Quick Answer
In Texas, if you are found at-fault for an accident, you can expect your insurance rate to increase 30-60% at renewal. The increase typically lasts 3-5 years on your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). But how much it increases depends on your carrier, the severity of the accident, and your prior driving history.
How Texas Determines Fault in Car Accidents
Texas is a fault-based (also called tort) state for auto accidents. This means the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages. But determining fault is not always straightforward — Texas law uses a system called modified comparative negligence under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 33.
Under this system, fault can be shared between drivers. Here is how it works: if you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages from the other driver — but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages from the other driver, and you become responsible for their damages as well.
For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault in a Dallas highway accident and have $10,000 in damages, you can recover $7,000 (your damages minus your 30% share). But if you are found to be 51% at fault, you recover nothing and must pay the other driver's damages through your liability insurance.
How Insurance Companies Use Fault Determinations
Many Texas drivers assume the police report is the final word on fault. It is not. While the responding officer's assessment carries significant weight, your insurance company conducts its own independent investigation. Here is what your insurer looks at:
Police Report
The officer's narrative, citations issued, and diagram of the accident scene form the foundation of the investigation. However, insurance adjusters know that officers arrive after the fact and their reports are based on available evidence — they are not always conclusive.
Your Recorded Statement
Your insurer will ask for a recorded statement about the accident. What you say matters enormously. Be factual and complete, but avoid speculating about fault or saying 'it was my fault' before the investigation is complete. Anything you say can and will be used in the fault determination.
Physical Evidence
Vehicle damage patterns, skid marks, road conditions, traffic camera footage, and dashcam video all contribute to the fault determination. If you have dashcam footage, provide it to your insurer — it can be the single most powerful piece of evidence.
Witness Statements
Third-party witnesses who saw the accident can corroborate or contradict the involved drivers' accounts. If witnesses were present, get their contact information at the scene — your insurer will want to speak with them.
Your insurer assigns a fault percentage based on this investigation. That percentage directly affects whether your rate goes up and by how much. Even being found partially at fault (e.g., 30%) can trigger a rate increase at renewal. If you believe the fault determination is wrong, you have the right to dispute it — more on that below.
The Rate Increase Timeline After an At-Fault Accident in Texas
One of the most common questions we hear at A-LA is "When will my rate go up?" The answer: at your next policy renewal, not immediately after the accident. Here is the timeline and what to expect:
Immediately After the Accident
Your current rate does not change. Your insurer processes the claim and conducts its fault investigation. This process typically takes a few weeks for minor accidents and can take months for serious ones involving injuries or disputes.
At Your Next Policy Renewal (6 or 12 months later)
This is when the rate increase hits. Your insurer re-evaluates your risk profile at renewal, and the at-fault accident will be reflected in your new premium. If your policy renews 2 months after the accident, you will see the increase sooner than if it renews 10 months later.
Years 1–3: Peak Impact Period
The rate increase is typically at its highest during the first three years after the at-fault accident. For a minor accident (property damage only, under $5,000), many carriers return your rate to normal after 3 years. Expect a 20–40% increase during this period.
Years 3–5: Gradual Reduction (Serious Accidents)
For more serious at-fault accidents — those involving injuries, high claim amounts ($10,000+), or DUI — the rate increase may persist for 5 years or longer. The increase may gradually decrease each year, but it will remain above your pre-accident rate throughout this period. Expect 40–60% or higher increases initially.
| Accident Severity | Typical Rate Increase | Duration on Record |
|---|---|---|
| Minor (property damage < $5,000) | 20–30% | 3 years |
| Moderate (property damage $5K–$15K) | 30–45% | 3–5 years |
| Serious (injuries involved) | 40–60% | 5 years |
| DUI-related accident | 60–100%+ | 5–10 years |
Rate increases are estimates based on typical Texas carrier behavior. Your actual increase depends on your specific carrier, prior driving history, and policy details. Call (866) 252-6116 for a personalized post-accident quote.
What If You Disagree With the Fault Determination?
You are not locked into your insurer's fault determination. If you believe you were incorrectly found at fault — or that your percentage of fault was too high — you have options:
1. Appeal to Your Insurance Company
Contact your claims adjuster and formally request a review of the fault determination. Provide any new evidence — dashcam footage you may have located after the initial filing, additional witness statements, an independent accident reconstruction report, or corrections to the police report. Your insurer is required to consider new evidence.
2. File a Complaint With TDI
If your insurer does not resolve the dispute to your satisfaction, you can file a formal complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). TDI investigates consumer complaints and can require your insurer to review the fault determination. TDI cannot override the insurer's decision, but regulatory pressure often leads to a fair outcome.
3. Consult an Attorney
For serious accidents involving significant damages or injuries, consulting a Texas personal injury attorney may be worthwhile. An attorney can negotiate with insurers on your behalf and, if necessary, pursue litigation. Texas's two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003) gives you time, but do not wait too long — evidence degrades and witnesses forget.
Accident Forgiveness Programs in Texas
Accident forgiveness is a feature offered by some Texas insurance carriers that prevents your rate from increasing after your first at-fault accident. It is not required by Texas law — it is a voluntary benefit that carriers use to retain customers. Here is what you need to know:
How Accident Forgiveness Works
- Some carriers include it automatically after a claim-free period (often 3-5 years)
- Others offer it as a paid add-on that costs $50–$150/year
- Typically covers one at-fault accident per policy term
- Your rate stays the same after your first at-fault accident
- A second at-fault accident is not forgiven
Limitations to Know
- Not available from all Texas carriers
- May not apply if you switch carriers — forgiveness usually stays with the insurer, not you
- DUI-related accidents are typically excluded
- Some carriers still report the accident to industry databases, which can affect quotes from other insurers
- Does not help high-risk or non-standard drivers in most cases
The most important limitation for A-LA's customers: accident forgiveness typically applies only to standard market policies. If you are already a high-risk or non-standard driver, most accident forgiveness programs will not be available to you. In that case, shopping for the best rate across multiple carriers is your most effective strategy after an at-fault accident.
