How long does an accident stay on your record?
After a collision, you might be wondering how long does an accident stay on your record, and it depends on the state you live in. Though each state has its own laws, the average time is between three and five years. An accident on your record will make your insurance rates increase, but comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you save money.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the need ...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Mar 26, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 26, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- The amount of time an accident remains on your record depends on the state in which you reside, but the average timeframe is three to five years
- The price of your insurance will increase after an at-fault accident, but some companies raise rates less often than others
- You can save money on your insurance after an accident by taking advantage of auto insurance discounts, lowering your coverage, and comparing quotes from other companies
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, and many are left wondering, “how long does an accident stay on your record?” This question is more than just a matter of curiosity; it has real implications for your insurance rates and overall driving history. Each state sets its own auto insurance laws regarding the duration an accident remains on a driver’s record, typically ranging between three to five years. However, the type of accident and its severity can also influence this duration.
Beyond just a mark on your record, an accident can lead to increased insurance premiums, making it crucial to compare quotes and find the best possible rates post-accident.
However, sometimes they can’t be prevented. If you’ve been involved in an accident and are wondering, “how long do accidents stay on your record?” comparing auto insurance quotes can help you save money. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to determine what rates might look like for you.
How long do accidents stay on your record?
There are two types of accidents you can be involved in: at-fault and not-at-fault. No matter which situation you find yourself in, it will likely be reported to your state’s MVD.
Every state deals with accidents differently, but the typical amount of time an accident will remain on your record is between three and five years. You can check your specific state below:
State Length of time an accident stays on your record
Alabama 2 years
Alaska 1 year
Arizona 1 year
Arkansas 3 years
California 3 years
Colorado Never
Connecticut 2 years
Delaware 2 years
Florida 5 years
Georgia 2 years
Hawaii Depends on the accident
Idaho 3 years
Illinois 4 to 5 years
Indiana 2 years
Iowa 5 years
Kansas 3 years
Kentucky 2 years
Lousiana Depends on the accident
Maine 1 year
Maryland 2 years
Massachusetts 6 years
Michigan 2 years
Minnesota Depends on the accident
Mississippi 3 years
Missouri 3 years
Montana 3 years
Nebraska 5 years
Nevada 1 year
New Hampshire 3 years
New Jersey 1 year
New Mexico 1 year
New York 18 months
North Carolina 3 years
North Dakota 1 year
Ohio 2 years
Oklahoma 1 year
Oregon 5 years
Pennsylvania 1 year
Rhode Island 3 years
South Carolina 2 years
South Dakota 3 years
Tennessee 2 years
Texas 3 years
Utah 3 years
Vermont 2 years
Virginia 2 years
Washington 5 years
West Virginia 2 years
Wisconsin 5 years
Wyoming 3 years
The amount of time an accident will stay on your record also depends on its severity. For example, you probably won’t have a minor fender bender on your record for five years. However, an accident involving a DUI infraction will stay with you for a long time.
Review the following graph to discover how long an accident will remain on your record.
Type of accident Length of time on record
First minor accident 3 years, though some insurance companies will forgive it
Minor accident 3 years
Major accident 5 years
DUI 10 years
Hit-and-run 10 years
While it’s best to avoid all accidents, a DUI is basically the worst offense you can become involved in on the road. Aside from the potential of seriously harming other people, it will affect your life for years, and potentially bring about expensive car accident lawsuits.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How long do not-at-fault accidents stay on your record?
The amount of time an accident remains on your record, if you’re not at fault, depends on the state in which you reside. However, even a not-at-fault accident will usually stay on your record for three to five years.
While accidents you’re involved in generally end up on your driving record, the good news is that your insurance company probably won’t hold them against you.
As long as you’re definitely not at fault, most insurance companies will dismiss the accident and maintain your current insurance rates. However, you might find yourself with a price hike if you’re involved in multiple accidents, even if you aren’t responsible for any of them.
Read more: How to Make an Auto Insurance Claim When Not at Fault
How does an accident affect your insurance?
Any accident for which you’re at fault will make your insurance rates increase. That’s because you’re a riskier driver to insure. Drivers that have caused one accident are statistically more likely to cause another.
An accident affects your insurance based on the type of collision you’re involved in and whether or not you have any other incidents on your record.
Consider the following situations:
- You injure someone in an accident – Any accident you cause will raise your rates, but your insurance company will have to pay more if a person is injured. Higher payouts mean increased insurance rates for you.
- You total a car – Similar to injuring someone, your insurance company will have to pay more if you total a car.
