Cheapest Car Insurance Companies That Don’t Penalize for Small Accidents in 2023

Car accidents can happen to anyone. And the last thing anyone wants is to get into one small accident and not be covered by car insurance, or have their insurance rates go up as a result.

There are several types of car accidents, including hit-and-runs, reckless driving accidents, and drunk driving accidents. Each of these types of accidents can be classified as at-fault or no-fault.

Having too many accidents, whether at-fault or no-fault, can result in you becoming a high-risk driver and needing high-risk car insurance.

Both at-fault and no-fault accidents can be major or minor incidents. A minor incident, or small accident, is an accident that causes minimal damage to the vehicle and/or doesn’t disrupt the vehicle’s ability to operate.

You can discover quotes for car insurance companies that don’t penalize for small accidents in your area by typing your ZIP code into the free tool above.

Types of Car Insurance and Car Insurance Companies That Don’t Penalize for Small Accidents

The most common form of coverage for combatting small accidents is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness car insurance can be found as a perk or opt-in option with most standard car insurance companies.

Typically, accident forgiveness is only offered as a benefit after three to five years with a clean driving record.

However, some car insurance companies, like Progressive, Nationwide, and Allstate, offer accident forgiveness immediately.

Accident Forgiveness Car Insurance

With most insurance companies, your first small accident can be covered by accident forgiveness. By definition, accident forgiveness is a car insurance protection that halts the increase of insurance rates after the first at-fault accident on the policy. 

This means that if you share a policy, the accident forgiveness can only be used once amongst all members of the policy.

Accident forgiveness can prevent you from becoming a high-risk driver. A designation of high-risk driver can be determined through risky driving, a series of tickets, minor accidents, at-fault accidents, age, and/or additional factors in your driving history. 

Whether you are a high-risk driver is typically determined by your last three to five years of driving, or lack thereof if you’re a new or teen driver.

Being a high-risk driver can mean higher car insurance rates, disqualification from certain benefits or discounts, and non-renewal of your car insurance policy.

However, one small, no-fault accident over three to five years most likely won’t increase your car insurance rates. 

How do I find cheap car insurance for accident drivers?

If you’re a driver with one or more small accidents, you may be tempted to try to find auto insurance that doesn’t check driving records to avoid higher rates.

But no matter which car insurance company you choose, chances are your driving record will be reviewed, and you may be labeled as a high-risk driver.

However, you do have the option of some cheap car insurance companies, like GEICO, who won’t significantly raise your rates.

A number of affordable car insurance companies that don’t penalize for small accidents are available for customers to choose from. The best choice ultimately depends on what will benefit you.

If you’re interested in coverage as a preventive measure, accident forgiveness car insurance may be a good option for you.

If you feel you’ve already had one too many accidents or you’re labeled high-risk for some other reason, then companies like GEICO who won’t raise your rates too much are a good option.

Enter your ZIP code in the free tool below and find car insurance rates with companies that don’t penalize for small accidents in your area.