How Long Do Car Insurance Claims Stay on Your Record?

When a vehicle accident or other incident occurs, it often leads to an insurance claim. These claims create a record that can influence future insurance interactions. Understanding how these records are maintained and for how long is important. The duration and type of information kept varies significantly depending on the specific record system involved.

Insurance Company Claim Records

Insurance companies maintain detailed records of claims filed by policyholders, compiled into the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report. Managed by LexisNexis, this report is a key tool for insurers when assessing risk for new policies. It captures a history of property and auto insurance claims, typically spanning the past seven years.

A CLUE report details the date of loss, type of loss (e.g., collision, comprehensive, liability), amount paid out for the claim, and even inquiries about potential claims that did not result in a payout. For instance, if you contacted your insurer about hail damage but decided not to file, this inquiry could still appear. This record helps insurers evaluate your claims history and potential future risks.

A CLUE report remains for approximately seven years from the date of the claim or inquiry. This means that even a minor incident, like a fender bender where you were at fault, can influence your insurance options and premiums for several years. Insurance companies use this data to determine eligibility and pricing for new and renewal policies.

State Driving Records

Separate from insurance company records are state driving records, known as Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs). These are maintained by each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. MVRs primarily track incidents related to driving behavior and license status, not every insurance claim. They reflect traffic violations, at-fault accidents reported to law enforcement, and any license suspensions or revocations.

An MVR includes moving violations, such as speeding tickets, reckless driving, DUI convictions, and points assessed against your license. Accidents are also recorded, especially if they involved significant property damage, bodily injury, or were reported to the police. However, a comprehensive claim for theft or vandalism would not appear on an MVR.

The length of time an incident remains on your MVR varies by state and the severity of the offense. Minor infractions might stay on record for three to five years. More serious violations like DUIs or reckless driving convictions can remain for seven to ten years, or even longer in some jurisdictions. This record is often reviewed by insurers to assess your driving risk, particularly for liability coverage.

Reviewing Your Records

Individuals have the right to access and review their CLUE report and state driving record to ensure accuracy. To obtain a copy of your CLUE report, request it directly from LexisNexis, which provides one free report every 12 months, similar to a credit report. Reviewing this report shows the claims history that insurance companies use for underwriting.

For your state driving record, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent licensing agency. A small fee, typically $5 to $25, is associated with obtaining an MVR. This record provides details on your driving history, including violations and accidents reported to the state.

If you discover inaccuracies or errors on either your CLUE report or MVR, you have the right to dispute them. For CLUE reports, contact LexisNexis directly and provide documentation to support your claim. For MVRs, contact the state’s DMV that maintains the record, following their procedures for correction.