How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Car Insurance Record In California?
Reader’s Question:
How long does a car accident stay on your insurance record in California?
Tom
Good question Tom.
All accidents are reported by the law enforcement officer to the Department of Motor Vehicle that will show upon your driving record unless another person is at fault in the event of accident.
The California assigns one point to at fault accidents. The points will be placed on your driving record and all the information regarding the incident. This information will stay on your record for three years.
Whenever a person applies for a policy, renews his insurance or makes any changes in their auto insurance policy, the car insurance companies check the individuals car insurance and driving records. If your accident is on the MVR, this will definitely affects your insurance rate.
Insurance companies keep records of your claims related to accidents as well as the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The insurance companies can access the comprehensive loss underwriting exchange to find out what previous claims you’ve had.
You may contact the California Department of Insurance to find out if California allows insurance companies to charge surcharges or raise premiums due to accidents.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
