-term costs
Honesty leads to faster approval.
Step 3: Focus on Insurers That Accept Accident Histories
Not all insurers treat accidents the same way.
Some:
- Price aggressively after accidents
- Decline coverage
Others:
- Specialize in post-accident drivers
- Offer non-standard policies
- Provide transitional coverage
Agents know which insurers to approach.
Step 4: Avoid Coverage Gaps at All Costs
Even a short lapse can:
- Increase premiums further
- Trigger “high-risk” classification
- Eliminate discounts
Always activate new coverage before cancelling old coverage, if possible.
Step 5: Choose Practical Coverage (Not Maximum, Not Minimum)
After an accident, balance matters.
Common strategies:
- Maintain legal liability limits
- Adjust deductibles carefully
- Avoid unnecessary add-ons
An agent can help structure coverage that keeps premiums manageable.
What If You Need SR-22 After an Accident?
Some accidents — especially those involving:
- DUI
- Driving uninsured
- License suspension
may require an SR-22 filing.
This is not insurance itself, but proof of insurance filed with the state.
Not all insurers handle SR-22s — phone assistance is critical here.
How Much More Will Insurance Cost After an Accident?
There is no fixed number.
Premium increases depend on:
- Accident severity
- Fault determination
- State regulations
- Insurer risk models
Some drivers see modest increases. Others see significant jumps. Comparison matters more than ever.
How Long Does an Accident Affect Insurance Rates?
Typically:
- 3 years (minor accidents)
- Up to 5 years (serious accidents)
As time passes without additional incidents, premiums usually decrease.
How to Lower Insurance Costs After an Accident
Maintain Continuous Coverage
Avoid lapses at all costs.
Drive Violation-Free
Clean history rebuilds trust fastest.
Review Coverage Annually
As the accident ages, pricing changes.
Ask About Defensive Driving Courses
Some states allow discounts after completion.
What If You Were Dropped by Multiple Insurers?
If standard insurers decline coverage, options still exist:
- Non-standard insurance providers
- State-assigned risk programs
These are not permanent solutions — but they keep you legal while your risk profile improves.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make After an Accident
- Waiting too long to shop
- Cancelling before securing new coverage
- Hiding accident details
- Accepting the first quote
- Relying only on online tools
Each mistake increases long-term cost.
Why Talking to an Agent Matters Most After an Accident
After an accident, your situation is not standard.
Agents help by:
- Explaining insurer differences
- Finding companies that accept your profile
- Structuring affordable coverage
- Speeding up approval
This is one of the scenarios where calling has the highest payoff.
What to Expect During a Phone Review
A typical call includes:
- Accident clarification
- Coverage review
- Quote comparison
- Activation timing
- Proof of insurance delivery
Most calls take 10–20 minutes.
Final Thoughts: An Accident Doesn’t End Your Options
An accident may complicate your insurance — but it doesn’t eliminate your choices.
With the right approach:
- Coverage is available
- Approval can be fast
- Costs can be managed
- Your profile can recover over time
The key is acting quickly and choosing the right path.