If you’ve been in a car accident in Nevada, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is how much your car insurance might go up. Insurance companies in Nevada typically raise premiums after an accident, but the amount depends on several factors, including who was at fault, your driving record, and the severity of the crash. Understanding how insurance increases work can help you prepare and take steps to minimize the financial impact.
How Much Does Insurance Go Up After an Accident in Nevada
After your first at-fault accident in Nevada, you can expect your car insurance rates to increase anywhere between 25% and 45%. However, this is only a general range. The exact increase depends on details like how serious the crash was, whether there were injuries, and if property damage occurred.
For example, if your annual premium was $1,800 before the crash, a 30% increase could add about $540 per year, bringing your new total to $2,340. This increase usually lasts between three and five years before gradually returning to normal—assuming no other claims or violations occur during that time.
Insurance companies in Nevada may also classify you as a high-risk driver after a serious or repeated at-fault accident. Being labeled high-risk often means you’ll pay higher rates no matter which company you choose, even if you switch insurers.
Why Do Insurance Rates Go Up After a Car Accident
When you file a claim, you’re signaling to your insurance provider that you may present a greater risk in the future. Car insurance rates go up for a few main reasons.
High-Risk Classification
After a crash, insurance companies often categorize drivers as higher risk, even if the accident wasn’t entirely your fault. High-risk drivers typically pay higher premiums because insurers assume they’re more likely to file another claim.
Claim Payouts
If you caused the accident and your insurer had to pay for property damage or medical bills, they’ll likely raise your rate to offset that cost. Larger claim payouts usually lead to steeper increases.
Driving History
Nevada insurers have access to your driving record, which includes past accidents, speeding tickets, and other violations. A single at-fault crash can stay on your record for years, influencing your rates across multiple insurance companies.
Multiple Claims
Even if you’re not always at fault, having several claims in a short time can cause insurers to view you as risky. They may raise your premium based on your claim frequency, regardless of fault.
Can Your Rates Go Up After a No-Fault Accident in Nevada
Nevada follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident must pay for damages. In most cases, if you weren’t at fault, your insurance shouldn’t increase. However, there are exceptions.
Comparative Negligence
Nevada uses a comparative fault rule, which means more than one driver can share responsibility. If you were even 20% at fault for the crash, your insurer might still raise your premium slightly.
Uninsured or Hit-and-Run Drivers
If you were hit by an uninsured motorist or involved in a hit-and-run, you might need to file a claim through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. While you didn’t cause the accident, making a claim could still lead to a small rate increase.
Frequent Claims
Even no-fault claims can affect your record if they happen repeatedly. Insurance companies monitor claim frequency and may view multiple claims as a pattern of risk.
Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance After an Accident
While rate increases after a car crash are common, there are practical ways to keep your premiums as low as possible.
Accident Forgiveness Programs
Some insurers offer accident forgiveness, which allows one at-fault accident without increasing your rate. If your insurer provides this benefit, you can avoid the premium hike entirely for your first incident.
Shop for Better Rates
Not all insurance companies treat accidents the same. Compare quotes from several providers that specialize in helping high-risk drivers. Switching insurers can sometimes reduce your premiums by hundreds of dollars a year.
Raise Your Deductible
Increasing your deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket in the event of another claim, but it can significantly lower your monthly premium.
Improve Your Driving Habits
Maintaining a clean driving record after an accident is one of the most effective ways to rebuild trust with insurers. Avoid traffic tickets, use safe driving apps that reward good behavior, and complete defensive driving courses if available.
Work with a Car Accident Attorney
If you’re still dealing with an open claim, an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help prove you were not primarily at fault. Reducing your percentage of fault could prevent your insurer from raising your rates or help reverse an increase later.
Which Insurance Companies Offer the Lowest Rates After an Accident
Based on recent data, these companies tend to offer lower premiums for drivers with a past at-fault accident on their record:
- USAA – Average post-accident annual premium: $2,960 (available to military members and families)
- Erie Insurance – Around $2,565 per year
- Nationwide – Approximately $2,791 per year
- Geico – Roughly $3,044 per year
- AAA – About $3,252 per year
These numbers vary depending on your age, driving history, vehicle type, and coverage level. Always compare multiple quotes before choosing a new insurer, as rates in Nevada can fluctuate frequently.
How Long Does It Take for Rates to Go Down After an Accident
In Nevada, insurance rate increases typically last between three and five years. The duration depends on the insurer’s policy and the severity of the crash. Smaller fender benders might affect your rates for a shorter time, while major injury or property damage claims can extend the increase.
If you maintain a clean record during this period, your rates will usually begin to drop as the accident ages out of your driving history. Some insurers even review policyholder records annually and lower premiums for consistent safe driving.
If you qualify for accident forgiveness or demonstrate significant improvement through safe driving courses, you may see your rates return to normal sooner.
What You Can Do Right Now
If your insurance has already increased after a recent crash, take these steps:
- Request a detailed breakdown of your new premium and ask your insurer what factors influenced the increase.
- Compare quotes from at least three competitors.
- Check if you’re eligible for accident forgiveness or safe driving discounts.
- Consult with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer to see if you can dispute your level of fault or claim classification.
Even small changes—like reducing coverage options you no longer need or paying premiums annually instead of monthly—can help lower your total cost.
Get Help After a Car Accident in Nevada
Dealing with higher insurance rates after a crash can add stress to an already difficult situation. A Vegas car accident lawyer from Friedman Injury Law can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurers, and work toward recovering compensation for your damages and injuries. Our team can also help you gather evidence that could minimize fault, potentially reducing your long-term insurance costs.
If you were recently in an accident and want to learn how to protect your finances, call (702) 970-4222 today for a free consultation. You don’t have to face the insurance process alone.
