Accident records stay on your driving history for three to five years in most states, but the exact timeline depends on where you live and whether you were at fault

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) keeps a record of every accident you report or that's reported to them—whether you caused it, shared fault, or weren't at fault at all. This record is separate from your criminal history. It lives on your driving record, which insurers, employers, and licensing agencies can see. How long it stays there is determined by state law, not by insurance companies or how much damage occurred.

The three-to-five-year window is the most common range, but some states keep accident records for longer, and a few remove them faster. Additionally, accidents that resulted in serious injury or death may stay on your record indefinitely in some jurisdictions. The best way to know the exact timeline for your situation is to contact your state's DMV directly or check your own driving record, which you can request from your state's licensing authority.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states keep accident records on your driving history for three to five years from the date of the accident.
  • Accidents where you were found at fault typically stay longer than accidents where you were not at fault or shared responsibility.
  • Serious accidents involving injury or death may remain on your record for seven years or longer, depending on your state.
  • Your insurance company may use accident history for rate calculations even after it falls off your official driving record.
  • You can request a copy of your driving record from your state's DMV to see exactly what is currently listed.

How state law determines the timeline

Each state sets its own rules about how long accidents remain visible on a driving record. There is no federal standard. Some states, like California and New York, keep at-fault accidents for three years. Others, like Texas and Florida, keep them for three years as well, but may extend that period if the accident involved injury. A few states, including Virginia and North Carolina, keep accident records for five years regardless of fault.

The distinction between at-fault and not-at-fault accidents matters in some states but not others. In states that do make this distinction, an accident where you were found responsible typically stays longer than one where the other driver was at fault. However, even accidents where you were not at fault can appear on your record during the retention period, which may affect how insurers view your driving history.

To find your state's specific timeline, contact your state's DMV or visit its website. You can also request your own driving record, which will show you exactly what accidents are currently listed and when they will be removed. This record costs between $5 and $25 depending on the state, and many states now allow you to order it online.

The difference between your driving record and your insurance record

Your official driving record—the one kept by your state's DMV—is separate from the record your insurance company maintains. An accident may fall off your state driving record after three years, but your insurance company may continue to use it when calculating your rates for five, seven, or even longer. Insurance companies are not bound by state timelines; they set their own retention policies.

This means that even after an accident is no longer visible to potential employers or licensing agencies, it can still affect your insurance premiums. Some insurers use a five-year lookback period, while others use seven years or more. The best way to understand how long your specific accident will impact your rates is to ask your insurance agent directly. They can tell you their company's policy and when the accident will stop affecting your premium.

Accidents involving injury or death

Accidents that resulted in serious injury or death are treated differently in most states. These accidents typically remain on your driving record for seven years or longer, and some states keep them indefinitely. The reasoning is that serious accidents indicate a higher level of risk, and licensing agencies want that information available to insurers and employers for a longer period.

If you were convicted of a traffic violation related to the accident—such as reckless driving or driving under the influence—that conviction may also stay on your record longer than the accident itself. In some states, DUI convictions remain for ten years or life, depending on whether it was a first or repeat offense. The accident record and the conviction record are tracked separately, so you may see both listed when you request your driving history.

How accidents affect your insurance rates

An at-fault accident typically raises your insurance premiums when ready and keeps them elevated for the duration of the retention period. The amount of the increase depends on your insurer, your state, and the severity of the accident. Minor fender-benders may result in a 10 to 15 percent increase, while accidents involving injury or significant property damage can raise rates by 25 to 50 percent or more.

Not-at-fault accidents usually do not raise your rates, though some insurers may still track them as part of your claims history. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, your own uninsured motorist coverage will pay for repairs, and this claim may or may not affect your rates depending on your policy and insurer. After the retention period ends—typically three to five years—the accident should stop affecting your premiums, though some insurers may still see it in their own records.

How to check your own driving record

You can request a copy of your driving record directly from your state's DMV. Most states allow you to order it online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The process usually takes a few days to a week if you order online, and you will receive a document that lists all accidents, violations, and suspensions on your record, along with the dates they occurred and when they will be removed.

Your driving record is a public document, but only you, your insurance company, employers (with your permission), and law enforcement can access it. When you order your record, you will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes a signature. The cost varies by state but is typically between $5 and $25. Some states offer a free annual record check, so it is worth checking your state's DMV website to see if that option is available to you.

Reviewing your driving record regularly is a good practice. It allows you to catch errors—such as accidents that were not your fault being listed as at-fault—and dispute them if necessary. If you find an error, contact your state's DMV with documentation (such as a police report or insurance claim) to request a correction.

Disputing an accident record or requesting early removal

If an accident was incorrectly recorded as your fault when you were not at fault, you can dispute it with your state's DMV. You will need to provide evidence, such as a police report showing the other driver was at fault, an insurance company information, or a court judgment. The process and timeline for disputes vary by state, but most DMVs will review your documentation and make a information within 30 to 60 days.

Early removal of an accident record is not possible in most states. The law sets a fixed timeline, and the DMV cannot remove the record before that time expires, even if you request it. However, some states allow records to be removed sooner if certain conditions are met—for example, if the accident was determined to be not your fault, or if you completed a defensive driving course. Check with your state's DMV to see if any early removal options explore to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an accident show up on a background check for a job?

It depends on the employer and the type of job. Employers who conduct driving record checks—such as those hiring delivery drivers, truck drivers, or rideshare drivers—will see accidents that are currently on your record. Once the accident falls off your state driving record, it will no longer appear in these checks. Accidents do not appear on criminal background checks unless a criminal charge was filed related to the accident.

Can I get an accident removed early if I pay a fine or take a driving course?

In most states, no. The timeline for removal is set by law and cannot be shortened by paying fines or completing courses. However, some states do offer minor reductions for completing defensive driving courses, and a few states remove not-at-fault accidents faster than at-fault ones. Contact your state's DMV to learn whether any early removal options explore to your specific accident.

Does a police report affect how long an accident stays on my record?

A police report documents what happened but does not change the timeline for removal. However, if the police report shows you were not at fault, that information may help you dispute an incorrect fault assignment on your driving record. The accident itself will still remain for the standard retention period set by your state.

What if I was in an accident but did not report it to insurance?

If you did not file an insurance claim, the accident may not appear on your official driving record unless the other driver reported it or police filed a report. However, if police responded to the scene, the accident will likely be recorded in the DMV system regardless of whether you filed a claim. You can check your driving record to see what is listed.

How does an accident affect my ability to renew my license?

A single accident typically does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, multiple accidents or violations within a short period may trigger a license suspension or require you to complete a defensive driving course before renewal. The specific rules depend on your state's point system and how many points the accident added to your record.