Auto Insurance: Accidents And Your Record Explained

Accidents generally stay on your auto insurance record for three to five years, but this depends on the state, the insurance company, and the severity of the accident. For instance, in California, accidents and minor violations stay on your record for three years, while DUI convictions remain for ten years. In Florida, accidents stay on your record for three to five years, but alcohol-related violations are tracked for 75 years. In New York, accidents remain on your record for about four years.

How long does an accident stay on your record?

The length of time an accident stays on your record depends on several factors, including the state you live in, the severity of the accident, and your insurance provider. While each state has different laws surrounding this, accidents typically stay on your record for around three to five years.

For example, in California, serious offences such as DUIs can remain on your record for up to 13 years. In contrast, in Michigan, points on your license stay on your record for a minimum of two years, while convictions remain for at least seven years.

The type of accident will also impact how long it stays on your record. A minor fender bender is unlikely to remain on your record for five years, whereas an accident involving a DUI will stay on your record for much longer, often 10 or more years.

How does an accident on your record affect your ability to get insurance?

A single at-fault accident on your driving record will increase the cost of insurance, but it typically won't prevent you from getting insured. However, if you have additional risk factors, such as being a young driver, having poor credit, or other driving violations, you may struggle to find coverage and will likely have to pay higher premiums. In this case, you may need to consider a high-risk insurer.

Insurance companies assess the risk of insuring you when deciding whether to provide coverage. A poor driving record with multiple accidents may result in higher premiums or make it more difficult to find affordable insurance. The impact of an accident on your insurance also depends on the type of accident. For example, a minor fender bender will likely result in a smaller claim compared to a collision that causes serious damage or injuries.

Additionally, the length of time an accident stays on your record varies. While the average is three to five years, it depends on where you live, the severity of the accident, and your insurer. For instance, in California, serious offenses like DUIs can remain on your record for up to 13 years.

What is accident forgiveness?

Accident forgiveness is an optional extra that you can add to your auto insurance policy, which prevents your insurance rate from increasing after your first accident. It is particularly useful for safe drivers, as it gives peace of mind and protects your rate after your first claim.

Accident forgiveness is especially beneficial if you are not at fault for the accident, as your insurance company may not raise your rates in this instance. However, if you are at fault, accident forgiveness may waive the rate increase for your first accident. This is dependent on your insurer, as some companies include accident forgiveness for free, while others offer it as a purchased add-on.

Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness as a reward for good driving, applying a discount to your policy. For example, Progressive offers three types of accident forgiveness: Small Accident Forgiveness, Large Accident Forgiveness, and Progressive Accident Forgiveness. Small Accident Forgiveness is automatically included for new customers in most states, and your insurance rate stays the same for your first claim that is less than or equal to $500. Large Accident Forgiveness is available to customers who have been with Progressive for at least five years and have remained accident and violation-free during that time. With this option, your rates won't increase even if the total claim exceeds $500. Progressive Accident Forgiveness is an additional benefit that can be purchased when you buy or renew your auto policy.

Accident forgiveness is a good option if you are a safe driver, as it may be cheaper to add this extra to your policy than to have your rates increased after an accident. It is also useful if you are a young or new driver, as it can be difficult to obtain insurance coverage with a history of accidents.

To summarise, accident forgiveness is a beneficial add-on to your auto insurance policy, which can save you money in the long run and give you peace of mind while driving.

How to lower your insurance rates after an accident

Accidents typically remain on your record for three to five years, but this can vary depending on the state you live in, the severity of the accident, and your insurance provider. During this time, your insurance rates may increase by up to 40%. However, there are several strategies you can use to lower your insurance rates after an accident:

• Increase your deductible: Raising your deductible can lower your insurance costs. However, this also means that you will have to pay more out of pocket if you need to make a claim.
• Ask for discounts: Many insurance companies offer a range of discounts that can help lower your rates. These may include discounts for students, military service members, seniors, good students, safe driving, loyalty, automatic payments, and more.
• Reduce coverage: If the cost of insurance becomes too high, you can consider reducing your coverage to meet the minimum insurance requirements in your state.
• Improve your credit score: In most states, insurance companies can use your credit score to determine your rates. Improving your credit score can help lower your insurance premiums.
• Look into telematics programs: Some insurance providers offer telematics programs that track your driving habits in real time and offer discounts for safe driving behaviours.
• Enroll in a defensive driving course: Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course.
• Compare insurance providers: Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers can help you find the best rates.
• Bundle your policies: Combining your home and auto insurance policies with the same provider can often lead to a discount.

How long does an at-fault accident stay on your record?

How long an at-fault accident stays on your record depends on several factors, including the state you live in, the severity of the accident, and your insurance provider. While each state has different laws, accidents typically remain on your record for three to five years. For example, in California, serious offences such as DUIs can stay on your record for up to 13 years.

In New York, accidents generally stay on your driving record for about four years, while in Georgia, insurance companies may request a three- or seven-year driving record. Some states maintain lifetime driving records, showing all accidents and violations, but insurance companies usually focus on the shorter version of your driving history.

The type of accident can also impact how long it stays on your record. Minor accidents, such as fender benders, may not appear on your record if no claim is filed or police report is made. On the other hand, more severe incidents, such as DUIs or vehicular homicide, can remain on your record for 10 years or more.

It's important to note that even after an accident is removed from your driving record, it may still affect your insurance rates for a longer period. Insurance companies typically consider the last three to five years of your driving history when calculating your rates, but some companies may hold an accident against you for up to a decade.

Frequently asked questions