Head-on collisions are rare but devastating. They make up just 4% of accidents but cause nearly 11% of all traffic deaths, and they’re among the most expensive accidents for drivers.
Jerry has helped 110,276 drivers get car insurance policies with collision coverage for between $156-$272 per month, protecting them from the steep costs of serious accidents.
Here’s what to know about the financial and insurance impact of a head-on collision, and how to protect yourself.
Jerry pulls up to 20 quotes from top rated carriers.
How much a head-on collision affects insurance costs
When two vehicles collide head-on, even at moderate speeds, it often means injuries, damaged vehicles and insurance claims that can stretch well into six figures. If you’re at-fault, claims can reach over $100,000, and you could be at risk of a lawsuit.
After a head-on collsion, your rate is also likely to go up. Here’s how much car insurance can cost after an accident according to Jerry’s data, depending on who’s at fault.
Based on Jerry customers with clean records and those with one or more accidents who found savings in the past 18 months. Savings vary by state, coverage, driver profile and other factors.
Key takeaway: Even if you’re not at fault, serious crashes still raise rates because insurers see these events as higher risk.
What car insurance covers after a head-on collision
How much your car insurance pays for after a head-on crash depends on your limits and the coverages on your policy.
Why it matters: Head-on collisions often total cars and cause major medical bills, and state minimum liability limits usually aren’t enough. Consider carrying at least 100/300/100 in liability insurance and adding collision and comprehensive for greater financial protection.
Compare quotes after a collision with Jerry
Your rates will likely go up after a collision claim, even if you weren’t at fault. That makes it a good time to shop around and see whether another insurer can offer a better price or a coverage setup that fits your budget. The Jerry app lets you compare quotes side-by-side, including collision coverage, and adjust your deductible to find the right balance between out-of-pocket costs and monthly savings.
Jerry works with over 50 carriers to compare quotes in minutes, and can shop for new rates when your policy is up for renewal.
The coverage you need for financial protection
The more coverage you have, the more protected you are in case of an accident. Consider the following options for maximum protection:
Jerry recommends: If you’ve recently been in a head-on collision, it’s a good idea to shop for new quotes, as your current insurer will likely raise your rates anyway. You can quickly compare quotes side-by-side in the Jerry app.
What to do after a head-on collision
A crash this severe can be chaotic, but a few key steps can protect your health, your insurance claim and your finances.
✅ Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask injuries.
📞 Call 911 so there’s an official police report.
📸 Document the scene. Get photos, note road conditions and take down witness information.
🔄 Exchange insurance and contact details with the other driver.
📝 Contact your insurer promptly to start a claim and do not admit fault.
Why it matters: Head-on collisions often lead to lawsuits, so documentation is important. Keep records of medical bills and repairs, avoid admitting fault and consider legal help if there are major injuries or disputes.
How to prevent a head-on collision
Head-on collisions are most common on rural two-lane roads, where unsafe passing and fatigue can turn dangerous fast.
Here are some practical ways to reduce your risk of a head-on collision:
🚗 Stay in your lane and avoid aggressive passing.
🌧️ Slow down in bad weather or low visibility.
🚫 Never drive impaired.
📵 Put the phone away.
😴 Pull over if you’re sleepy. Tired driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
👀 Check for oncoming traffic before turning or passing.
Key takeaway: Many insurers offer discounts for completing defensive driving courses that teach head-on collision avoidance techniques.
It only takes 2 minutes to sign up at Jerry.
FAQ
-
⚖️ Who’s usually at fault?
-
🛡️ Will my insurance cover damage to my car if I’m at fault?
-
👨⚖️ Should I hire a lawyer?
-
📅 How long will a head-on collision stay on my insurance record?
-
🚫 What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
-
⚠️ Can my claim be denied after a head-on collision?
Methodology
Data included in this analysis comes from policies that Jerry has quoted within the last 6 months for drivers with a clean record and that have full coverage, unless stated otherwise. Data related to violations, accidents or credit scores pull from quote data from the last 18 months. Jerry services 48 states and offers a range of insurance companies to choose from.
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.
