How Long Do Accidents Stay on Your Record?
The length of time a car accident can remain on your record varies by state, but generally, the following is to be expected:
1. At-Fault Accidents: Most states retain information on at-fault accidents for three to five years. Some states retain information for seven years if the incident is particularly serious.
2. Not-At-Fault Accidents: Most not-at-fault accidents are never documented on your driving record. If there is a notation, it can exist for three years.
3. Serious Accidents: If the accident caused serious bodily injury to someone or death, there can be a record for up to ten years or more according to state law.
Requirements by State About Road Accident
Most states have accident record laws relating to how long accidents stay on driving records. The following are just a few examples of these statutes:
California: An accident will typically remain on your record for three years. However, if you had a more significant accident, the information could remain on the record for ten years.
Texas: Any accident you are liable for will be on record for three years, depending on the infraction, while some infractions may last five years.
New York: Most accidents are kept on record for three years; however, more serious infractions may last up to ten years.
Remember that the information about your state should be gathered from your state DMV.
Influence of Car Accidents on Premiums
Car accidents can also greatly affect your insurance premium. Many insurers use three to five years of driver history in determining premiums for a policyholder.
For example:
At-Fault Car Accidents: If you have an at-fault car accident on your record, your insurance premium may be affected. In most cases, your rates would go up 20% to 50%.
Not-At-Fault Accidents: This does not go on your record, but insurers are going to view not-at-fault accidents as they establish your risk.
How to Minimize the Damage During an Accident?
1. Compare quotes from various insurers: No insurer treats an accident alike. You might come across one that penalizes less for the accidents you have been in if you get quotes from various firms.
2. Careful Driving Will Avoid Future Mishaps: A safe driving record will help to counterbalance the future impact of previous accidents by careful driving after an accident that does not lead to subsequent mishaps.
3. Defensive Driving Course: A defensive driving course will not only make your insurance discounted but also reduce the effect that your accident has on your driving record.
How to Obtain a Copy of Your Driving Record?
To view information that defines your driving record and how long your accidents will be displayed, you can request a copy of your driving record from your state’s DMV. Here is how to do so:
- Check online the services of your DMV. All states usually have an online portal from where a check of your driving record may be accessed.
- Information needed comprises a number assigned to the driver’s license and personal data, sometimes with a small fee for the application of the service.
- Sift through the record, noting down accidents or violations that have been recorded together with their dates. This way, you will know for how long they will remain there.
How to Erase Accidents from Driving Record?
- At times, accidents qualify to be erased from your driving record. Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Statute of Limitations: As you read above, accidents expire automatically off your driving record after that number of years; normally it’s three to ten years.
- 2. Expungement: Some states permit the expunging of any traffic offense. First, talk to a lawyer to see if this is something you’d qualify for.
- 3. Insurance Claims: If the accident was a no-fault occurrence then make sure your insurance company has noted that fact. In some instances, you’ll be required to provide proof as well to have your claim accepted.
Conclusion
Knowing how long an accident will appear on your record is pretty important to the overall management of your driving history and your insurance costs. Essentially, at-fault accidents will appear on your record for three to five years. More serious car accidents may hang around longer. For a clean driving record, one must shop for the right insurance and keep in mind what his or her state regulates. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to contact your local DMV with questions or guidance.
Once you understand the facts and take action, you will know the reasons behind your car accident history and stop the mistakes from haunting your future.
