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A car accident typically stays on your driving record for 3-5 years and on your insurance record for 3-7 years, depending on your state and the severity of the incident[1]. At-fault accidents with minor violations clear faster than serious incidents like DUIs, which can remain on your record for 10+ years in many states[2]. During this period, you’ll likely face increased insurance premiums—typically 20-50% higher—though the exact impact varies by insurer and circumstances[3].
Two Different Records: DMV vs Insurance
Here’s something that confuses many drivers: you actually have two separate records, and accidents can stay on each for different periods[4].
Your DMV Driving Record
Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles maintains your official driving record. This includes accidents, traffic violations, license suspensions, and DUI convictions. Potential employers, law enforcement, and courts can access this record.
The DMV record reflects accidents reported by police or submitted by insurance companies. Not every fender-bender shows up—many states only require reporting if damage exceeds a certain threshold (often $750-$1,000) or if injuries occurred[1].
Your Insurance Record (CLUE Report)
Insurance companies maintain their own database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE). Any claim you file—regardless of fault—gets logged here and stays for approximately seven years[5].
The catch? Even if your DMV record clears after three years, insurers can still see your CLUE report. That’s why insurance companies often ask about accidents from the past 5-7 years on applications—they can verify your answers against the CLUE database[6].
State-by-State Record Retention Periods
Each state sets its own rules for how long accidents remain on your driving record[1][4]:
| State | Standard Accidents | Serious Violations (DUI) |
|---|---|---|
| California | 3 years | 10 years |
| New York | 3 years (from year-end) | 10-15 years |
| Texas | 3 years | 10 years |
| Florida | 3-5 years | 75 years |
| New Hampshire | 5 years | 10 years |
| Oregon | 5+ years | 10-15 years |
| Massachusetts | 6 years | 10 years |
| New Jersey | 3 years | 10 years |
New York has a unique counting method—accidents stay on record for three years from the end of the year they occurred[2]. So an accident on January 1, 2024, wouldn’t clear until December 31, 2027.
Florida stands out with extremely long retention for alcohol-related violations. The state tracks DUI-related accidents for 75 years—essentially a lifetime[1]. If you cause a crash while drunk in Florida, it will likely follow you forever.
How Accidents Affect Insurance Rates
Not all accidents hit your wallet the same way. Several factors determine the financial impact[3][7]:
At-Fault vs Not-At-Fault
At-fault accidents trigger the steepest rate increases. Nationally, drivers see premiums jump 20-50% after an at-fault accident[8]. In some cases, rates can double—especially if the accident involved injuries or significant damage.
Not-at-fault accidents are trickier. In most states, insurers cannot raise your rates for accidents you didn’t cause. But the accident still appears on your CLUE report, and some insurers may view multiple not-at-fault claims as a red flag regardless of fault.
Severity Matters
| Accident Type | Typical Rate Increase | Duration of Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Minor fender-bender | 10-20% | 3 years |
| Standard at-fault | 20-50% | 3-5 years |
| Major collision | 40-100% | 3-5 years |
| DUI-related | 100%+ | 5-10+ years |
A minor collision with under $1,000 in damage affects your rates less than a major crash causing injuries[7]. Claims exceeding $5,000 typically result in larger surcharges that last longer.
Your Driving History
First-time offenders generally face lower increases than repeat offenders. If you had a clean record before the accident, insurers often apply smaller surcharges. Multiple accidents within a few years can land you in “high-risk” status, which carries premiums 100% higher or more[8].
Understanding how settlement timelines work can help you navigate the claims process while managing your record impact.
Timeline: How Long Rate Increases Last
The rate increase from an accident doesn’t last forever. Most insurers follow predictable patterns[3][9]:
| Time Since Accident | Impact on Rates |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Full surcharge (20-50%+) |
| Year 2 | Full surcharge continues |
| Year 3 | Surcharge begins decreasing |
| Year 4-5 | Reduced surcharge or removal |
| Year 5+ | Typically no impact |
According to the Insurance Information Institute, at-fault accidents increase rates for an average of three years[3]. Some insurers gradually reduce the surcharge each year you remain accident-free, while others apply the full increase until it drops off entirely.
