How Long Does an Accident Stay on my Driving Record?

You may have been enjoying pretty low premiums until making a claim. Once at fault collision goes on the record you lose the good driver discount. Now you are probably going to face an increased renewal quote. And you would be asking yourself how long does it take for car insurance rates to recover after an at fault crash?

How Long Does an Accident or Ticket Stay on Driving Records?

Usually you see the highest price increase just after the incident. Then, you should see vehicle insurance come down from next year, providing there are no more incidents. It will probably continue its downward movement at each consequent renewal. You will finally see most of the savings you enjoyed before back by the end of the third year.

So, when do accidents fall off insurance? You will get decent discount with 3 years no claim or traffic ticket, as both usually fall off the record after this period. Most auto insurance companies look back three years of driving records when they calculate quotes.

Most traffic violation tickets would be removed after three years as well if you received it due to a crash. Then, you would enjoy near maximum savings again. After this period you may not receive it any more or you would see rates go down slightly for another couple of terms at which point they may level out. So, both traffic tickets and claims affect premiums and you should try to avoid them where possible. You may have to fight it in the court if you have to.

How Much Does Insurance Go Up after Accident?

It is not one simple addition or subtraction and the final figure depends on many factors. You could see the renewal premium go up between 40 – 80% if you were at fault and the damages and injury costs were well over $2,000. If you are a youngster with limited experience and history the increase would be maximum while it may still be manageable for an experienced one with previously clean records.

If rates went up a lot it may be worth getting alternative quotes at next renewal. Each underwriter offers different level of rate reductions that it is always worth comparing them. Some offer large savings when you have a decent driving history while a few others may be offering better prices for good credit score. Since you lost the first one you would see it go up. But, you should try to minimize the effects of a recent crash by shopping for the best deal. Now that you are in a pickle you may have to work a bit harder to keep the costs down.

There are many others that look at many different factors when they calculate premiums. If you have a high credit score, a respected profession, a degree, you are a home owner, running low miles and living in a safe neighborhood you may still be considered low risk by many companies despite one recent claim. Now, it is your job to find them and we can help you there too. Why not get a few quotes on our platform above to start with.

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