How To Find Inexpensive Car Insurance After An Accident
Any type of accident can have serious consequences for a driver's car insurance policy. It's not uncommon for a driver's car insurance rates to increase by 20% or more after an accident, even if it was a fairly minor incident – and rates can jump by much more if traffic citations were filed after the accident. If you've been involved in any sort of accident, it's important to act quickly in order to avoid overpaying; finding the cheapest car insurance possible will take research and a few appropriate actions that will make you a less risky driver from the viewpoint of your insurance company.
One such action that a driver can take is to enroll in a driver safety course. The reason that car insurance rates jump up after an accident is that the driver is assumed to be a bigger risk. Statistically speaking, drivers that are involved in one accident are far more likely to be involved in a second accident than drivers with clean records. An approved driver safety course can lessen the impact of an accident on your record, as your insurance company will issue a discount for completing the course successfully. You'll have to check with your insurer to find an approved course, so before you enroll, call your insurance agent. Most driver safety courses are very simple for experienced drivers and can be completed in a few weeks. They're well worth the time and tend to carry very low enrollment fees.
Drivers can also lower their costs by looking for a new vehicle after an accident. This may be an essential step if your vehicle was totaled or seriously damaged. Try to find a vehicle with a good safety rating and compare car insurance quotes before you select your new vehicle. Safer vehicles will yield the cheapest car insurance premiums and may lessen or negate the impact of your accident. Look into special safety features or anti-theft features that might further reduce your car insurance rates. Again, stay in contact with your car insurance agent for tips on securing a low cost policy.
The best way to keep your rates low after an accident is to know all of your options. Get quotes from all of the major car insurance companies – you should look at least a half dozen quotes immediately after your accident goes on your record. You may find a policy that costs much less than what you've been paying, or at least a policy that matches your old rates. Looking for car insurance quotes online is one of the best ways to keep your rates low, regardless of the circumstances of your accident.