The exact timeline depends heavily on your insurer and state. Massachusetts insurers, for example, may apply surcharges for a full six years[9].
Accident Forgiveness: Can You Avoid Rate Increases?
Several major insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that prevent rate increases after your first at-fault accident[10]. Here’s how they compare:
| Insurer | How to Get It | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | Purchase | 3-5 years clean | Not available in all states |
| Progressive | Earn or purchase | 5 years clean or buy coverage | Free for claims under $500 |
| Liberty Mutual | Earn | 5 years clean at any insurer | Not available in California |
| Geico | Earn or purchase | 5 years clean, age 21+ | Not in CA, CT, or MA |
| USAA | Earn or purchase | 5 years clean | Not in CA or NC |
| Farmers | Purchase | 3 years clean | Available in all states |
With accident forgiveness, your insurer agrees not to raise your rates after one at-fault accident[11]. You may still lose any “safe driver” discount you had, but the additional surcharge typically applied after accidents gets waived.
The catch? You usually need a clean record for 3-5 years to qualify, and the forgiveness only covers one accident. A second at-fault accident within the same period triggers normal rate increases.
Can You Remove an Accident from Your Record?
Realistically, removing a legitimate accident from your record is extremely difficult[5]. Your driving record is meant to be an accurate history, and DMVs don’t simply erase incidents because you ask nicely.
That said, removal is possible in limited circumstances:
When Removal May Be Possible
- Incorrect information: If an accident was recorded in error—wrong date, wrong driver, accident that never happened—you can file a dispute with your state DMV. Bring documentation proving the error.
- Improper fault determination: If you were incorrectly deemed at-fault, a traffic attorney may help reopen your case. But if you already paid tickets associated with the accident, you typically accepted the judgment[5].
- Dismissed charges: If traffic violations related to the accident were dismissed in court, you may petition for removal of those specific items.
What You Cannot Remove
Accidents that happened and were correctly recorded will stay until they naturally expire under your state’s retention period. Paying for “record cleaning” services won’t change this—such services are often scams.
Your CLUE report is even harder to modify. Claims remain for seven years and can only be corrected if information was recorded incorrectly[5].
How to Minimize the Long-Term Impact
While you can’t erase a legitimate accident, you can take steps to reduce its financial impact over time[12]:
Shop Around for Insurance
Not all insurers penalize accidents equally. After an at-fault accident, get quotes from multiple companies. Some may offer better rates than your current insurer, especially if you have other positive factors (homeowner, good credit, low mileage).
Take a Defensive Driving Course
Many states allow drivers to take approved defensive driving courses to remove points from their license[5]. While this doesn’t erase the accident itself, reducing points can help lower insurance costs.
Bundle Policies
Combining auto insurance with home or renters insurance often qualifies you for discounts that can offset some of the accident-related increase.
Ask About Discounts
Request a full review of available discounts: low mileage, anti-theft devices, good student (if applicable), paid-in-full, paperless billing. Stacking discounts can significantly reduce your post-accident premium.
Wait It Out
Sometimes the best strategy is patience. As years pass without additional incidents, your rates will gradually return to normal. Most drivers see significant improvement by year three and full recovery by year five.
If you’re dealing with ongoing repairs after an accident, knowing how long paint jobs take or how long accident settlements take helps you plan effectively.
Special Cases: DUI and Serious Violations
DUI accidents follow different rules entirely. A drunk driving conviction with an associated accident can stay on your record for 10-15 years in most states[2]. Florida takes it further—alcohol-related violations remain visible for 75 years.
Insurance impact from DUI is severe. Expect rates to double or more, and you’ll likely need SR-22 certification (proof of insurance) for several years[7]. Some insurers won’t cover DUI drivers at all, forcing you into high-risk pools with substantially higher premiums.
