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How long do car accidents stay on your record?

Do accidents stay on your record permanently? I recently was found at fault for a small accident. Will it haunt me forever?

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Hana Sabah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Oof, I’m sorry to hear about that. I hope you and everyone involved in the accident are okay!
You can expect a car accident to stay on your record for about three to five years from the time it occurred. It all depends on the state in which you reside.
In terms of how that will affect your insurance, here are some things providers consider when calculating your car insurance premium:
  • The seriousness of the accident
  • Who was at fault
  • What type of driving violation you were charged with, if any
  • Your age
  • Your prior driving history
  • Where you live
With that, it’s safe to say if you were involved in an accident, you can expect to pay more for insurance going forward.
If things are looking too costly already, use the
Jerry
app. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding the cheapest quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.”
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