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How long does an accident stay on your record in New York?

An accident typically remains on a New York state motor vehicle record (MVR) during the year that the accident occurred and for the following three years.

In New York, the DMV lists an accident on the driving records of every driver in an accident. An accident that appears on the driver record does not assign the fault to that driver or determine fault.

If the accident was considered by the state or DMV to be of a severe nature, it could remain on a driver’s record for more than 10 years. And a conviction for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be on your record for 15 years from the date of conviction.

If your accident is listed when an insurance company checks your driving record, it can affect your rates. This information regarding your driving record is critical because insurance companies typically look at your driving record when determining your rates.

In New York state, Progressive has the cheapest insurance after one bodily injury accident at $1,163 per year for full coverage car insurance in 2022, followed by American Family at $1,445 and USAA at $1,793. Please note that USAA is only available to military members, veterans and their families.

Compare auto insurance quotes to get the best cheap car insurance after an accident.

— Michelle Megna contributed to this story.

Resource & Methodology

Methodology

CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to pull rates in 2022 for a 40-year-old male driver with a good driving record, 12-mile commute to work and full coverage insurance on a Honda Accord LX.

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author-img Laura Longero Executive Editor
Laura Ratliff is a New York-based insurance expert, writer and editor whose work has appeared in publications including Architectural Digest, Bloomberg News and Condé Nast Traveler. She provides clear, informative guidance that helps readers make smarter decisions about insurance coverage and financial protection.
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