Finding yourself in a car accident can feel overwhelming and scary, especially with a seemingly never-ending to-do list after the fact. You must file a police report, seek medical attention, contact your insurance, legally settle the matter with any other parties involved, and find a way to repair your car after the accident. It can take months to get everything sorted and returned to normal after a car accident.
However, once all of that is said and done, the accident is not just a distant memory to quickly forget. The record of that accident can linger on your car insurance long after the bumpers have been repaired. How long do accidents stay on your record? The exact timeline can vary depending on your car insurance provider, and while that record is on your case, you will likely have to pay higher insurance premiums.
Have you been in a car accident and are worried about what this will do to your insurance? You have come to the right place. We will go over how car accidents are recorded in the state of California, how accidents impact your insurance rates, how long these impacts last, and how you can work to lower your insurance rates after a car accident.
Key Takeaways
- How long a car accident stays on your insurance varies depending on your insurance provider.
- In California, you may not see much change to your insurance rate if you are found not to be responsible for the accident.
- Some tips to try and lower your insurance rates include shopping around and adjusting your coverage.
- The DMV will retain the record of the incident for approximately 3 years, depending on the severity of the accident.
- While you can try to get the accident removed from your record early, it can be a difficult process, and it is ultimately up to the DMV.
Does the DMV Record Car Accidents in California?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps a record of every car accident that happens in the state. Your accident will go on your driving record if you are found responsible for the incident. Typically, the DMV will hold onto these records for around 3 years, but this can go up to 10 years if the accident involves a commercial vehicle. This 3-year countdown also starts on the day that the accident occurred.
How Long Does an Accident Affect Your Car Insurance Rate?
After the dust has settled, you may still see remnants of the car accident in your insurance rates and your overall driving record. Different states have different rules and regulations regarding exactly how long an accident will stay on your record, and the timeline can also vary depending on the severity of the accident.
In the state of California, most vehicle accidents will stay on your record for around 3 years. However, more serious traffic violations will follow you for longer. For example, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years. All accidents must be reported to the state, but it will only appear on your driving record if you were found at fault, caused property damage valued over $750, or if anyone was injured or passed away due to the accident.
Concerning this, your car insurance provider takes your driving record into account while they calculate your rate. As long as the accident is on your record, it will have an impact on your average insurance rate. In addition to your average rate going up, your provider may also increase your premium in a practice known as surcharging. While it varies depending on your provider, this surcharge will typically last for around 3 years after the date of the accident.
How Does a Car Accident Affect Insurance?
- Increase in Your Insurance Rates: As mentioned previously, having an accident on your record can lead to an increase in your average insurance rate. However, many insurance companies only raise your rate if you are found responsible for the accident. If someone hits your car, you may not have to worry about changes to your rate.
- Adds Points to Your Driving Record: Your driver’s license has a built-in point system that keeps track of the number of traffic violations you have committed, and a car accident adds points to your record. If you accrue enough points, your license could be suspended until some points drop off, meaning that you will not be able to drive anywhere for a while.
- Lead to Lost Opportunities: In some instances, a potential employer or landlord will take a look at your driving record when considering your application. If they find a car accident in your records, they may question your reliability as a candidate and reject your job or housing application. However, many places allow you to explain the circumstances surrounding the accident if another driver was found at fault.
Is the Record of a Motor Vehicle Accident Permanent?
While a car accident can remain on your record for a few years, it is not permanent. The exact timeline varies depending on the severity of the accident and any other convictions, but on average, an accident will stay on your record for around 3 years.
All vehicle accidents need to be reported and added to the DMV records, but an accident will only appear on your driving record if you were found at fault, a person was injured or passed away due to the accident, or you caused property damage over $750.
How Can You Lower Your Insurance Rates After an Accident?
- Look for another insurance provider that has different surcharge practices or lower rates.
- Make adjustments to your coverage options, such as usage-based insurance or low-mileage discounts.
- Check to see if your insurance provider has an accident forgiveness benefit that you can apply for.
What if the Accident Wasn’t My Fault?
While some states have no-fault insurance that will raise your rates regardless of whether or not you were at fault, California is not one of these states. If you were found not to be at fault for the accident, then you may see little to no impact on your insurance rate. The exact amount that your insurance rate could raise depends on your provider, but if you were found not to be at fault, the raise could be minimal to zero.
How Do I Remove an Accident From My Driving Record?
The accident will be removed from your driving record after 3 years, but there are a few things that you could do to try and get the report removed from your record before then. Firstly, you can file a correction request if you believe the accident was falsely added to your record.
However, at the end of the day, it is up to the California DMV to determine if they are going to remove the car accident from your record. It can be a long and tedious process, so be prepared if you decide to try and get the accident removed from your record before that 3-year timeframe.
Can You Get a Car Accident Report off Your Record Early?
It can be difficult to get an accident report off of your driving record before that 3-year deadline, but it is possible if you follow the correct procedures. If you believe that an accident report was added to your record by mistake, you can fill out a Traffic Accident Record Correction Request form and provide adequate documentation and evidence that proves that the record is a mistake.
If the DMV accepts the evidence that you provide, you may be able to get those demerit points removed from your driver’s license record as well. While it can be a tedious and lengthy process, it is possible to remove an accident record early.
Speak to Us About Handling a Car Accident in California
Looking for a car accident attorney in Los Angeles, California? Compass Law Group, LLP is ready to help with any legal battles you may have to face after being involved in a car accident. From filing a personal injury claim to helping with insurance questions, our team of experienced lawyers is ready to fight for your rights and point you in the right direction. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not pay us a thing unless we win your case.
Contact Compass Law Group, LLP to schedule a free consultation or to speak with one of our expert attorneys.
