How Long Do Car Accidents Stay on Your Record?

When a car accident occurs, many drivers wonder how long it will remain “on their record.” This term broadly refers to how the incident is documented and how it might affect future driving privileges or insurance costs. These records serve as a history of a driver’s behavior and claims. Understanding the different types of records and their typical retention periods is important for any driver involved in a collision.

Accidents on Driving Records

A driving record, also known as a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), is an official document maintained by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This record details a driver’s history, including traffic violations, license suspensions, and reportable accidents. The presence of an accident on an MVR can have implications for driving privileges and may be reviewed by employers, especially for those in commercial driving roles.

The duration an accident remains on a driving record varies based on state laws and the incident’s nature. Minor incidents, particularly those not involving a police report or citation, might not appear on an MVR. However, accidents involving significant damage, injuries, or a traffic citation (e.g., reckless driving or failure to yield) are almost always recorded. These can stay on the record for three to five years. Severe incidents, like those involving driving under the influence (DUI) or vehicular manslaughter, may remain on an MVR for ten years or even permanently.

Many states utilize a points system, where points are assessed for traffic violations and certain accidents. These points accumulate and can lead to license suspension if a threshold is reached. While an accident might remain on the MVR for several years, associated points typically have a shorter lifespan, often falling off the record after two to three years.

Accidents on Insurance Records

Separate from a state’s driving record, insurance companies maintain their own records of policyholders’ claims history. A primary tool for this is the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report, a database managed by LexisNexis. This report compiles claims data from participating insurers, providing a detailed history of property and auto insurance claims.

Insurance companies typically retain accident information for three to seven years within their internal systems and in shared databases like CLUE. This timeframe allows insurers to assess risk when underwriting new policies or renewing existing ones. Even if an accident no longer appears on a state driving record, it can still be visible to insurers through these claims history reports, influencing premium calculations.

Both at-fault and not-at-fault accidents can appear on an insurance record. While an at-fault accident generally has a more direct and significant impact on future insurance premiums, a not-at-fault accident can also be noted. Insurers may view frequent not-at-fault claims as an indicator of increased risk, potentially leading to higher rates or non-renewal, though the impact is usually less severe. These records help insurers evaluate a driver’s overall risk profile, directly affecting coverage costs.

Factors Influencing Record Duration

The length of time an accident remains on a driving or insurance record is influenced by several factors. State laws and regulations play a significant role, as each state independently sets rules for how long traffic offenses and accident details are retained on official driving records. An incident recorded in one state might have a different retention period than a similar incident in another.

The determination of fault is another factor impacting how long an accident affects a record and its financial implications. Being found at-fault typically results in a longer, more impactful presence on both driving and insurance records. Conversely, a not-at-fault determination might still appear on records but generally carries less weight regarding penalties or premium increases.

Accident severity also dictates record duration. Incidents with serious injuries, fatalities, or substantial property damage are often retained longer, sometimes ten years or more, especially on driving records. Minor incidents, like fender-benders without injuries or significant damage, may have a shorter presence or might not be formally recorded if no police report was filed. Major traffic violations (e.g., reckless driving or DUI) also extend the time an accident stays on records, reflecting higher risk.

Accessing Your Accident Records

You can request a copy of your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) directly from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Many states offer online portals for requesting these records, while others may require a mail-in request or an in-person visit. A small administrative fee, usually ranging from $5 to $15, is often required to obtain a copy of your MVR.

For your insurance claims history, obtain a free CLUE report once every twelve months from LexisNexis. This report provides a comprehensive overview of your past auto insurance claims, which insurers use to assess your risk profile. You can also contact your current or previous insurance providers directly to inquire about their internal records. Reviewing these reports allows you to verify accuracy and understand how past incidents might be perceived by future insurers.