Car Insurance After an Accident in California: What Happens Next?

Getting into a car accident can be stressful. Once everyone is safe and the immediate situation is under control, many California drivers start wondering what comes next.

Will my insurance rate go up? Will my insurance company cancel me? How long will the accident affect my record? Can I switch insurance companies after an accident? And what if I'm having trouble finding affordable coverage?

If you've recently been involved in an accident in California, understanding how it may affect your car insurance can help you make better decisions about your coverage.

At eWay Insurance, we help California drivers compare auto insurance options from multiple insurance carriers—including drivers who have accidents, tickets, lapses in coverage, or other challenges on their driving record.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident in California?

Immediately after an accident, your first priority should be safety. If possible, move to a safe location and check whether anyone needs medical assistance.

You should also exchange information with the other driver, including:

• Name and contact information
• Driver's license information
• Vehicle information
• Insurance company and policy information
• License plate number

Take photos of the vehicles, damage, surrounding area, road conditions, and anything else that may help document what happened.

Depending on the circumstances, the accident may also need to be reported to law enforcement and/or the California DMV.

Keeping good documentation can make the insurance claim process easier and help protect you if there is a disagreement about what happened.

Do You Have to Report an Accident to Your Insurance Company?

If you plan to make a claim under your policy or another person may make a claim against you, you should notify your insurance company promptly and follow the reporting requirements in your policy.

Even an accident that initially appears minor can become more complicated later if additional vehicle damage or injuries are discovered.

Your insurance carrier will generally ask for information about the accident and may investigate the circumstances before determining how the claim will be handled.

Will Your Car Insurance Go Up After an Accident in California?

It can—but an accident does not automatically mean your insurance premium will increase.

Several factors may influence what happens to your rate, including:

• Whether you were considered at fault
• The severity of the accident
• The amount paid by the insurance company
• Your previous driving and claims history
• Your insurance carrier's underwriting rules
• Whether you qualify for any applicable accident-related protections

Every insurance company evaluates risk differently. That's one reason comparing multiple insurance carriers after an accident can be helpful.

If your current insurance premium increases significantly at renewal, don't assume you have to accept the new price. Shopping around may help you find another carrier that rates your driving history differently.

What Happens If the Accident Wasn't Your Fault?

Being involved in an accident does not necessarily mean you caused it.

Fault can be an important factor in how an accident affects your insurance. The insurance companies involved may review statements from the drivers, photos, police reports, witness information, vehicle damage, and other evidence when evaluating the claim.

California also has rules limiting when insurers may use certain not-at-fault accidents when determining premiums.

If you believe an accident has been incorrectly listed or rated against you, contact your insurance company or agent and ask them to review the information.

How Long Does an Accident Affect Car Insurance in California?

There isn't one universal answer for every driver or insurance company.

How long an accident affects your premium can depend on the type of accident, fault determination, your overall driving history, and the underwriting guidelines of the insurance carrier.

The good news is that an accident doesn't necessarily mean you'll be paying a higher insurance rate forever.

As time passes and you maintain a cleaner driving history, additional insurance options or better rates may become available.

Can Your Insurance Company Cancel You After an Accident?

Drivers often worry that one accident will immediately cause their insurance company to cancel their policy.

Generally, an insurer cannot simply cancel an existing California auto insurance policy in the middle of the policy term for any reason it chooses. California law regulates when an insurer can cancel a policy.

However, an insurance company may decide not to renew coverage when the policy reaches the end of its term if permitted under California law and the company's underwriting guidelines.

Multiple accidents, serious violations, changes in driving eligibility, fraud or misrepresentation, or other underwriting issues can also affect your ability to maintain coverage.

If your current carrier decides not to renew your policy, start shopping for replacement coverage before your existing policy expires. Avoiding a lapse in insurance can be important when trying to secure affordable coverage.

Can You Switch Car Insurance Companies After an Accident?

Yes.

You are generally free to shop for another insurance company even if you've recently been involved in an accident.

In fact, comparing rates can be especially useful after an accident if your current premium has increased significantly.

Different insurance companies evaluate drivers differently. A company that was inexpensive before your accident may no longer be your best option afterward.

That's where working with an independent insurance agency can help.

Instead of contacting insurance companies individually, eWay Insurance can compare options from multiple carriers to help you find coverage that fits your situation and budget.

What If You Have More Than One Accident?

Multiple accidents can make finding affordable insurance more challenging, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're out of options.

Some insurance companies specialize in drivers who don't fit the preferred-driver profile.

At eWay Insurance, we work with California drivers with many different driving histories, including drivers with:

• At-fault accidents
• Multiple accidents
• Speeding tickets
• Traffic violations
• Suspended licenses
• No driver's license
• Lapses in insurance coverage
• SR-22 requirements
• Previous insurance cancellations or non-renewals

Having a difficult driving record doesn't mean you should stop comparing insurance options.

Do You Need an SR-22 After an Accident?

Not every accident requires an SR-22.

An SR-22 is a certificate filed by an insurance company with the California DMV to demonstrate financial responsibility. It may be required in certain situations involving license suspensions, DUI-related matters, driving without insurance, or other qualifying circumstances.

If you've been told by the DMV or a court that you need an SR-22, eWay Insurance can help you look for an auto insurance policy that includes the required filing.

What If You Were Uninsured When the Accident Happened?

Being involved in an accident without insurance can create additional financial and legal complications.

If you now need coverage, don't wait.

Insurance purchased after an accident will not retroactively cover an accident that happened before the policy began. However, obtaining coverage can help you get back on the road with the protection required going forward.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need an SR-22 filing or have other requirements before restoring your driving privileges.

Our agents can help you understand your insurance options and look for a carrier willing to insure you based on your current situation.

How Can You Find Cheaper Car Insurance After an Accident?

One of the most effective things you can do is compare multiple insurance companies instead of automatically renewing your current policy.

You can also consider:

• Comparing different coverage limits
• Reviewing your deductibles
• Asking about available discounts
• Maintaining continuous insurance coverage
• Avoiding additional tickets and accidents
• Reviewing your policy before every renewal
• Comparing rates again as older violations and accidents become less relevant to insurers

Don't reduce important coverage simply to get the lowest possible price. A cheaper policy isn't necessarily a better policy if it leaves you financially exposed after another accident.

Why Compare Auto Insurance With eWay Insurance?

Shopping for insurance after an accident can be frustrating, especially when different insurance companies quote dramatically different prices.

At eWay Insurance, we are an independent California insurance agency. Instead of representing only one insurance company, we work with multiple insurance carriers and can compare options based on your individual situation.

We can help drivers with excellent records as well as drivers who have accidents, tickets, suspended licenses, no license, SR-22 requirements, or other insurance challenges.

Whether you're looking for minimum liability insurance or broader coverage for your vehicle, our agents can help you explore available options.

Get a California Car Insurance Quote After an Accident

An accident doesn't mean you have to settle for an unaffordable insurance premium.

If your car insurance went up after an accident—or you're simply wondering whether another insurance company can offer you a better rate—let eWay Insurance compare your options.

We help drivers throughout California find auto insurance from multiple carriers.

Call eWay Insurance today for a free auto insurance quote, request a quote online, or visit one of our offices.

Already received a renewal after your accident? Have it handy when you contact us. We can compare your current coverage and price against available alternatives.

eWay Insurance — helping California drivers find the right coverage at a competitive price.

Insurance availability, eligibility, rates, discounts, underwriting requirements, and coverage vary by carrier and individual circumstances. This article is provided for general informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.