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A car accident typically stays on your driving record for 3 to 5 years in most states, though insurance companies may review your history for the same period when calculating premiums[1]. More serious incidents involving DUI, hit-and-run, or fatalities can remain on your record for 10 years or longer—and in some states like Florida, alcohol-related violations are tracked for up to 75 years[2]. The exact duration depends on your state’s DMV retention laws, the severity of the accident, and whether you were at fault[3].
Understanding the Two Types of Records
When discussing how long an accident stays on your record, two separate systems track this information[1]:
DMV Driving Record
Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles maintains an official driving record that documents accidents, traffic violations, and points accumulated[3]. This record follows state-specific retention schedules and is accessible to insurance companies, employers, and law enforcement. Some states maintain both standard records (showing recent history) and lifetime records (showing complete driving history)[1].
Insurance Record (CLUE Report)
Insurance companies use the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) database, which tracks claims and accidents for 5 to 7 years regardless of state DMV policies[4]. This means even if an accident clears from your DMV record after 3 years, insurers may still access this information when pricing your policy. Understanding how long car accident settlements take can help you navigate the claims process that creates these records.
How Long Accidents Stay on Your Record by State
State laws vary significantly regarding accident record retention[1][2]:
| State | Standard Accident | DUI/Serious Violations | Insurance Lookback |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 3 years | 10 years | 3–5 years |
| New York | 4 years | 10 years | 3–5 years |
| Florida | 3–5 years | 75 years (alcohol) | 3–5 years |
| Texas | 3 years | 10 years | 3–5 years |
| Georgia | 3 years | 5–10 years | 3–5 years |
| Massachusetts | 6 years | 10 years | 6 years |
| Washington | 3–5 years | 7–10 years | 3–5 years |
| New Hampshire | 5 years | 10 years | 5 years |
| Oregon | 5+ years | 10+ years | 5 years |
Data compiled from state DMV sources and insurance industry reports as of 2025–2026.
For the most accurate information regarding your specific state, check your state’s DMV website directly[2].
Factors That Determine How Long an Accident Stays on Record
Several variables affect the retention period for accidents on your record[3]:
Fault Determination
At-fault accidents remain on your record longer and have greater insurance impact[5]. In California, at-fault accidents stay on your record for 3 years minimum, but may extend to 5 years depending on severity[5]. Non-fault accidents may not appear at all if property damage was under $750 and no injuries occurred[6].
Severity of the Accident
Minor fender benders with minimal damage clear faster than accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage[7]. High-cost claims exceeding $5,000 typically remain flagged longer in insurance databases[7].
Associated Violations
If the accident resulted in traffic citations—such as reckless driving, speeding, or failure to yield—these violations add points to your record and may extend the retention period[8]. In South Carolina, accidents themselves aren’t recorded unless they lead to traffic convictions[8].
State-Specific Laws
Some states limit how long insurers can consider accidents when calculating premiums[2]. Massachusetts caps at-fault accident surcharges at 6 years, while other states allow insurers broader discretion[2]. If your settlement is delayed, understanding why car accident settlements take so long may provide helpful context.
How Accidents Affect Your Insurance Rates
The financial impact of an accident on your insurance can be substantial[1]:
| Driver Profile | Average Annual Premium (Clean Record) | Average Annual Premium (At-Fault Accident) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average driver | $2,697 | $3,862 | 43% |
| Male driver | $2,707 | Varies | ~43% |
| Female driver | $2,687 | $3,862 | ~44% |
Based on Bankrate’s November 2025 analysis using full coverage rates.
Premium increases from accidents typically last 3 to 5 years and often decrease gradually if you maintain a clean record during that period[2]. In no-fault insurance states, your rates may increase even if you weren’t responsible for the accident, since claims are filed against your own policy regardless of fault[2].
Does a No-Fault Accident Go on Your Record?
Yes, no-fault accidents still appear on both your driving and insurance records[9]. However, the impact differs:
- DMV Record: The accident is documented but typically doesn’t add points to your license[9]
- Insurance Impact: Most insurers don’t raise rates if you’re not at fault, though this varies by company and state[2]
- CLUE Database: The claim still appears in insurance industry databases for 5–7 years[4]
Some states, like Massachusetts, prohibit insurers from adding surcharges unless you’re more than 50% at fault for the accident[2]. If the accident resulted in vehicle damage, you may also want to understand what happens when your car is totaled but still drivable.