- You get a DUI charge – DUI infractions are one of the top reasons your insurance rates go up. If the DUI involves an accident or an injury, your rates can triple.
- An uninsured driver is involved – If the person you hit doesn’t have insurance, your policy has to pay more money to cover damages.
While every insurance company treats accidents differently, the average increase for auto insurance after an at-fault accident is 46%.
While an accident might stay on your driving record for a few years, insurance companies might hold it against you for up to a decade. Most companies target the last five years of your driving history.
Read more: Cheap Auto Insurance After a DUI
How do you remove an accident from your record?
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to remove an accident for which you’ve been judged responsible. All you can do is wait for it to fall off your record.
It might be a different story for your insurance, however. It all depends on your insurance company. For example, the answer to the question, “How long does an accident remain on your record through Geico?” is different from that of State Farm or Progressive.
Additionally, some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness on their policies. Accident forgiveness programs would disregard your first accident, even if you caused it. However, not all companies offer this benefit.
As an add-on to your policy, you’ll likely have to pay for this coverage. You might have to maintain a certain period of time on your record without accidents before you can qualify.
These are some insurance companies that offer accident forgiveness:
- Geico
- Progressive
- Allstate
- State Farm
- USAA
- Nationwide
If accident forgiveness sounds appealing, speak with your insurance company to find out if they offer this sort of program. While it will probably raise your insurance rates, it might save you a lot of money in the long run.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What is the best insurance company for a bad driving record?
For drivers with a bad driving record, including multiple accidents, the best insurance companies offering competitive rates are State Farm, USAA, and Progressive. These companies provide options that cater to the needs of high-risk drivers, making them ideal choices for those looking to secure car insurance coverage despite a challenging auto accident history. Here are the average monthly rates for good drivers, which serve as a baseline for understanding their pricing structure.
State Farm, with an average monthly rate of $156 for good drivers, is often hailed for its reliability and competitive offerings for high-risk individuals. The company’s emphasis on the recent accident history of a driver makes it an appealing choice for those looking to rehabilitate their driving records and secure affordable auto insurance with accident history.
On the other hand, USAA offers an exceptionally affordable rate of $59 per month for its eligible military members and their families. This insurer is celebrated for its tailored solutions that cater specifically to the unique needs of the military community, providing significant value and support to those who have served or are serving in the armed forces.
Progressive rounds out this trio with an average monthly rate of $105, known for its flexible coverage options that accommodate drivers with multiple accidents. Progressive’s reputation for providing affordable rates without compromising on coverage makes it one of the best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers seeking a balance between cost and protection.
Read more: Cheap Auto Insurance for a Bad Driving Record
How can you save money on insurance after an accident?
What happens to your insurance after an accident? While your rates will increase after an accident, there are ways you can save. Try the following suggestions:
- Increase your deductible – The higher your deductible, the less you owe on your bill. However, raising your deductible comes with a risk. If you need to make a claim in the future, you’ll have to pay more out of pocket.
- Take advantage of discounts – There are numerous discounts available to help you save money. From good student to good driving, ask your insurance agent to determine whether or not you’re eligible for discounts.
- Reduce your coverage – If an accident pushes the price of your insurance beyond your budget, consider lowering your amount of coverage. As long as you meet the minimum requirement in your state, you can go as low as you’d like.
- Improve your credit score – People don’t realize that their credit score affects their insurance rates. You can improve your rates by raising your score — try to pay down your debt, ensure that your bills are on time, and avoid credit checks for a while.
After an accident, leveraging strategies like increasing deductibles, tapping into discounts, adjusting coverage, and enhancing credit scores can carve pathways to significant insurance savings, despite the inevitable rate hikes.Kristen Gryglik Licensed Insurance Agent
Of course, the best way to save money on your insurance is to compare quotes from as many companies as possible. Your insurance might drop you if you have too many accidents on your record, but even if they don’t, your rates will assuredly increase.
However, some companies don’t punish accidents as often as others. You can review insurance quotes without risking your current policy. Researching separate companies can help you obtain the best price on your insurance, regardless of whether or not you have an accident or any other incident on your record.
Find the Best Car Insurance After an Accident
Getting into an accident can ruin more than your day — you’ll likely have it on your record for years to come. You’ll also face higher insurance rates.
So, how long do accidents stay on your record? It does depend on the accident and what your insurer says. However, don’t let this discourage you from having the best policy. Shopping for quotes can help you save money. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to discover what rates might look like for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do car accidents stay on your insurance?
