How can I lower my car insurance rate after an accident?

I had an accident last year in November and I know that my insurance rate will go up. My car got totaled, and I didn’t have any car so far, but I want to buy a new car in a few months. I also didn’t have car insurance for the past 6 months, so I know the disconnection may impact negatively on my rate. I had car insurance and had been driving without any problem for 8 years prior to the accident. What can I do to lower my insurance rate?