Three different records track an accident, each on its own clock: your insurance rate (usually 3 years, sometimes 5), your claims history report (up to 7 years), and your state driving record (it depends on the state). Here is each one, and what it means for whether to file.
Your insurance rate: usually 3 years, sometimes 5. Insurers set this in their own rating rules. Florida is the only state we checked that caps it in law (36 months). industry_typical
Your claims history report: LexisNexis says its C.L.U.E. Auto exchange contains up to seven years of personal auto claims information.
Your state driving record: it depends on the state, and some states don't list crashes on the record you can order at all. See the table below.
“An at-fault accident can increase your auto insurance rates for at least three years, depending on your state and insurer.” — NerdWallet
“Our Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.®) is a claim history information exchange containing up to seven years of personal automobile claims information.” — LexisNexis Risk Solutions, C.L.U.E. Auto product page
When you shop for a new policy, the new insurer pulls your claims history report. A claim stays visible there after your current insurer has stopped charging for it. Federal law, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, keeps most negative items off these reports after seven years.
“Any other adverse item of information, other than records of convictions of crimes which antedates the report by more than seven years.” — 15 U.S.C. § 1681c(a)(5)
A free copy every year. You can get your LexisNexis report free once every 12 months, online or by calling 1-866-312-8076.
Fix mistakes. If something is wrong, dispute it. The agency must look into it for free, usually within 30 days.
Notice when it costs you. If an insurer raises your rate because of something in a report like this, it must tell you and name the agency.
“shall make all disclosures pursuant to section 1681g of this title once during any 12-month period upon request of the consumer and without charge to the consumer.” — 15 U.S.C. § 1681j(a)(1)(A)
What this means when you're deciding
Small repair you caused? A claim can cost you about 3 years in price and up to 7 years on your claims report. Get a repair quote before you file.
Already filed? Note the date. Ask your insurer when the surcharge drops off, and check your rate at that renewal.
Shopping around? Pull your free claims report first so you know what new insurers will see.
Your fault, or not sure? File a claim or pay the shop?
The collision calculator weighs what a claim pays after your deductible against what the accident adds to your premium, with your state's rules.