Is it Possible to Get Affordable Car Insurance in California After an Accident?

Different drivers pay different amounts for car insurance, based on several specific factors. One of the most reliable ways for every driver to have affordable car insurance in California is to have a clean driving record, free of accident, tickets, and other claims. You may be saying “Too late for that!” You swerved but didn’t quite avoid the accident and wrecked your car. Car insurance companies often raise premiums for drivers who have recently been in an accident. Now your auto insurance is going to go through the roof, right? Not necessarily. Exactly how much more you’ll have to pay varies from company to company and depends on the severity of the accident. With the right insurance company and policy, you can still save money on car insurance after an accident. Here is what the experts recommend:

 

#1 Tell the insurance company about your accident, even if it was a minor one. It’s tempting to avoid telling your auto insurance company about a minor fender bender. There wasn’t much damage and you don’t need them to pay for it. The real issue here is that if the other driver sues you weeks or months later, your failure to report the accident immediately might cause your insurer to refuse to honor the policy. That is legal insurance speak that means you’ll be stuck with all the legal bills and any potential judgments in the plaintiff’s favor. Those bills will likely be far higher than any premium increase.

 

#2 Ask about accident forgiveness. Because some insurers have accepted that accidents are simply a part of life, they’re willing to ignore your first mishap and not raise your premium. This is great news! Some may give you accident forgiveness immediately, while others will only do so after you’ve been an accident-free policyholder for a few years.

 

#3 Shop around for new coverage. If you’re still not happy with your renewal rate, move on to a new car insurance carrier. You don’t have to stay with who you have now! Although you’ll still pay more than if you had a clean driving record, you can find a company that offers you a lower rate than your current company while still providing the protection you need.

 

Even if you weren’t injured at the scene, you may feel some pain in your pocket the next time your car insurance is up for renewal. Don’t just renew and accept whatever price they give you! The best car insurance company in California will still be affordable for you, regardless of your recent wreck. Statistics show drivers will get into one car accident every 17.9 years. You are not alone, so don’t let your car insurance company make you feel like you are.