Your history of filing claims is a rate factor insurers use to determine the cost of your policy. The reason is that they cost your provider time and money. This is why insurance companies reward you for keeping a clean driving record. One way they show appreciation is by applying a claims-free discount to your premium.
In this article:
- How the claims-free discount works
- How much you save
- Insurers that offer it
- Frequently asked questions
How the Claims-Free Discount Works
Insurers love policyholders that never file a claim and offer rich discounts for keeping your insurance record clean. Qualifying is easy. Drivers save when they avoid filing for three to five years (the same amount of time they remain on your record). Five years may seem like a long time, but millions of people manage this. And you can, too.
While some insurance carriers come right out and tell you about rewards, others will surprise and delight you by lowering your premium automatically if you go an unspecified period without filing a claim.
Many providers also offer special rates for safe driving that take both your accident filing history and record into account. However, despite any similarities, the two are substantially different. The claims-free discount focuses only on whether you’ve filed one. For instance, you might require a windshield replacement if a rock shatters it. Not your fault, but if you ask your insurer to pay to fix it, you’re no longer eligible.
How Much You Save
As is the case with all auto insurance pricing, how much you save varies. The amount you save from this discount mainly depends on which insurer carries your policy. Another factor can be time. Some companies lower your rates each year you go without a claim. According to Progressive, policyholders with a clean driving history save an average of 31%. To be sure how much you can save, speak with an agent or representative.
Insurers With Claims-Free Discounts
Only a few major insurers have an official claims-free discount on their websites. That doesn’t necessarily mean that your safe driving will go unrewarded if your provider doesn’t list it on theirs, however. Many insurance companies reward policyholders that manage to at least three years without an accident.
Below are top insurance companies who either reward customers that don’t file or will offer you an incentive for avoiding car accidents:
Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual offers a discount when you keep your record clean for three to five years. The insurer doesn’t say how much this benefit will lower your rates. Be sure to speak with your agent or contact Liberty Mutual directly to learn more.
State Farm
State Farm rewards accident-free drivers with lower rates when they avoid crashes and don’t file a claim for at least three to five years. The exact savings you could expect aren’t posted on State Farm’s website. You’ll need to reach out to your agent for details.
Amica
Amica also offers a claims-free discount. To qualify, you must go three years without requesting compensation after an accident and have at least one driver on your policy with 39 or more months of driving experience. The exact savings are unclear. Be sure to speak with an agent or Amica representative to learn more.
USAA
USAA offers a discount to policyholders that go an unspecified time without filing a claim. Savings can be as high as 12% for eligible drivers. Ask your USAA agent for more information.
Claims-Free Discount by Company
| Insurance Company | Claim-Free Years | Max Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Mutual | 3 to 5 | N/A |
| State Farm | 3 to 5 | N/A |
| Amica | 39 months | N/A |
| USAA | N/A | 12% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back do insurers look at your driving record?
You can expect most insurance companies to look back on the last three to five years of your record. Some may consider up to seven years. If you had an accident or filed a claim within this period, chances are you won’t receive a discount.
Will my savings go away if I have a car accident?
If you get into a car crash and file an insured loss request, these savings will probably disappear. Each provider has different rules regarding this reward. However, if you have a fender-bender and pay out of pocket, you remain claims-free and eligible for this discount. At times, a minor loss notification, such as for roadside assistance, won’t result in losing your benefit. Be sure to ask before filing.
How many years do I need to go claims-free to qualify?
In general, you need to go at least three to five years without an incident before you qualify. Each insurer sets a different limit on this. For example, Progressive wants you to go three years without filing before you see a claims-free discount. On the flip side, GEICO doesn’t reward policyholders until after the fifth anniversary of their last claim.