How to Lower Insurance Rates After an Accident
Several strategies can help offset the premium increase following an accident[1]:
- Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurers, as companies weigh accidents differently[1]
- Enroll in defensive driving courses: Many states offer rate discounts (typically 5–15%) for completing approved courses[2]
- Use telematics programs: Install your insurer’s tracking device to demonstrate safe driving habits post-accident[1]
- Increase deductibles: Raising collision and comprehensive deductibles can lower premiums, though this increases out-of-pocket costs for future claims[1]
- Bundle policies: Combine auto with homeowners or renters insurance for multi-policy discounts[1]
- Improve credit score: Most states allow insurers to use credit-based scores when setting rates[1]
Accident Forgiveness Programs
Some insurers offer accident forgiveness, which prevents your first at-fault accident from triggering a rate increase[1]. You typically either pay an additional premium for this coverage or earn it by maintaining a clean record for 3–5 years. Note that accident forgiveness applies only to your current insurer—other companies can still see the accident when you shop for quotes[1].
Can You Remove an Accident from Your Record?
In limited circumstances, you may be able to have an accident removed or its impact reduced[6]:
- File an appeal: If you were not at fault, some states allow you to petition for early removal from your driving record[6]
- Request correction: If information is inaccurate, contact both the DMV and CLUE database to dispute errors
- Wait it out: Most accidents automatically clear after the state’s retention period expires
For accidents involving significant injuries or disputes, consulting with a legal professional can help protect your record. Related topics like whether full coverage is required on financed cars may also affect your insurance decisions going forward.
Key Takeaways
- Car accidents typically stay on DMV records for 3 to 5 years, while insurance databases may retain information for 5 to 7 years[1][4]
- Serious violations like DUI can remain on your record for 10 years or longer—up to 75 years in Florida for alcohol-related offenses[2]
- Drivers pay an average of 43% more for insurance following an at-fault accident[1]
- No-fault accidents still appear on records but may not increase premiums depending on your state and insurer[9]
- Defensive driving courses, telematics programs, and shopping around can help offset rate increases[1][2]
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an at-fault accident affect insurance?
Will a minor fender bender go on my record?
Does my accident show up when I switch insurers?
Can employers see accidents on my driving record?
Employers can request your driving record, particularly for positions requiring driving[3]. Commercial driving positions typically require clean records, and accidents may affect employment eligibility for 3–5 years depending on company policy and state law.
How do I check my driving record?
Request your driving record through your state’s DMV website or in person[3]. For your insurance claims history, request a free CLUE report from LexisNexis, which maintains the database. Reviewing both records helps ensure accuracy before shopping for insurance.
References
- Bankrate. (2025). How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record? https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/accidents/
- NerdWallet. (2025). How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance Record? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/how-long-accidents-affect-insurance-rates
- Car and Driver. (2021). Does an Accident Go on Your Driving Record? https://www.caranddriver.com/car-insurance/a37180245/does-an-accident-go-on-driving-record/
- Reddit r/Insurance. (2025). If car accidents come off record after 3 years, why are insurance companies asking if you’ve had one in the last 5–7 years?
If car accidents come off record after 3 years, why are insurance companies asking if you've had one in the last 5-7 years? If it goes off your record can they look it up?
byu/marie_monsterr inInsurance - Personal Injury Law Cal. (2025). How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on Your Record in California? https://personalinjurylawcal.com/faqs/how-long-does-a-car-accident-stay-on-your-record/
- Martinian Law. (2025). How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record In California?
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record In California?
- Cobb Defense. (2025). How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance?
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance?
- Cummings Lewis. (2025). How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on Your Record?
How Long Do Car Accidents Stay on Your Record?
- GTAKG. (2025). How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance in Georgia. https://www.gtakg.com/how-long-does-an-accident-stay-on-your-insurance-in-georgia/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