Finding Affordable Coverage After an At-Fault Accident
After an at-fault accident, many Texas drivers assume they are stuck paying whatever their current carrier charges. That is not true. Rate increases vary dramatically between carriers — one insurer might raise your rate 60% while another raises it only 25% for the exact same accident and driving history.
A-LA Auto Insurance works with 35+ carriers, including several that specialize in post-accident and high-risk drivers. Our agents compare rates across our entire carrier network to find you the most affordable policy after an at-fault accident. We do not run a hard credit check, and we can issue coverage the same day.
Whether you need state minimum liability to keep costs low, or full coverage to satisfy a lender, we have options. Visit any of our 13 DFW offices or call (866) 252-6116 for a post-accident quote.
Steps to Lower Your Rate Faster After an Accident
While you cannot erase an at-fault accident from your record, there are concrete steps you can take right now to minimize the financial impact and bring your rate down faster:
Complete a Defensive Driving Course
Texas-approved defensive driving courses (Education Code Chapter 1001) can reduce your insurance premium by up to 10% with many carriers. The course typically costs $25–$50 and can be completed online in about 6 hours. Some carriers also reduce points on your record. Ask your insurer if they accept defensive driving certificates for rate reductions.
Up to 10% discount · Online courses available
Shop Carriers at Your Next Renewal
Do not auto-renew. When your renewal notice arrives, call A-LA at (866) 252-6116 and let us compare rates across 35+ carriers. Many drivers save 20–40% simply by switching to a carrier that weighs their accident differently. Some carriers are more forgiving of first-time accidents.
Save 20–40% by comparing · Call (866) 252-6116
Raise Your Deductible
Increasing your collision and comprehensive deductible from $500 to $1,000 or $1,500 lowers your premium immediately. This is a smart move if you can absorb the higher out-of-pocket cost in the event of another claim. The savings can offset a significant portion of the accident surcharge.
$500 → $1,000 deductible = 10–15% savings
Bundle Auto and Home/Renters Insurance
Many carriers offer multi-policy discounts of 10–25% when you bundle auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance. If you are currently carrying separate policies, consolidating them can significantly reduce your overall insurance costs — especially after an accident rate increase.
Multi-policy discount: 10–25%
Maintain a Clean Record Going Forward
The single most impactful thing you can do is avoid any additional incidents. Every clean year that passes reduces the weight of your at-fault accident on your risk profile. After 3 years of clean driving, many carriers significantly reduce the accident surcharge. After 5 years, it often drops off entirely.
Clean driving = fastest path to lower rates
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow much does car insurance go up after an at-fault accident in Texas?
On average, Texas drivers see a 30–60% rate increase after an at-fault accident. A minor fender bender may increase rates 20–30%, while a serious accident with injuries can push rates up 60% or more. The increase takes effect at your next policy renewal, not immediately. Call (866) 252-6116 for a post-accident quote from A-LA.
QHow long does an at-fault accident stay on my Texas insurance record?
An at-fault accident typically affects your insurance rate for 3–5 years in Texas. Minor accidents with property damage only may drop off after 3 years. Serious accidents involving injuries, high claim amounts, or DUI can affect your rates for 5 years or longer. Your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) may show the accident even longer.
QCan I dispute a fault determination with my insurance company in Texas?
Yes. You have the right to dispute fault with your insurer by providing additional evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, or a corrected police report. If your insurer does not resolve the dispute satisfactorily, you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) at tdi.texas.gov.
QDoes Texas have accident forgiveness?
Texas does not mandate accident forgiveness by law, but some insurance carriers offer it as an optional add-on or reward for long-term policyholders. If your carrier offers it, your first at-fault accident may not trigger a rate increase. A-LA Auto Insurance can help you find carriers that include this benefit.
QWill my insurance go up if the accident was partially my fault in Texas?
Yes, if your insurer determines you were partially at fault, your rate may still increase. Texas uses modified comparative negligence — even 20–30% fault can trigger a premium surcharge at renewal. The amount of the increase depends on your percentage of fault and the total claim amount.
QShould I switch insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Texas?
Shopping around at your next renewal is smart because rate increases vary significantly between carriers — one company might raise your rate 60% while another raises it only 25% for the same accident. A-LA Auto Insurance compares 35+ carriers to find the best post-accident rate. Call (866) 252-6116 for a comparison quote.
An Accident Does Not Have to Define Your Insurance Future
An at-fault accident is stressful, and the rate increase that follows makes it worse. But you have more control than you think. By understanding how fault is determined, knowing your rights to dispute it, shopping carriers aggressively at renewal, and taking proactive steps like defensive driving courses, you can minimize the financial impact and get back to normal rates faster.
A-LA Auto Insurance has helped thousands of Texas drivers find affordable coverage after at-fault accidents. Our 35+ carrier network means we can almost always find a better rate than what your current insurer is charging post-accident. Call (866) 252-6116 or visit any of our 13 DFW offices for a same-day quote.
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Sean — A-LA Auto Insurance
Licensed Insurance Agent — A-LA Auto Insurance, Dallas-Fort Worth
Sean is a licensed insurance agent at A-LA Auto Insurance, a TDI-licensed independent agency with 13 offices across Dallas-Fort Worth. He specializes in helping Texas drivers find affordable coverage — including SR-22 filings, non-standard auto, no-credit-check options, and coverage for drivers without a US license. Call (866) 252-6116 to speak with the team directly.
A-LA Auto Insurance is a Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) licensed agency. For personalized advice, call (866) 252-6116.