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].
When discussing how long an accident stays on your record, two separate systems track this information[1]:
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 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.
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].
Several variables affect the retention period for accidents on your record[3]:
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].
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].
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].
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.
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].
Yes, no-fault accidents still appear on both your driving and insurance records[9]. However, the impact differs:
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.
Several strategies can help offset the premium increase following an accident[1]:
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].
In limited circumstances, you may be able to have an accident removed or its impact reduced[6]:
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.
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