An accident typically stays on your insurance record for about 3 to 5 years , though the exact duration varies depending on several factors including the state you live in, the insurance company’s policies, the severity of the accident, and whether you were at fault

Key Factors Affecting How Long an Accident Stays on Your Insurance Record

• State Regulations: Different states have different rules on how long accidents remain on your driving and insurance records. For example, California keeps most accidents for 3 years, New York for about 4 years, and New Hampshire for 5 years. Some states have longer retention for serious violations like DUIs

• Severity of the Accident: Minor accidents or fender benders usually stay on your record for around 3 years, while more serious accidents involving injuries or significant property damage may remain for 5 years or longer

• Fault Determination: If you are found at fault, the accident tends to have a longer and more significant impact on your insurance record and premiums. Non-fault accidents may affect your rates less or for a shorter period, but they can still be considered by insurers

• Insurance Company Policies: Each insurer has its own guidelines. Some may only consider accidents within the last 3 years seriously, while others may look back 5 years or more. Accident forgiveness programs can also influence how long an accident affects your premiums

Summary

Factor| Typical Duration on Record
---|---
Minor accident| ~3 years
Serious accident| 3 to 5 years or longer
DUI or major violation| Up to 10 years or more
State-specific range| 3 to 5 years (varies by state)
Insurance company look-back| Usually 3 to 5 years

In general, when shopping for insurance or getting a quote, insurers often ask about accidents within the last five years, but they may only weigh the last three years heavily when determining your premium

. Therefore, you can expect an accident to impact your insurance for approximately 3 to 5 years, with variations based on the above factors.