Glossary term
Surcharge
Surcharge: A percentage added to the premium for an at-fault accident or violation, typically for three years.
Where this term matters
Guides and entries on this site that use the term.
Guide
The 12 Reasons Car Insurance Rates Are High
Every factor that sets a car insurance premium—record, age, location, vehicle, credit, coverage, market trends—ranked by how much each one typically moves the price.
Guide
How Your Driving Record Affects Car Insurance
What tickets, at-fault accidents, claims and a DUI do to a premium, how long each stays in rating, and how insurers look back.
Entry
How to Read Your Car Insurance Declarations Page
Line by line: coverages, limits, deductibles, rated drivers, vehicle symbols, discounts and surcharges—and what each tells you about why your premium is high.
Entry
How to Get Car Insurance After a Coverage Lapse: Practical Steps and Costs
Understand what happens after a car insurance lapse, how insurers price coverage gaps, and practical steps to secure an affordable policy again.
Entry
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Car Insurance Record?
Learn how long an at-fault accident affects your car insurance rates, how insurer surcharges work, and how to lower your premium while waiting for it to clear.