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- Standard DMV Record Duration: Most accidents stay on your New York DMV driving record during the accident year plus three years.
- Severity Extends Duration: Severe accidents or serious violations (like DUI) can remain on record for much longer — potentially over 10 years for the accident and up to 15 for DUI convictions.
- Insurance Look‑Back Period: Carriers typically examine your accident history for 3–5 years when setting rates, with many using a 39‑ to 60‑month look‑back window.
- DMV vs. Insurance Records: The DMV record and insurance history are separate; an accident might leave the DMV record earlier, but insurers may consider it longer for pricing decisions.
- Record Impact on Rates: Accidents often lead to higher premiums — even if not at fault — because insurers use driving history to assess risk.
How long does an accident stay on your New York driving record?
In New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles puts accidents on your driving record for the year the accident happened and usually three additional years. That means the record is typically cleared on January 1 of the fourth year after the crash.
However, more serious accidents, especially those involving significant injuries or criminal offenses, can stay on record much longer.
What counts as a recordable accident in New York?
New York requires reporting accidents that involve injury, death, or significant property damage. These incidents are documented on your motor vehicle record (MVR) even if you weren’t found at fault.
Both law enforcement reports and Department of Motor Vehicles documentation contribute to what appears on your record.
How do insurance companies use your accident history?
Insurers don’t just rely on the DMV record; they have separate internal systems and databases (like CLUE reports) showing claims history.
Most carriers look back three to five years of your driving and claims history to calculate risk and set premiums. Accidents during this window — at‑fault or not — can lead to higher rates.
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Different timelines: DMV record vs. insurance records
It’s crucial to understand that DMV records and insurance records operate on different timelines:
- DMV: Typically shows accidents for about three years.
- Insurance: Often reviews up to five years of history for pricing decisions.
An accident might drop off your DMV record before insurers stop considering it for rate setting.
Severe cases and special situations
Serious incidents — such as those involving DUIs, reckless driving, or major injuries — are exceptions.
While a routine crash may disappear from your driving record in around three years, severe events can remain for more than 10 years, and DUI convictions may be listed for up to 15 years, which can influence certain underwriting decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions: New York driving record
How long does an accident stay on my New York driving record?
Most accidents remain for the year they occur plus three more years before being removed.
Will an accident still affect my insurance after it’s off my driving record?
Yes — insurers often look at claims and accidents from the past 3 to 5 years, so it may impact premiums beyond the DMV record timeline.
Do all accidents stay on my record the same amount of time?
No — more severe accidents or those with violations like DUI can remain on records much longer than typical crashes.
Does fault matter for how long an accident stays on my record?
Fault doesn’t usually affect how long the accident appears on DMV records, but it can influence insurance rates and how an insurer assesses your risk.
Can I remove an accident from my record early?
Generally no, unless there was a reporting error. Accidents remain on the record for the statutorily designated period set by the DMV and insurers’ look‑back policies.
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