A car accident can increase your rates for three to five years, depending on state laws, insurers policies, and the accident’s severity. When your policy renews, your insurer may increase your insurance rates. Still, these usually drop off once the accident ages off your DMV record.
While the immediate aftermath is all about insurance claims and paperwork, understanding how long accidents affect your record can help you plan. Safe driving ensures a cleaner record and lowers rates once the accident is no longer factored in.
But how long will an accident stay on your driving record? And how much is your car insurance premium before and after? This guide to driving record points and car insurance rates answers these questions.
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record?
A car accident can have long-lasting effects on your driving record, affecting your car insurance premiums and, in some cases, even your ability to keep a valid driver’s license. How long an accident stays on your record depends on state laws, the severity of the accident, and the car insurance company’s policies. In most cases, accidents stay on record for three to five years, but this can vary by state and insurer.
When an accident is reported to the DMV, it becomes part of your official driving history. Each state has data retention policies on how long an accident will be visible. For example:
- California: 3 years from the date of the accident
- New York: 3 years from the end of the year, the accident occurred
- New Hampshire: 5 years from the date of the accident
- Oregon: at least 5 years
While most minor accidents and infractions will disappear from your record in time, serious traffic violations like DUI convictions can stay on record for 10 years. Severe offenses like vehicular homicide can result in a permanent record mark.
Insurers will only review the last three to five years of your MVR when determining your rates. Still, safe driving habits can improve your standing over time.
Keeping a clean driving record post-accident and avoiding further infractions can lower your car insurance costs and reduce the long-term impact of past accidents.
To know exactly how long an accident will stay on your record, check with your state’s DMV and your insurance provider regarding specific laws and policies.
What’s the Difference Between DMV Records and Insurance Records?
How long an accident stays on your record depends on whether you’re talking about your DMV’s standard driving record or insurance record; each serves a different purpose.
DMV Points
Most state Department of Motor Vehicles tracks driving infractions by assigning drivers license points to your record for traffic citations like speeding, negligent driving, or reckless driving. Minor infractions like parking tickets don’t add points to your record, but serious violations can:
- Higher Car Insurance Premiums—Insurers assess DMV points when renewing policies. More points mean riskier driving behavior, which in turn means higher rates.
- License Suspension—Too many points in a short period can result in suspended driving privileges or a revoked license.
In some states, points stay on your accident record forever. Still, they usually stop affecting your license after a certain period. Some drivers can reduce points on their driving record by taking a defensive driving course or contesting a ticket.
Insurance Points
Unlike DMV points, insurance points are assigned by your insurer to evaluate your risk level as a driver. They don’t have legal consequences like a suspended license but directly impact your rates.
- Higher Premiums – More insurance points means higher insurance rates.
- Policy Non-Renewal—In extreme cases, insurers may not renew your policy if you accumulate too many points too quickly during the policy term.
Lowering insurance points means keeping a clean driving record and avoiding future accidents. As time passes without violations, your points will decrease, and your rates will improve.
How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on Your Insurance Record?
A car accident will stay on your driving record for a few years, usually 3-5, but it’s different state by state. Most car insurance companies have a look-back period, usually within the same three to five-year range. They review accidents and violations during the look-back collection period to determine rates.
Here are the factors that affect how long an accident will impact your insurance record:
- State Regulations – States have different rules for reporting accidents:
- Some states remove minor violations after three years.
- Others, like California, keep serious offenses (e.g., DUI-related accidents) for up to 10 years.
- Regardless of state rules, insurers typically look at the past 3-5 years when setting rates.
- Type of Accident – Some incidents stay on your record longer than others:
- DUIs/DWIs may stay for up to 10 years and result in significant rate increases.
- Not-at-fault accidents have less impact and may not affect rates.
- Severity of Damage – Insurers forgive minor incidents faster:
- Minor fender benders may be removed from consideration sooner.
- Major accidents with significant property damage, totaled vehicles, or bodily injuries will stay on record longer and cost more.
- Accident Forgiveness & Insurer Policies – Some insurers have accident forgiveness programs that won’t let a first-time at-fault accident affect your rates:
- Eligibility usually requires a clean driving history or long-term policyholder status.
- Limits apply, as forgiveness may not cover serious accidents or multiple violations.
- Insurance Look-Back Period – Insurers have their timeframe for reviewing your driving history:
- 3-5 years is standard for most.
- Repeat offenses can extend the impact on your rates.
If you’re unsure how long an accident will stay on your record or affect your rates, check with your state’s DMV or call your auto insurance company. Getting legal advice can also help you understand your financial options.
How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Increase After an Accident?
After a car accident, your insurance company will probably consider you a high-risk driver and increase your premium. On average, a clean record driver pays $195 a month for full coverage car insurance, but after an at-fault accident, it’s $280 a month.
The insurance increase varies by insurer and their risk rating system.
An accident affects your premium, but insurers also consider other factors when calculating insurance rates, such as:
- Age and location
- Credit score
- Marital and homeownership status
- Employment and education level
Each insurance company has its own formula for rate increases, discounts, and additional premium adjustments. After an accident, shop around for different insurers to find better rates. Since an accident is just one of many factors that go into premiums, comparing policies will help minimize the financial hit.
How Long Does An Accident Affect Car Insurance Premiums?
If you get into an at-fault accident, your car insurance premium will increase, and the higher rate will last 3-5 years, depending on state law, insurance company, and the accident’s severity.
- Standard duration – Most insurance companies raise rates for 3 years, but some up to 5 years.
- Gradual reductions—Some insurers lower the surcharge each year, so you go three years without a ticket or accident.
