Can I get car insurance after an accident?

You are able to get car insurance after an accident. However, the policy you purchase will  only cover you for future accidents, not for the accident you were just involved in.

In this instance, if you were at-fault, you will be responsible for all costs associated with repairing your vehicle and you’ll also be liable for all damages to other vehicles involved in the accident.

Compulsory third party insurance

It is illegal to drive any car in Australia, new or used, without compulsory third party (CTP) insurance.

CTP insurance covers your liability as an at-fault driver for injuries caused to other people in a car accident. It includes paying for the cost of any treatment and, in some cases, any compensation owed to them. 

In most states, you’re required to have your CTP insurance completed and paid for before you drive the car off the dealership’s lot. The only time you can possibly legally drive an uninsured car is when you have to get the vehicle registered.

The CTP policy won’t pay for any injuries you may suffer in the accident, nor will it cover the damage caused to any of the vehicles or property involved. You’ll have to purchase additional insurance to cover any damage to your vehicle, property damage you may cause, or injuries you sustain.

Comprehensive insurance

A comprehensive car insurance policy is the most exhaustive and often the most expensive type of insurance. It covers injuries and damages to both you and other persons involved in an accident if you are at-fault.

If you decide to take out car insurance after an accident as a preventative measure for any future accidents, you’ll want to compare a range of comprehensive policies to find one that’s right for you.

Having an accident is also likely to affect your future premiums.  How much is car insurance likely to cost you after an accident? That often depends on the cause of the accident you had and who was at-fault. If you were not at-fault, it shouldn’t affect your premiums. If you were, the cost of your car insurance is likely to rise as you’ll be considered a higher liability by the insurer.

When buying your car insurance policy, consider calculating how much you’re likely to pay and asking your insurer about the features of the policy and how much your policy is likely to go up after an accident.

The circumstances of the accident can also affect your ability to buy car insurance. If the accident was caused by your reckless driving, your insurer may even cancel your car insurance policy for violating its terms. 

This may require you to buy a new policy urgently or run the risk of being underinsured. Not reporting a serious at-fault accident to your current or future car insurance provider can also result in a cancellation if the insurer later finds out about the accident.

In addition to preset insurance policies, many providers will also offer add-on coverage for a number of other incidents. For example, insurance with roadside assistance can be helpful in the event you need a jump start, tire replacement or towing.

Compare car insurance