Auto Insurance: Driving Record Impact

When applying for auto insurance, insurance companies will look at your driving record to determine your risk level and calculate your rates. Most insurance companies will look back at the previous three to five years of your driving history, but some may go back further. They will consider traffic citations, vehicular crimes, and accident reports. The more recent and severe the violations or accidents, the more likely they will affect your rates.

How long do accidents stay on your record?

Accidents can remain on your driving record for several years, but the exact duration varies depending on a few factors. These include the state in which the accident occurred, the type of accident, and its severity.

In the US, most insurance companies will look back at the last three to five years of your driving record when setting insurance rates. Some states may have different requirements, such as Massachusetts, which allows a "look-back" period of up to ten years, and Washington State and Virginia, which require insurance companies to disregard driver history data older than 36 months.

The length of time an accident stays on your record also depends on its severity. For example, a minor fender bender is unlikely to remain on your record for five years, whereas an accident involving a DUI infraction will stay on your record for much longer.

In California, accidents and minor violations stay on your driving record for three years, while DUI convictions remain for ten years. In Florida, accidents resulting in traffic citations typically stay on your record for three to five years, but alcohol-related violations are tracked for 75 years.

It's important to note that even if an accident is not your fault, it may still appear on your driving record. However, insurance companies may not hold these accidents against you, and your rates may not be affected.

How long do insurance companies keep records?

The length of time that insurance companies keep records varies depending on the type of insurance and the laws of the state in which the insurance is held.

In the US, auto insurance companies will typically look back over the previous three to five years of a driver's history when setting insurance rates and determining whether the driver is high or low risk. However, this can vary depending on state insurance laws. For example, in Massachusetts, insurance companies can look back over a period of up to ten years, whereas, in Washington State and Virginia, companies must disregard driver history data that is older than 36 months. DUI charges may stay on your record for up to seven years, and in some states, as long as ten years.

Home insurance claims typically stay on your record for anywhere between five and seven years, but this timeframe can depend on the insurance company and the insurance laws in your state.

Insurance companies may keep records indefinitely if they relate to occurrence-based policies, workers' compensation, or employee benefit plans. For property policies and claims-made policies, a retention period of six years is usually sufficient.

How far back do insurance companies look for DUI convictions?

The length of time insurance companies look back at a person's driving record varies. While some companies only check records from the previous three years, others go back for a longer period. Some sources state that insurance companies typically look back at the previous three to five years of driving history. However, it's important to note that the time frame can depend on state laws and the specific insurance company's policies.

When it comes to DUI convictions, insurance companies generally consider these as serious violations. Some companies may look back as far as seven years for DUI convictions, but in most states, a DUI will stay on your driving record for at least ten years. A DUI conviction can significantly impact your insurance rates, and you may be considered a high-risk driver, resulting in higher insurance premiums.

The impact of a DUI on your insurance rates will also depend on other factors, such as your age, driving history, and the time passed since the DUI conviction. If you have a clean driving record aside from the DUI, your rates may not increase as much. Additionally, once the DUI violation is no longer on your record, you should see a decrease in your insurance rates.

It's worth noting that DUI laws and penalties can vary by state. For example, in Arizona, a DUI conviction can result in a driver's license suspension for up to one year and a fine of $250. In contrast, South Dakota law allows for a driver's license revocation of up to 30 days, with the court potentially allowing the driver to operate their vehicle only for work and essential commutes.

To get a better understanding of how a DUI conviction may affect your specific situation, it's recommended to consult with insurance providers and review your state's DUI laws and regulations.

How do insurance companies check your driving record?

When applying for car insurance, insurance companies will check your driving record to assess how much of a risk you are to insure. They will want to know your driving habits and how likely you are to make a claim. They will check for a history of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs. These driving behaviours increase your risk as a driver, which leads to higher insurance rates.

Insurance companies typically check your driving record by accessing information from sources such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar government agencies. They will use your driver's license number to retrieve this information. They will also check your Claims Loss Underwriting Exchange report to see how often you have made insurance claims and help them predict your future claim risk.

Insurance companies will also pull reports on your mileage, vehicle registration and undisclosed drivers who live with you. They will also check to see whether you are a homeowner and what insurance company you currently use. These reports are used to calculate your insurance score, which is similar to a credit score.

Most insurance companies will look back at the previous three to five years of your driving record when setting insurance rates. However, this can vary depending on state law and the company. For example, in California, a DUI remains on your record for 10 years, whereas an accident has a look-back period of three years.

What is a clean driving record?

A clean driving record is defined as a motor vehicle record (MVR) with no violations, no at-fault accidents, or no traffic-related convictions for a set amount of time. This set amount of time is typically between three and five years, but it can vary depending on the state and the severity of the offence. For example, in Illinois, a clean driving record is characterised by no points on your license, no accidents, and no traffic tickets or moving violations in the past three to five years.

A clean driving record is the ideal situation for any driver, as it can lead to lower car insurance rates. This is because a clean record indicates that you are a safe and low-risk driver. Conversely, moving violations, accidents, and convictions can raise insurance rates significantly.

It's important to note that a single violation or claim on your record does not necessarily mean you no longer have a clean driving record. The definition of a clean record can be flexible, and some insurance companies may not consider a first offence as risky. Additionally, claims are not always included in the definition of a clean driving record.

If you are unsure about your driving record, you can check it by obtaining a copy from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This process may involve submitting a request form, providing identification, and paying a small fee.

Frequently asked questions