Getting into a car accident can be stressful, and one of the biggest worries is how it will affect your insurance rates. If you’re wondering how long an accident stays on your insurance record, you’re not alone. Let’s break down everything you need to know in simple terms.
The Simple Answer: 3 to 5 Years
In most cases, a car accident stays on your insurance record for three to five years. Think of it like a mark on your report card that gradually fades away. After this time passes, insurance companies typically stop considering that accident when calculating your rates.
However, just like different teachers might have different rules, different states and insurance companies have their policies. Some might look back three years, while others check five years of your driving history.
How Accidents Affect Your Insurance Rates
When you have an accident on your record, especially if you were at fault, your insurance rates usually go up. According to Bankrate’s 2025 analysis, drivers pay an average of 44% more for insurance after an at-fault accident. That means if you were paying $2,680 per year, you might pay around $3,867 instead.
Here’s what typically happens:
- At-fault accidents: Your rates increase significantly
- Not-at-fault accidents: Your rates might not change much, or at all
- Multiple accidents: Each additional accident can make rates go even higher
State Differences Matter
Just like speed limits change from state to state, so do the rules about accident records. Let’s look at some examples:
New York: Accidents typically stay on your record for four years (the year of the accident plus three more years).
Georgia: Insurance companies can request either a three-year or seven-year driving record, depending on what they want to see.
Texas: Most accidents remain on your record for five years, though serious violations like DUI can stay for ten years or more.
Florida: The standard is three to five years, but Florida has special protections that prevent insurance companies from raising rates in certain situations.
Mississippi: Accidents typically stay on your record for three years, though this can vary based on severity.
Understanding Insurance Points vs. DMV Points
Think of your driving record like having two different report cards. One is from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the other is from your insurance company. Both track accidents differently:
DMV Points: These are official marks on your driving license. Too many points can lead to license suspension. In Florida, for example, getting 12 points in one year means a 30-day suspension.
Insurance Points: These are used by insurance companies to calculate your risk level and set your rates. Unlike DMV points, these won’t cause you to lose your license, but they will affect how much you pay for coverage.
Types of Accidents and How Long They Last
Not all accidents are treated equally. Here’s how different situations typically play out:
Minor fender benders: Usually stay on record for the standard 3-5 years Accidents with injuries: May remain longer, especially if serious DUI-related accidents: Can stay on your record for 10 years or more Hit and run incidents: Often treated as serious violations with longer record times Accidents resulting in death: May remain permanently on your record
What You Can Do to Lower Your Rates
While you can’t erase an accident from your record before its time, there are ways to reduce its impact on your insurance costs:
1. Shop Around for Better Rates
Different insurance companies weigh accidents differently. What seems expensive with one company might be more affordable with another. It’s like shopping for the best price on a video game at different stores.
2. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Many states allow you to take a special driving class to show you’re committed to being safer. Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing these courses. In some states, this can even remove points from your DMV record.
3. Look for Accident Forgiveness
Some insurance companies offer “accident forgiveness” programs. It’s like getting one free pass where your first accident won’t raise your rates. Sometimes this is included for free after being a good customer for several years, or you can pay extra to add it to your policy.
4. Improve Your Credit Score
In most states, insurance companies can use your credit score to help set rates. Improving your credit by paying bills on time and reducing debt can help lower your premiums over time.
5. Consider Higher Deductibles
If you can afford to pay more out of pocket when filing a claim, raising your deductible can lower your monthly payments. Just make sure you have enough saved to cover the higher deductible if needed.
When Will Your Rates Go Back Down?
Once an accident ages off your record (after those 3-5 years), your rates should start decreasing, assuming you haven’t had any new accidents or violations. It’s like cleaning up your permanent record at school; once enough time passes without new problems, things tend to improve.
Insurance companies typically review your rates when your policy renews, which is usually every six months or once a year. If your accident has aged off your record by then, you should see lower rates.
The Bottom Line
While having an accident on your record can be frustrating and expensive, remember that it’s not permanent. Most accidents only affect your insurance for three to five years. During this time, focus on being a safe driver, shop around for the best rates, and take advantage of any discounts or programs that can help reduce your costs.
By understanding how long accidents stay on your record and what you can do about it, you can make informed decisions about your car insurance and work toward getting back to lower rates. Remember, every day without an accident is one day closer to a clean record and better insurance rates.