The duration for which an accident stays on your driving record depends on various factors, including the specific jurisdiction and the severity of the accident. In general, accidents can remain on your record for several years.
Does an accident affect my insurance rates?
Yes, an accident can affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies typically consider accidents as a factor when determining premiums. If you are at fault in an accident, it may result in an increase in your insurance rates.
How long do accidents typically impact insurance rates?
The impact of an accident on your insurance rates can vary depending on the insurance provider and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Generally, auto insurance with accidents can impact your rates for a few years, typically ranging from three to five years. However, the exact duration may vary based on your location and insurance company policies.
Will an accident always increase my insurance premiums?
Not necessarily. Whether an accident will increase your insurance premiums depends on various factors, such as your insurance provider’s policies, the severity of the accident, and your previous driving history. In some cases, if the accident was minor and you have a good driving record, your premiums may not increase significantly or at all.
Do accidents affect my ability to get insurance coverage?
Accidents can potentially affect your ability to obtain insurance coverage, especially if you have a history of multiple accidents or serious offenses. Insurance companies assess risks when deciding whether to provide coverage, and a poor driving record with multiple accidents may make it more difficult to find affordable insurance or result in higher premiums.
Why doesn’t New Hampshire require auto insurance?
New Hampshire is unique in the United States for its approach to auto insurance: it does not strictly require its residents to carry it. This policy stems from the state’s strong emphasis on personal freedom and responsibility. Instead of mandating auto insurance, New Hampshire requires that drivers demonstrate their ability to meet New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Requirements. This means a driver must be able to cover the costs of damages in the event of an at-fault accident.
How long does a not at-fault accident stay on your record?
The duration a not-at-fault accident stays on your driving record can vary significantly depending on the state you’re in and the policies of your insurance company. Typically, accidents might remain on your driving record for about 3 to 5 years, but this is not a uniform rule, and in some cases, it could be longer.
Can you clear your driving record?
Generally, you can’t manually remove an accident from your driving record. However, accidents usually fall off your record after 3 to 5 years, depending on state laws. You might mitigate an accident’s impact by enrolling in accident forgiveness with your insurer, completing a defensive driving course, or disputing any errors on your record. If an accident is inaccurately reported, you can contest this with your state’s DMV. Shopping around for new insurance can also help you find better rates even with an accident on your record.
How long does a minor accident stay on your insurance?
A minor accident typically stays on your auto insurance record for about three to five years. However, the exact duration can vary based on your insurance company’s policies and the laws of the state where you reside. Insurance providers may consider the severity of the accident and your overall driving history when determining how long the accident affects your premiums. After this period, the accident may no longer impact your insurance rates, assuming you’ve had no further incidents.
Do fender benders go on your driving record?
Yes, fender benders can go on your driving record, especially if the incident involves a police report or a car insurance claim filed with an insurance company. The specifics, however, can depend on the severity of the fender bender, state laws, and whether any traffic violations were involved. Not all minor accidents are reported to the DMV, but it’s common for insurance companies to record any claims made, which can affect your insurance premiums. If no claim is filed and no police report is made, a minor fender bender might not appear on your driving record.
What are the consequences for driving without insurance?
How long does a driving suspension stay on your record?
The duration a driving suspension stays on your record can vary significantly depending on your state’s laws and regulations. Typically, a suspension might remain on your driving record for anywhere from 3 to 5 years, but in some cases, it could stay for as long as 10 years or even permanently, especially for more serious offenses. It’s important to check with your specific state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency for the most accurate information regarding your situation.
Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that was my fault?
Yes, it can be wise to consider getting a lawyer for a car accident that was your fault, especially if there were serious injuries, significant damage, or potential disputes about fault. A lawyer can help navigate the legal and insurance complexities, protect your interests, and provide advice on potential liabilities. However, for minor accidents with clear fault and no injuries, hiring a lawyer might not be necessary.
What happens with a hit and run charge?
Being charged with a hit and run accident can lead to serious penalties including criminal charges, fines, potential jail or prison time, probation, license suspension, higher insurance premiums, and the possibility of civil lawsuits for damages. The severity of these consequences varies based on the incident’s details, such as whether it involved injury, death, or property damage, and your location’s laws.
Can I get car insurance after an accident?
Yes, you can get car insurance after an accident. However, it’s important to note that your rates may be higher than before the accident, especially if you were found at fault. Insurers consider drivers who have recently been involved in accidents as higher risk, which often leads to increased premiums. It’s advisable to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the most favorable rates. Some insurers specialize in covering drivers with accidents on their records, so it’s worth looking into those options as well.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the need ...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.