Can You Lower Your Car Insurance Premiums After An Accident?

Car accidents are not just scary. They can also hurt your pocketbook. If you were recently in a car accident, you may have noticed that your auto insurance rates have gone up. While this can be disheartening, do not panic too much. It may still be possible to lower your premiums.

Here are some tips for lowering your car insurance rates after a car accident.  

Inquire About Accident Forgiveness

Even the most cautious drivers can get into car accidents. Just because you were in an accident, does not mean that you're an irresponsible driver. Many auto insurance companies realize this and do not penalize drivers for their first accidents. If this is your first accident, ask your insurance company about accident forgiveness.

Sign Up for a Defensive Driving Course

You are never too old to improve your driving skills. This is especially true if you recently were in a car accident. If you enroll in a defensive driving course, you will learn different ways to avoid vehicle collisions in the future, such as staying far behind the car in front of you and looking out for environmental hazards.

If you tell your insurance company that you successfully completed a defensive driving course, they may decide to give you a discount.

Raise Your Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the factors insurance companies consider when determining your car insurance rates. If your premiums went up after getting into an accident, improving your credit score may help lower your monthly rates.

Get Rid of Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage covers damage that is not caused by a collision, such as vandalism and storms. If you drive an older vehicle, it might make sense to drop comprehensive coverage to save money on your premiums.

Find Out About Other Discounts

Even if your car insurance rates went up because of an accident, you may still be able to lower your rates through other discounts. For example, if you are in the military or have installed safety equipment in your vehicle, you may be able to score a discount. Ask your insurance agent if you qualify for any discounts.

A car accident may raise your insurance rates, but you don't have to pay high premiums forever. If you follow these tips, you may be able to lower your monthly rates. If you want to learn more about car insurance, contact an auto insurance agent. 

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