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How can I remove an accident from my driving record?
I was in an accident last week and was charged with a traffic violation. I really don’t want my car insurance to go up—how can I remove an accident from my driving record?
Melanie Johnson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to remove an at-fault car accident from your driving record. A valid car accident will typically show up in two different reports—each with unique effects:
- Your state driving record: Yourmotor vehicle report (MVR)helps the state keep track of your previous infractions, which could lead to greater fines or consequences on future violations. You may be able to remove a ticket related to an accident from your driving record to help you avoid fines orlicense suspension—but a valid accident will remain.
- Your Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) Report: Any claims from the car accident will go on yourCLUE reportand stay there for about three to five years. You won’t be able to remove an accident from your CLUE report—and this is what will give you higher-than-averagecar insurancerates.
While you won’t be able to save your car insurance rates, you may be able to remove an accident-related ticket rfrom your driving record to protect your driving privileges. The process varies from state-to-state, but typically includes the following options:
- Easiest option: Wait for the citation or driver violation points to expire from your record. This could take anywhere from one to 10 years, depending on the charge.
- Medium effort: Ask the DMV for options to expunge the charge from your record. The process will typically include a defensive driving course, but this varies by state.
- Most difficult: Contest the ticket by pleading “not guilty” and appearing in court. This will be nearly impossible if a police report was filed detailing the accident.
Try shopping around for a new car insurance provider if you’re just concerned about the accident’s affect on your rates. A comparison super app like
Jerry
can help you find the lowest rates for your unique driver profile in just 45 seconds!View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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