After an accident, the penalty increases your car premium. Solutions such as careful driving, negotiation, or switching insurers can limit its impact.
The bonus-malus system, also known as the reduction-increase coefficient (CRM) , directly impacts the amount of your car insurance premium . An at-fault claim can lead to a significant increase in your premium, sometimes for several years. However, there are solutions to limit the effects of the penalty , or even to regain a good coefficient more quickly.
In this article, KT Assur&Bank explains how the auto bonus-malus works, what the consequences of a claim are, and above all, what strategies to adopt to optimize your CRM after an accident .
What is the auto bonus-malus?
How CRM works (reduction-increase coefficient)
The bonus-malus system is a legal system that allows the insurance premium to be increased or reduced depending on driving behavior.
- Bonus : each year without an at-fault claim allows you to reduce your coefficient by 5% , up to a maximum of 50% (bonus 0.50) after 13 years without an accident.
- Penalty : each at- fault accident increases the coefficient by 25% per accident (increase of 12.5% if partially at fault).
Concrete example
A driver with a bonus of 0.80 involved in an at-fault accident will see their coefficient increase to 1.00 (and therefore their premium increase by approximately 25%).
What happens after an at-fault incident?
Immediate increase in premium
From the next annual deadline, the insurer applies the new increase linked to the claim.
Maintenance of the penalty for several years
The penalty then decreases by 5% per year without a new claim. It often takes 2 to 3 years to return to a reasonable premium level.
Consequences of termination
If you are terminated due to a claim, finding a new insurer can become complex and costly, hence the importance of acting quickly to limit the effects of the penalty.
How to limit the impact of the penalty after an accident?
1. Adopt impeccable conduct
- Each year without a new claim automatically reduces your penalty
- 2 years without an accident erases certain partial penalties
2. Check your responsibility
You are only penalized if you are responsible . Contest a decision if you believe you are not at fault (e.g., parking or unidentified third party).
3. Change your insurance with a broker
Some insurers refuse to accept profiles with a bad claims history. By using a broker like KT Assur&Bank , you can access policies tailored to increased or terminated risks , often at more competitive rates.
4. Opt for a contract with “bonus protection”
This optional benefit allows you to maintain your bonus even after your first at-fault accident . It is particularly useful for drivers with a low CRM.
Bonus: the case of the “lifetime bonus”
Some insurers offer a lifetime bonus after a certain number of claims-free years. Even in the event of an accident, your CRM remains at 0.50. This offer is often reserved for loyal drivers.
Conclusion
An at-fault accident isn't inevitable. By understanding the bonus-malus mechanisms and adopting the right reflexes—caution, using a broker, and appropriate guarantees—it's possible to quickly find a favorable CRM and significantly reduce your car premium .
With KT Assur&Bank , you benefit from personalized support to adapt your contract to your situation and get back on the road with peace of mind.
👉 Have you been penalized or had your insurance canceled following an accident? Contact KT Assur&Bank for a customized car insurance solution, even after a claim.