How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance?

When you apply for or renew auto insurance, your insurer typically orders your motor vehicle record from your state's licensing authority. This record lists traffic violations, at-fault accidents, and license actions. Insurers use it to assess risk and set your premium. The lookback period — how many years they review — varies by company and by state law.

Most insurers apply a surcharge (rate increase) for at-fault accidents during your policy term or at renewal. The surcharge often decreases over time and disappears once the accident ages off your record. Some insurers offer accident-forgiveness programs that waive the first surcharge for long-standing customers, though terms vary widely. If your vehicle was totaled in the incident, the claims process may affect your record differently than a minor fender-bender.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners notes that accident and violation history is one of the primary rating factors insurers use to set premiums. The timeframes below reflect common state practices, but your specific state may differ. Always check with your state's Department of Insurance for the rules that apply to you. Understanding when accidents fall off your insurance record is key to managing your long-term premium costs.

At-Fault Accidents

Minor Traffic Violations

Major Violations and DUI

Not-at-Fault Accidents

Rate increases after an at-fault accident vary by insurer, state, and the severity of the incident. A single at-fault accident with property damage may increase your premium substantially, though exact figures differ by company and state. The CFPB notes that insurers are generally required to disclose the reasons for adverse actions, including rate increases, under applicable consumer protection rules.

Your premium impact also depends on your prior driving history, your coverage level, and whether you have accident-forgiveness coverage. Drivers with a clean history before the accident may see a smaller surcharge than those with prior incidents. Shopping your policy at renewal — once the accident begins to age — may surface more competitive rates from other insurers. Understanding how insurance companies make money can help you negotiate more effectively at renewal.

After an at-fault accident, review your policy's accident-forgiveness terms before your next renewal. If your insurer does not offer forgiveness, compare quotes from other carriers to understand your options. Some drivers find that switching insurers at renewal produces a lower rate, because the new insurer may weight a single older incident less heavily.

Taking a state-approved defensive driving course may reduce points on your license in some states, which can indirectly shorten the surcharge period. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or insurance regulator to ask which courses qualify for point reduction in your state. Keeping a clean record going forward is the most reliable way to restore your rating over time. If you're also dealing with property damage costs, exploring options like getting insurance to cover major repairs may be relevant.

Because state laws govern how long incidents remain on your MVR, your actual timeline may differ from the general figures above. You may request a copy of your motor vehicle record directly from your state DMV, often for a small fee. Reviewing your MVR before your policy renews lets you verify accuracy and dispute any errors.

If you find an incorrect entry on your MVR, contact your state DMV to initiate a correction. Insurers rely on the accuracy of the state record when setting rates, so correcting errors promptly may help protect your premium. You may also file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner if you believe a rate increase is based on incorrect information. Similarly, understanding the timeframe insurers have to investigate claims can help you follow up effectively on any disputed entries.