If you live in California and have had a car accident show up on your insurance record, you’re likely wondering: “When do accidents fall off insurance?” You want that accident gone—and gone fast. This guide clears up how long accidents stick around, why it matters in California, and whether you can speed up the process.
Why This Matters in California
- High DMV auto purse
- Many Californians rely on driving for work, school, or errands. Both people and businesses face tougher insurance costs when an accident appears on record.
- Many Californians rely on driving for work, school, or errands. Both people and businesses face tougher insurance costs when an accident appears on record.
- Insurance premium sensitivity
- Adding a mark to your record can hike monthly payments significantly—especially for small businesses operating vans, ride‑shares, or deliveries.
- Adding a mark to your record can hike monthly payments significantly—especially for small businesses operating vans, ride‑shares, or deliveries.
- Employment & licensing concerns
- Commercial drivers or business owners may lose contracts if screening checks show accidents in the past few years.
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your DMV Record?
- In California, most accidents are logged on your DMV driving record for 3 years from the crash date.
- If the crash involved a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials, it stays for 10 years.
- A DUI-related crash can also stay on your record for up to 10 years.
Why That Record Matters to Insurance
- Insurers in California use the DMV record to set premiums.
- If you were at fault, expect increased monthly payments—usually for 3–5 years.
- If not at fault, California law generally prevents insurers from raising your rates—though it depends on your carrier.
- Insurers also mine the CLUE database, which may store accident info from the last 3–7 years—sometimes even 10 years.
When Do Accidents Fall Off Insurance?
- DMV timing is simple: 3 years for most crashes, 10 years for serious/commercial ones.
- Insurer timing varies:
- Most standard carriers in California drop accidents from rate calculations after 3 years.
- Some may still look back 5 or 7 years in CLUE-backed data.
- Serious offenses, like DUI or fatalities, can affect rates for 10 years.
- Most standard carriers in California drop accidents from rate calculations after 3 years.
So yes—your accident “falls off” DMV history after 3 years. Insurance rate impact often fades after 3–5 years but can extend for major accidents.
Can You Remove an Accident Early?
Yes—but only in very limited cases:
1. Correct record errors
If the DMV listed the accident by mistake (wrong date, location, or fault), you can file Form DL‑208 (Traffic Accident Record Correction Request). Attach clear evidence (police reports, insurance confirmations). If the DMV agrees, they can remove the record early.
2. Not at Fault?
If you weren’t at fault, ask your insurer to document it. California law often prohibits rate hikes for no‑fault collisions . In some cases, insurers agree to exclude those incidents when calculating your rates. That doesn’t erase the DMV record—but may wipe out rate impact.
3. Defensive‑driving or traffic school
Some drivers regain point forgiveness via DMV‑approved traffic school. But this usually affects violation points—not accident entries—with the crash still on your record for 3 years .
Practical Example
Scenario: Julia, a ride-share driver in Los Angeles, rear-ends someone in January 2023.
- DMV outcome: Marked as at-fault accident—stays until January 2026.
- Insurance change: Her monthly premium jumps $40—carriers view her as high risk.
- Three-year mark: Come January 2026, the DMV drops the accident record.
- Insurer review: By her 2026 renewal, most likely they stop charging the accident surcharge—but some may still consider data in CLUE.
- Error fix: If Julia proves she wasn’t at fault, files DL‑208, DMV may wipe the record before 2026—and insurers may reverse premiums early.
Latest Data & Stats
- 3 years – Standard retention time for most crashes in California.
- 5 years+ – CLUE data retention period used by insurers.
- 10 years – For commercial vehicle crashes, DUI incidents, or hazardous materials incidents .
- Premium hike – At-fault accidents can raise full coverage rates by 30–70 %, and it often lasts 3–5 years .
What You Can Do Now
| Action | Why It Helps |
| Review your DMV record | You can request it; make sure the accident is yours and accurate. |
| File DL‑208 if needed | Correct mistakes quickly to avoid paying unfair surcharges. |
| Report no-fault to insurer | May prevent unfair premium increases under California law. |
| Ask about accident forgiveness | Some insurers waive one at-fault accident if you’re otherwise clean. |
| Shop around after 3 years | Once records age, your premium may drop significantly with another carrier. |
Bottom Line
- “When do accidents fall off insurance?” In California, the crash drops from your DMV record after 3 years, unless it’s commercial/hazardous/DUI (10 years).
- Insurance impact usually lasts 3–5 years, depending on fault and severity.
- Early removal is only possible if the record is wrong, or perhaps through no-fault agreements with insurers—rare otherwise.
Final Advice
- Keep tabs on your DMV record and dispute errors quickly.
- When hitting the 3‑year mark, call insurers to confirm rate removal and quote fresh prices.
- If you’re a business or commercial driver, be extra careful—some accidents stick around for 10 years and really hit your bottom line.
By understanding these timelines and rights, Californians—both private drivers and businesses—can take smart steps toward clean driving records, lower insurance rates, and peace of mind.