How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on Your Record? (2026 Guide)
Quick answer: A car accident typically stays on your state DMV driving record for 3 to 5 years and on your insurance record (the LexisNexis CLUE report) for exactly 7 ye…
DMV Driving Records vs. Insurance Records: The Two Databases
Many drivers do not realize that they actually have two completely separate records. When a car accident occurs, it is reported to two different systems, and the timelines for how long…
Your State DMV Driving Record
Your driving record is an official government document maintained by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This history tracks your license points, moving violations, accide…
Your LexisNexis CLUE Report (Insurance Record)
Your insurance record is a private commercial history stored in the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) database, which is operated by LexisNexis. Whenever you file a claim…
State-by-State DMV Accident Retention Periods
Because each state establishes its own motor vehicle laws, the duration an accident stays on your official driving record depends heavily on where you live. Below is a breakdown of how…
How Accidents Affect Car Insurance Premiums and Surcharges
While your DMV record dictates your driving privileges and points, your insurer's underwriting guidelines determine how much you pay for coverage. According to 2026 premium data analyz…
Insurer Surcharge Schedulers
Insurers do not charge you the same rate increase forever. Most carriers apply a sliding surcharge schedule over a 3- to 5-year lookback window: Years 1 to 2: The full premium surcharg…
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