- Loss of safe driver discounts—If you had a safe driver discount, an accident would remove that discount and increase your overall cost.
When you renew your policy, the insurer will pull your driving record by requesting a motor vehicle report (MVR) from your state’s DMV.
Your insurance rate should decrease once the accident falls off your DMV driving record. However, each state has different accident data retention, so check with your insurer to see how long an accident will affect your premium.
What is Accident Forgiveness, and How Does it Work?
Accident forgiveness is an option offered by some car insurance companies that prevent your premium from increasing after your first at-fault accident within a specific time frame.
Some insurers include accident forgiveness as a standard policy, and others offer it as an add-on that costs extra. You can often earn accident forgiveness by having a clean driving record for 3-5 years. Still, it’s up to the insurer and state.
Even if your current insurance company forgives a single accident, it may still be on your driving record, so switching insurers could mean higher quotes from other companies.
To see if you qualify for accident forgiveness, contact your insurance company or agent and review your policy options. If your policy doesn’t currently have accident forgiveness, you can add it or switch to an insurer that includes it as a standard policy.
Since terms and availability vary, shop and compare to find the best insurance coverage.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates After an Accident
An accident can increase your car insurance rates. Still, multiple ways exist to mitigate the increase and even lower your rates over time. Here are ways to reduce your car insurance:
1. Adjust Your Coverage
- Reassess Your Policy: If your car is old, consider dropping comprehensive or collision coverage to lower your premium.
- Keep Essential Coverage: Ensure you have the necessary insurance coverage, especially for liability and medical coverage.
- Talk to Your Insurer: Review your coverage with your insurer to find savings.
2. Increase Your Deductible
- Increasing your deductible reduces your premium, but make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket expense if you file a claim.
- According to the Insurance Information Institute, a $1,000 increase in the comprehensive or collision deductible can lead to 40% savings.
3. Bundle Insurance Policies
- Combine auto and home insurance under the same insurance carrier for a bundling discount on an applicable insurance policy.
- If you and your spouse or partner have separate auto policies, consider merging them into one multi-car policy.
4. Shop Around for Better Rates
- Get quotes from multiple insurers to find one with lower post-accident rate increases.
- Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs, which may keep your rates from increasing if you qualify.
5. Improve Your Driving Habits
- Many insurers offer discounts for drivers with clean records over time, and safe driving can lower your premium.
- Enroll in a telematics program to lower your rates. The program tracks your driving behavior and rewards safe driving skills with discounts.
6. Check for Insurance Discounts
- Good Credit Discount: Many insurers consider credit scores when determining rates. A better credit score can lower your premium.
- Defensive Driving Course: Complete an approved defensive driving course to qualify for discounts.
- Low Mileage Discount: If you drive fewer miles than the average, you may qualify for usage-based or pay-per-mile car insurance.
- Student, Senior, and Military Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to students, seniors, and military personnel.
7. Reduce Your Coverage Temporarily
- If you’re low on funds, consider dropping non-essential coverage until your rates go down. Be careful when reducing coverage, as underinsuring can leave you with high out-of-pocket costs if you get into another accident.
8. Pay Premiums Annually or Automatic Payments
- Paying in full instead of monthly installments can save you on fees.
- Automatic payments may also qualify you for an additional discount.
9. Ask About Accident Forgiveness
- Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that won’t increase your rates for a first-time accident.
- You can purchase it as an add-on if not included in your policy.
10. Monitor Your Credit Score
- Since many insurers use credit-based insurance scores, improving your credit report by paying bills on time and reducing debt can lower your premium.
11. Consider Switching to a Usage-Based Insurance Plan
- Pay-per-mile insurance or a telematics-based plan can lower your costs if you drive less or mainly for short distances.
12. Stay with Your Insurer for Loyalty Discounts
- Some insurance carriers offer loyalty discounts for long-term policyholders. You should still compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. This ensures you’re getting the best rates on your car insurance.
By following these steps, you can lower your car insurance rates even after an at-fault accident. Always stay informed and communicate with your insurer to ensure you take advantage of all the discounts and policy changes available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Does an Accident Affect Your Ability to Get Car Insurance?
One at-fault accident on your record means your insurance goes up. Still, it usually won’t prevent you from getting covered unless you have other risk factors. Young drivers, drivers with bad credit or multiple violations, may find it harder to get insurance after an accident. In those cases, shopping around or going with a high-risk insurer may help you get covered.
Will My Insurance Rates Increase If I’m Not at Fault for an Accident?
Depending on your provider, rates may go up even if you’re not at fault for an accident. If you have a clean record and don’t file a claim under your policy, many insurers won’t increase your rates. But some will, especially if you’ve been in an at-fault accident before. Local laws also play a role–some states, like California, prohibit insurers from increasing rates after a no-fault accident.
Can an Accident Be Removed from Your Driving Record?
Occasionally, an accident can’t be removed from your record without an error or discrepancy. Some states let drivers take a safe driving course to restore points, which may help avoid a license suspension. But the accident itself will likely be on your record for several years.
How Far Back Do Car Insurance Companies Look at Your Driving Record?
Insurers calculate rates based on your record for the past 3-5 years. The exact timeframe will depend on state laws and insurer policies.
Do All Accidents Show Up on Your Driving Record?
Yes, all reported accidents will show up on your record, whether they’re the result of a police report or another driver. If an accident is not reported, it won’t show up on your record.
What Can Insurance Companies See on Your Driving Record?
Insurance companies can see your entire driving history, including accidents, traffic violations (speeding tickets, running red lights, etc.), and serious infractions like DUIs/DWIs. This information plays a big role in determining your rates and eligibility.
