How much could YOU save?
Request free quotes; find out now.
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,050/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 1 hours ago
    Quote Range: $706-$1,756/yr
    Age: 20 Sex: Male
    State: Pennsylvania Tickets: 1
    Number of Quotes: 2
    Vehicle: 2000 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX 4MOTION
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,091/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 1 hours ago
    Quote Range: $1,309-$2,400/yr
    Age: 53 Sex: Female
    State: Florida Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 4
    Vehicle: 2011 FORD MUSTANG
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,098/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 2 hours ago
    Quote Range: $1,098-$2,196/yr
    Age: 40 Sex: Female
    State: Florida Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 2
    Vehicle: 1971 FORD ESCORT ZX2/SPORT
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $948/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 2 hours ago
    Quote Range: $1,196-$2,144/yr
    Age: 26 Sex: Male
    State: Virginia Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 4
    Vehicle: 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4 MATIC
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,388/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 2 hours ago
    Quote Range: $1,150-$2,538/yr
    Age: 29 Sex: Male
    State: California Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 5
    Vehicle: 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER TOURING ED
We Scour. You Save.
We search the web to find the very best deals and money-saving tips. Then, we send them right to you.
Get insurance now:
Car Insurance Resources:
Get Free Quotes Now
Save With CarInsurance.com!
Car Insurance Learning Center  Learning Center  Auto Insurance Questions & Answers   Questions & Answers  Professional Answers   Auto Insurance Answers

How long will an accident stay on your driving record?

How long an accident will stay on your driving record depends upon the state in which are licensed and reside in. Each state has its own laws and guidelines for how long accidents and traffic violations stay on a person's motor vehicle record, so check with your state's DMV.

For example, the New York DMV lists an accident on the records of every driver in the accident and does not assign fault. An accident normally remains on a NYS driver record for the year that the accident occurred and the following 3 calendar years.

The Texas Department of Public Safety keeps moving violations and accidents on a driver's record for 5 years, with the exception of serious offenses such as DUI and no liability insurance which stay indefinitely.

Free Auto Insurance Quotes





All TX crashes that are investigated by a police officer are recorded on the individual's driver record. The record does not indicate fault but shows the date and location of the crash.

[Let CarInsurance.com help you find affordable auto insurance now.]

Arizona states that convictions of traffic offenses stay on your driver's history for 5 years, the AZ DOT does not say if this does or does not include accidents. Convictions showing on an AZ driving record within the past 39 months can be provided to an insurance company.

You can obtain auto insurance quotes for New York, Texas, Arizona or anywhere else in the United States by clicking here.

Share this article with:

Related Questions
Car Insurance Related How long does a violation stay on your driving record in California?
Car Insurance Related How long does a hit and run affect insurance?
Car Insurance Related How long will my DUI affect car insurance rates? I got mine three years ago ang my rates are still sky high!
Car Insurance Related How long does a accident stay on your insurance record in New York state?
Car Insurance Related In California, how long does a car accident stay on your auto insurance record?
Rate, add comments, or add help about your situation and this question.
Help us improve the largest car insurance website!

poor 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

 excellent
Tell us why you rated this car insurance question and answer this way. You can add any helpful insurance comments to this page:
Visitor Comments
Not only does the state you are in matter on how long an accident is considered, but the insurance company matter as well. Some carriers consider all incidents in the past 3 years, while others consider up to 5 years. It is best to just shop your rates with an independent insurance agent like CarInsurance.com.
Comment added: 06:11 PM Oct-09
It gave a good specific answer, and then luckily it gave an example, as i can pertain to it, since i live in TX.
Comment added: 01:25 PM Jan-20
Question Details
This car insurance answer was last updated 9:22 AM May-16.
This Your License question was asked 12:40 AM May-11-2006.
Norman M. requested this car insurance help from CarInsurance.com experts.
Rated 6.25 out of 10 based on 4 votes.
Your License Category
Print Car Insurance Answers Print this car insurance question and answer
Email Car Insurance Answers Email this auto insurance answer
Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided are for information purposes. They are not intended to substitute informed professional advice. These responses should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any insurance product, or to provide financial or legal advice. Please refer to your insurance policy for specific coverage and exclusion information. Please read our Terms of Service.
©2012 QuinStreet Insurance Agency, Inc. - Online Insurance Marketplace™
CarInsurance.com Feedback Survey