Do you take pride in having a clean driving record? Your car insurance company will be happy about it, too. If you go three to five years without filing any car insurance claims, your insurer may apply a claims-free discount to your premium.
Your claims history is a rate factor insurance companies use to determine how much you pay for coverage. Any time you file a claim, it costs your provider time and money. This is why insurers reward you when you don’t file claims.
This article will teach you all about how going claims-free saves you money. You’ll learn how it works and whether you qualify. We’ll also give you an idea of how much this reward can save you. Finally, we’ll list specific car insurance companies that offer it.
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How the Claims-Free Discount Works
The claims-free discount is a way car insurance companies reward customers who save them money by not filing claims. Qualifying is easy. Drivers earn this reward when they avoid filing claims 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 drivers manage this. And you can, too.
While some insurers come right out and tell you about rewards for going claims-free, other companies will surprise and delight you by lowering your car insurance rates automatically if you go an unspecified period without filing claims. This benefit may also take on another name, such as accident-free.
Many providers also lower rates for a safe drivers that takes both your claim history and driving record into account. However, despite any similarities, the two are substantially different. The claims-free focuses only on whether you’ve filed a car insurance claim. For instance, you might require a windshield replacement if a rock shatters it. Not your fault, but if you file a claim, you’re no longer eligible.
How Much You Save By Going Claims-Free
As is the case with all car insurance company pricing, how much you save varies. It’ll mainly depend on your carrier. Another factor can be time. Some companies lower your rates each year you go without a claim. According to Progressive, drivers with a clean driving history save an average of 31%. To be sure how much you can save, speak with an agent or company representative.
Which Companies Offer the Claims-Free Discount
Only a few major insurers have something named “claims-free” on their websites. However, many car insurance companies will reward you for going for at least three years without an accident. Below are top insurers who either reward claims-free customers or will offer you an incentive for avoiding car accidents:
Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual offers a claims-free discount. You must avoid claims on your record for three to five years to qualify. The insurer doesn’t say how much you can save with this benefit. Be sure to speak with your agent or contact Liberty Mutual directly to find out about exact savings.
State Farm
With State Farm, you’ll receive lower car insurance rates for going accident-free 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 to see how much you can save.
Progressive
Progressive rewards its customers for avoiding accidents. The insurer says it’ll lower your car insurance rates if you stay out of an accident for at least three years. Customers save an average of 31% with this reward.
GEICO
GEICO offers savings if you remain accident-free. If manage to stay accident-free for a five year period, you can save up to 22% on your car insurance.
Amica
Amica provides a claims-free discount. To qualify, you must go three years without filing a claim and have at least one person on your car insurance policy with 39 or more months of driving experience. The exact savings are unclear. Be sure to speak with an insurance agent or Amica representative to learn more.
USAA
USAA offers a claims-free discount to drivers that go an unspecified time without filing a car insurance claim. Savings can be as high 12% for eligible drivers. Ask your USAA agent for more information.
Compare the Claims-Free Discount by Insurance Company
| Insurance Company | Claims-Free Years | Max Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Mutual | 3 to 5 | N/A |
| State Farm | 3 to 5 | N/A |
| Progressive | 3 | 31% |
| GEICO | 3 to 5 | 22% |
| Amica | 39 months | N/A |
| USAA | N/A | 12% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far back do car insurance companies look at your driving record?
A: You can expect most insurers to look back on the last three to five years of your record. Some may consider up to a seven year period. If you had an accident or filed a claim within the last three years, chances are you won’t get a claims-free or accident-free discount.
Q: Will my claims-free savings go away if I have a car accident?
A: If you get into a car accident or need to file a claim, these savings will probably disappear. Each insurer will have different rules regarding this. At times, a minor claim, such as for roadside assistance, won’t result in losing your benefit. Be sure to ask your insurer about this before you file a claim.
Q: How many years do I have to go claims-free to qualify?
A: In general, you need to go at least three to five years before you receive any type of savings. Each insurer sets a different limit on this. For example, Progressive wants you to go three years without filing a car insurance claim before you see any markdown. On the flip side, GEICO requires at least a five year period without an incident.