Accidents involving vehicular homicide or other serious criminal charges may remain on your record permanently. These situations require legal counsel beyond insurance considerations.
Key Takeaways
- Car accidents stay on your DMV driving record for 3-5 years in most states, while your insurance CLUE report keeps claims visible for approximately seven years
- At-fault accidents raise insurance premiums 20-50% on average, with rate increases typically lasting 3-5 years before gradually decreasing
- DUI-related accidents face much longer retention periods—10-15 years in most states, and up to 75 years in Florida for alcohol violations
- Accident forgiveness programs can prevent rate increases after your first at-fault accident, but require 3-5 years of clean driving to qualify
- You generally cannot remove legitimate accidents from your record; only errors or improperly recorded incidents may be disputed and corrected
- Shopping around for insurance, taking defensive driving courses, and stacking available discounts can help offset the financial impact during the years an accident affects your rates
FAQs
How long does an at-fault accident stay on your insurance?
At-fault accidents typically remain on your insurance record for 3-5 years, during which you’ll likely pay higher premiums[3]. The exact duration varies by state and insurer. Your CLUE report keeps the claim visible for approximately seven years, which is why insurers may ask about accidents from further back when you apply for new coverage[5].
Do not-at-fault accidents affect your insurance?
In most states, insurers cannot raise your rates for accidents where you weren’t at fault. But the accident still appears on your CLUE report for about seven years[1]. Multiple not-at-fault claims may eventually flag you as higher risk in some insurers’ algorithms. The accident also appears on your DMV record regardless of fault if it was reported.
How much does insurance go up after an accident?
Nationally, at-fault accidents raise insurance premiums 20-50% on average[8]. Minor fender-benders may only trigger 10-20% increases, while major collisions or DUI-related accidents can double your rates or worse. The exact increase depends on claim severity, your driving history, and your insurer’s specific policies.
Can accident forgiveness prevent rate increases?
Yes, if you have accident forgiveness coverage, your insurer won’t raise your rates after your first at-fault accident[10]. Most programs require 3-5 years of clean driving to qualify. Forgiveness typically covers only one accident—a second incident triggers normal rate increases. Not all states allow accident forgiveness programs.
How long does a DUI accident stay on your record?
DUI-related accidents stay on your driving record for 10-15 years in most states[2]. Florida tracks alcohol-related violations for 75 years. Insurance impact from DUI typically lasts 5-10 years, with rates often doubling or tripling. You may also need SR-22 certification for several years after a DUI conviction.
References
- NerdWallet. (2015). How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance Record? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/how-long-accidents-affect-insurance-rates
- Naima Law. (2026). How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on My Record? https://www.naimalaw.com/how-long-does-car-accident-stay-on-record/
- Allstate. (2024). How Much Does Insurance Increase After Accident? https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/do-rates-increase-after-accident
- Insurance Navy. (2025). How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record? https://www.insurancenavy.com/how-long-do-accidents-stay-on-record/
- Jerry. (2025). How Do I Remove an Accident from My Driving Record? https://jerry.ai/state-laws/how-can-i-remove-an-accident-from-my-driving-record/
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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 -
Real Accident Lawyer. (2026). How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After An Accident in Florida?
How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After An Accident in Florida?
- McDougall Insurance. (2025). How Much Will My Insurance Go Up with an At-Fault Accident. https://www.mcdougallinsurance.com/2025/08/17/how-much-will-my-insurance-go-up-with-an-at-fault-accident/
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Cobb Defense. (2025). How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance?
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance?
- ValuePenguin. (2016). How Accident Forgiveness Works and Who Offers It. https://www.valuepenguin.com/car-insurance/accident-forgiveness-what-it-and-who-offers-it
- Liberty Mutual. Accident Forgiveness Coverage. https://www.libertymutual.com/vehicle/auto-insurance/coverage/accident-forgiveness
- Geico. How much does auto insurance go up after a claim? https://www.geico.com/claims/claimsprocess/accident-impact-on-rate/
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.
