If you’ve been in a crash, you likely want to know how long does a car accident stay on your record. The duration a car accident remains on your driving record is primarily determined by state laws and the severity of the incident.
This record can affect your insurance rates and even your driving privileges. Understanding the rules is the first step to managing the aftermath.
This guide will explain the different types of records, state-by-state rules, and how to protect your driving future.
How Long Does A Car Accident Stay On Your Record
There isn’t a single, universal answer. The length of time an accident stays on your record depends on where you live and what “record” we’re talking about.
Generally, accidents can appear on two main documents: your driving record with the DMV and your claims history with insurance companies. These are separate but connected.
For most states, a standard, non-injury accident where you were at fault will typically stay on your official state driving record for 3 to 5 years. More serious incidents, like those involving a DUI or major injury, can stay on much longer—sometimes 10 years or even permanently.
Understanding The Different Types Of Records
It’s crucial to distinguish between the two main tracks an accident follows. Confusing them can lead to misunderstandings about timelines.
Your Official Driving Record (DMV Record)
This is a government-maintained document, often called a motor vehicle report (MVR). It’s a log of your licensing history and driving violations.
The DMV adds accidents to this record, especially if a police report was filed or a citation was issued. This is the record employers or insurance companies check.
State laws strictly govern how long information stays on your MVR.
Your Insurance Claims History (CLUE Report)
This is a private report managed by LexisNexis. It details your auto and property insurance claims history for the past seven years.
When you file a claim, your insurer reports it. Other insurers can access this report when calculating your premiums.
An accident usually remains on your CLUE report for 5 to 7 years, regardless of state DMV rules.
State-By-State Guidelines For Accident Reporting
Since each state sets its own rules, you must check your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Here is a general overview of how states commonly handle this.
Remember, these are typical timeframes for at-fault accidents without serious violations attached. Always verify with your state DMV.
- 3-Year Standard: Many states, like Alabama, Florida, and Michigan, typically keep accidents on your driving record for 3 years from the date of the incident or the date of conviction if a ticket was involved.
- 5-Year Standard: States such as California, Texas, and New York often use a 5-year retention period for most accidents and violations.
- 10+ Years for Major Offenses: Nearly all states will keep serious incidents like hit-and-runs, DUIs, or fatal accidents on your record for 10 years or more. In some cases, these are permanent entries.
For example, in California, most accidents and points stay on your record for 3 years, but the accident itself is visible for 5. In Texas, the accident and any associated points generally remain for 3 years.
Factors That Influence How Long An Accident Stays On Your Record
Several key details can extend the time an accident affects your official record and your insurance rates.
Fault Determination
If you were clearly at fault for the accident, it is almost guaranteed to go on your record. No-fault accidents, where you were not to blame, may not be added to your official DMV record in many states, but they can still appear on your CLUE report.
Severity Of The Accident
A minor fender-bender with no injuries will be treated differently than a major collision. Accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage are considered more severe and may be retained for a longer period.
Associated Traffic Violations
Did you recieve a ticket? If the accident resulted in a citation for speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving, that violation (and its associated “points”) will go on your record. The points system timeline often dictates how long the overall incident is considered.
Whether A Police Report Was Filed
An official police report creates a public document of the event. This makes it much more likely that the DMV will record the accident on your driving history. Private incidents between drivers with no police involvement are less likely to appear on your MVR.
How Accidents Affect Your Car Insurance Rates
This is often the biggest concern for drivers. An at-fault accident on your record typically leads to a surcharge, which is an increase in your premium.
Insurance companies usually look back 3 to 5 years on your driving record and 5 to 7 years on your claims history when determining rates. Even after it falls off your DMV record, an insurer might still see it on your CLUE report and factor it in.
The average increase after an at-fault accident can range from 20% to 50%, depending on your insurer, state, and the accident’s severity. Some companies offer accident forgiveness programs, which can prevent the first accident from causing a rate hike.
Steps To Take After An Accident To Protect Your Record
Your actions immediately after a crash can influence the long-term outcome. Here is a practical guide.
- Ensure Safety and Report: First, check for injuries and move to a safe location. Call 911 if there are injuries or significant damage. Having a police report can be crucial for insurance, even if the officer doesn’t determine fault.
- Document Everything: Take photos of all vehicles, license plates, damage, and the surrounding scene. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s). Get contact info from any witnesses.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer promptly, even if you think you might not file a claim. Failure to report can violate your policy terms.
- Understand Fault Rules: Know if you live in a “fault” or “no-fault” insurance state. This affects how claims are processed and who pays for damages.
- Consider The Claim Decision Carefully: For minor damage, paying out-of-pocket might be cheaper than a potential premium increase. However, if there are injuries or major damage, filing a claim is usually necessary.
Can You Remove An Accident From Your Driving Record
In most cases, you cannot simply erase an accurate accident from your official DMV record before the state’s mandated time period expires. However, there are specific situations where removal might be possible.
- Errors in Reporting: If the accident is listed incorrectly (wrong date, wrong vehicle, or you weren’t involved), you can dispute it with the DMV. You will need to provide evidence, like a corrected police report.
- Successful Appeal of a Citation: If you were given a ticket for the accident and you win your case in traffic court, the violation should be removed. This can sometimes lead to the accident being removed or its impact lessened.
- Expungement or Sealing: These are rare for traffic accidents and usually apply to criminal charges, not standard civil infractions. They are not generally available for typical at-fault collisions.
- Waiting It Out: The most common “removal” is simply waiting for the state’s retention period to pass. Once the time is up, the DMV should automatically purge the accident from your active driving record.
Checking Your Own Driving Record And Claims History
You have the right to see what information is on your files. Regularly checking them is a good habit.
To get your official driving record, visit your state DMV’s website. There is usually a small fee for a copy of your MVR.
To access your CLUE report, you can request it for free once per year from the official source. Review it for accuracy, as mistakes can affect your insurance costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does A Not-At-Fault Accident Stay On Your Record?
A not-at-fault accident may not go on your official DMV driving record in many states, but it will likely appear on your insurance CLUE report for 5 to 7 years. Some insurers may not surcharge you for a not-at-fault incident, but others might.
Do Accidents Fall Off Your Record After 7 Years?
For your insurance claims history (CLUE report), yes, accidents generally fall off after 7 years. For your state DMV record, it depends on your state’s law—typically 3 to 5 years for standard accidents, but often longer for serious offenses.
How Long Do Insurance Companies Look At Accidents?
Most car insurance companies look back 3 to 5 years at your driving record for premium calculations and underwriting. However, they can review your full claims history, which goes back 5 to 7 years on your CLUE report.
Can An Old Accident Affect My Insurance?
If the accident is still within the “look-back” period used by your insurer (usually 3-5 years), it can definitely affect your rate. Once it is beyond that period, its direct impact on your premium should cease, though a history of multiple old claims could still be a factor.
What Is The Difference Between Points And An Accident On My Record?
An accident is the event itself. “Points” are a penalty system attached to traffic violations you commited during that event (like a speeding ticket from the crash). Points usually have their own, shorter retention period (e.g., 2-3 years), while the accident entry may last longer.