How long will a car accident affect my insurance Progressive?

Asked by: Thalia Barton  |  Last update: March 24, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (22 votes)

Progressive factors the accident into your insurance premium for the first 3 years. At that point, the accident no longer affects your premium, but it will still show up on your record and may affect your eligibility for certain discounts. After 5 years, the company no longer keeps a record of that accident.

Does Progressive raise your rates after an accident?

If you're responsible for an accident, your rate will almost always go up unless your insurer offers some sort of accident forgiveness feature. For example, with Progressive's Large Accident Forgiveness, your rate won't increase in most states if you're at fault in an accident with a claim exceeding $500.

How long is your insurance affected after an accident?

Typically, the DMV will hold onto these records for around 3 years, but this can go up to 10 years if the accident involves a commercial vehicle. This 3-year countdown also starts on the day that the accident occurred.

Will Progressive insurance drop me after an accident?

Insurers may not drop a customer after their first one or two incidents. The first step is often to increase your car insurance rate. From there, if a customer has another accident or files more claims, the insurer may send a notice that they won't be renewing the policy at the end of its term.

How long until Progressive cancels insurance?

What is a car insurance lapse grace period? Your car insurance policy won't be cancelled immediately because you miss a payment. Auto insurance companies are required by state law to provide notice before cancelling your policy. Depending on the state, you'll usually have between 10 and 20 days.

Should You Give Progressive Insurance Healthcare Authorization After A Car Accident?

32 related questions found

How long does an accident stay on your record?

In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.

Does Progressive offer accident forgiveness?

And some will have accident forgiveness available for purchase. Progressive offers free small accident forgiveness and large accident forgiveness for your first accident as part of our loyalty rewards program. You can also opt to pay for additional accident forgiveness benefits when you purchase your auto policy.

How do I remove an accident from my insurance record?

While some insurance companies will offer a promotional program called "accident forgiveness" in situations where drivers are not found at fault, you cannot remove an accident occurred from a driving record. Your driving abstract is not like a criminal record that can be sealed or expunged.

How can I lower my insurance rate after an accident?

How to find cheap car insurance after an accident
  1. Raising your deductible, which is the amount reduced from a potential claim check from comprehensive or collision insurance. ...
  2. Adding discounts to your policy. ...
  3. Improving your credit.

How does Progressive handle accident claims?

Its phone number is 1-800-PROGRESSIVE. A claims representative will speak to you about the accident. The insurer looks into the coverage that you have available, determines its extent, and dispatches an adjuster to make an estimate about damages.

Should I file a claim if I'm not at-fault?

Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault

One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.

Can an insurance company drop you after one accident?

It's also possible for your insurance company to drop you after a single accident. Although unlikely, insurance companies may choose to cancel coverage if you experience an at-fault accident that results in your license being revoked or suspended.

Do I need accident forgiveness?

For drivers in California, accident forgiveness isn't an option. Proposition 103, which passed in the state in 1988, outlaws “excessive” insurance rates and accident forgiveness was deemed excessive as you're essentially paying for coverage on an accident that hasn't happened yet.

What is considered high risk for insurance?

You might be considered a high risk driver if you have: Had one or more auto accidents. Received multiple speeding tickets or other traffic citations.

How long until insurance goes down after an accident?

Rates typically go up immediately after a crash and will return to normal within three to five years. But again, this only applies if you file no other claims during that time.

Can you get a driving job with an accident on your record?

Companies often look at your driving history when you apply for a job that involves driving. If they see serious problems like DUIs or major accidents, they may not hire you. Truck drivers and taxi drivers need clean records to work.

Should I remove car from insurance after accident?

Thus, unless your car is totaled, it is best to keep your policy. However, canceling your policy will still not affect an already opened claim.

How long does an accident stay on your insurance with Progressive?

Progressive factors the accident into your insurance premium for the first 3 years. At that point, the accident no longer affects your premium, but it will still show up on your record and may affect your eligibility for certain discounts. After 5 years, the company no longer keeps a record of that accident.

Will insurance pay out if it was my fault?

Your car insurance policy is responsible for the other driver's damages if you are at fault. But you might wonder about your own damages. If you purchased collision coverage as part of your policy, it should cover your vehicle damage from the accident.

Does Progressive pay pain and suffering?

Settlements can range from a couple thousand dollars to millions of dollars. Settlements can include compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain, suffering and more.

How many accidents before insurance drops you?

Every insurance company sets its own benchmark for triggering a cancellation, but it is more likely that you'll face cancellation or non-renewal if you've made three or more claims within a three-year period. Most cancellations occur within the first 60 days of a policy, usually due to non-compliance.

How far back does Progressive look at your driving record?

Progressive gets your driving record from your state's DMV or LexisNexis, and they check the past 3 years for accidents and moving violations. If you were cited for a moving violation or got into an accident mid-policy, your rates will not change until your next renewal.

Does reporting an accident affect insurance?

It's only when you file a claim that you may face a rate adjustment. By reporting the accident, you'll be covered if the damage or injuries are significant but if you don't need to make a claim, you've risked nothing.