If you've had an accident, you might be worried that you will never again be able to get the best deals on cheap auto insurance. However, there are several factors that can come into play in order to save you money.
Whether or not your premium increases after an accident, and how much it does so, is related to different facts about the accident and your auto insurance policy. Increases go up depending on factors such as how severe the accident was, what degree the incident was caused by you, how much the claim is (by either party), the type of violation and whether or not any tickets were given, and whether or not the accident appears on reports viewable by insurance companies. Your premium is raised by around $300, on average, if you have an accident.
Many auto insurance companies offer accident forgiveness policies, although sometimes this comes at an extra cost. This option typically kicks in if you are found at fault for a minor incident. Some companies offer a one-time pass if you get into an accident, but this is not the norm. Although if you do not have this option it will not help you once you've already gotten into an accident, it is a preventative measure you can take to help save you money in the future.
There are still other ways to decrease your car insurance premium after an accident. If your credit score or history is less than stellar, improving it can often save you money. The type of car you drive can also be a factor: safer cars and cheaper cars are often less expensive to insure. The area you live in can cost you as well. Areas with a dense population, a lot of traffic, or higher crime rates will cost more. You can upgrade your current vehicle with the latest safety and security measures in order to get a discount. And lastly, there are some other great ways to save money on your auto insurance premium including having a car model that isn't frequently stolen, switching insurers and parking in covered parking.
Hints to get cheap auto insurance next time
Although getting into an accident will likely raise your premium somewhat, is isn't out of your control! Preventative measures and reducing the risk in other areas of your life will save you money. Then, developing a history of safe driving after the accident will work in your favor to lower your rates in the future.
