How Long Does An Accident Stay On Your Record In Texas?

The physical and financial burdens of a car accident can last many years after the initial incident. The accident can also linger on your driving record, adding insult to injury and potentially making your insurance rate go up. But how long does a car accident stay on your record in Texas? 

Does Texas Have a Driving Record Database?

The short answer is yes. In Texas, there are a couple of ways that information about car accidents gets recorded. 

Texas maintains a “permanent driving record” for licensed drivers. Every licensed driver has a motor vehicle report. That record includes a complete driving history, including accidents, violations, speeding tickets, or other traffic citations.

Under Texas law, an officer has to create an accident report if a crash caused injury or death or if there was $1,000 or more in property damage. The law enforcement officer investigating your car accident must complete and submit a crash report to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) within 10 days of the crash. 

TxDOT maintains a database of these crash reports. You might say this is also a “permanent record” of sorts. 

However, just because the TxDOT maintains accident records doesn’t mean that just anyone can access the records.

Under Texas law, only the following people can obtain your crash report:

• Any person involved in the accident;
• The authorized representative of any person involved in the accident, such as the person’s attorney;
• A driver involved in the accident;
• An employer, parent, or legal guardian of a driver involved in the accident;
• The owner of a vehicle or property damaged in the accident;
• A person who has established financial responsibility for a vehicle involved in the accident, such as a policyholder of a motor vehicle liability insurance policy covering the vehicle;
• An insurance company that issued an insurance policy covering a vehicle involved in the accident;
• An insurance company that issued a policy covering any person involved in the accident;
• A person under contract to provide claims of underwriting information to an insurer;
• A radio or television station that holds a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission;
• A newspaper that is free or qualified to publish legal notices; and
• Any person who may sue because of death resulting from the accident.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) also maintains driver records for all Texas drivers. These records include information on citations, crashes, and license suspensions. You can order a copy of your report from the TxDPS webpage after providing certain information, such as your driver’s license number, and paying a fee.

How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance in Texas?

In Texas, an accident typically stays on your insurance record for three to five years, depending on your insurance provider. If you were involved in an at-fault car accident, this could significantly affect your auto insurance costs during that period. Insurance companies view multiple at-fault accidents as high-risk behavior, often resulting in higher premiums.

What factors affect the duration of at-fault car accidents on my insurance record?

The length of time an at-fault accident impacts your insurance premium is not a fixed rule. Several factors determine how long it stays on your record:

• Severity of the accident: A minor fender-bender will likely have a shorter-term impact than a major collision involving significant personal injury or property damage.
• Your driving history: If this is your first at-fault car accident and you have an otherwise clean driving record, the impact may be less severe and shorter-lived. However, if you have a history of multiple at-fault accidents or other traffic violations, the accident could remain relevant for a longer period.
• The insurance company’s specific policies: Each insurer has its own underwriting guidelines. While most look back three to five years, some may have different rules, particularly for severe violations.

How can I minimize the impact of at-fault accidents on my insurance record?

While you cannot remove an at-fault accident from your insurance record until it naturally ages off, you can take proactive steps to reduce its negative effects on your rates:

• Maintain a clean driving record: The best way to reduce the impact of a past accident is to avoid future ones. Practicing safe driving habits and avoiding new violations are crucial.
• Take a defensive driving course: Completing a state-approved defensive driving course can demonstrate to your insurance company your commitment to being a safer driver. Some insurers may offer a discount or a more favorable rate as a result.

Shop around for new insurance: After an at-fault accident, it’s worth getting quotes from other insurance providers. Different companies weigh accidents and violations differently, so you may find a better rate with a new insurer.

If You Were in a Car Accident, Hartley Law Firm Can Help

The legal implications of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the impact on your driving record in Texas and potential increases in insurance premiums. The experienced attorneys at Hartley Law Firm can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options. Austin Hartley is an award-winning attorney who is dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims. Contact Hartley Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Hartley Law operates conveniently located offices in Carrollton and Irving, Texas, where you can connect with an experienced Carrollton car accident lawyer or Irving car accident lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

How Long Do Accidents Stay on Your Record in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What Is the Duration of a Car Accident on a Driving Record in Texas?

So, how long does a car accident stay on your record in Texas? Luckily, these accidents and violations don’t remain on your motor vehicle record forever. 

In Texas, car accidents on a driving record stay there for five years. If you were in a car accident, you might have also received a ticket. Tickets on your Texas driving record can affect your driver’s license points, driving privileges, and car insurance rates. High-risk drivers with multiple traffic violations, motor vehicle accidents, or any hit-and-runs, will also likely experience an increased insurance premium rate.

The state will suspend your driver’s license if you are considered a habitual violator of traffic laws, which can happen if you receive four or more convictions in a year.

Remember that the time a ticket stays on your record in Texas might differ from how long the ticket will affect your car insurance rates. For instance, most car insurance companies check the past three years of your driving record when calculating premiums. But the length of time varies, and certain offenses may disqualify you from getting a good driver discount for more than three years. 

How Do I Get an Accident Off My Driving Record in Texas?

Removing an accident from your driving record in Texas is not possible until it naturally ages off, typically after three to five years. If the accident was an at fault accident, taking defensive driving courses might help lower your insurance rates and improve your driving skills. Working toward a clean driving record by avoiding future accidents and practicing safe driving is the best way to minimize the long-term effects of an at fault car accident.

Does a No-Fault Accident Go on Your Record in Texas?

Yes, no-fault accidents usually appear on your record in Texas, as insurance companies log all reported incidents. However, they generally don’t increase your auto insurance costs as much as an at fault car accident. That said, if your record includes multiple at fault accidents, it may still affect how insurers view your risk level. To maintain a clean driving record, focus on avoiding future accidents and consider defensive driving courses to refine your skills.

How Far Back Does Insurance Check Your Driving Record in Texas?

Most insurance companies in Texas check driving records for the past three to five years, although serious violations or multiple at fault accidents may remain relevant longer. A clean driving record can significantly lower your auto insurance costs over time. Proactively avoiding future accidents and taking defensive driving courses can help you maintain favorable insurance rates and rebuild your record after an at fault accident.

What Steps Should I Take After an At-Fault Car Accident in Texas?

After an at-fault car accident, your first step should be to ensure safety. Then, you must exchange information, call the police if required by law, and document the scene. We recommend contacting an experienced Texas car accident lawyer to understand your rights and protect yourself from potential legal and financial consequences.

Do All Car Accidents Show Up On Your Driving Record?

No, not all accidents appear on your official Texas driving record. Typically, only crashes with significant damage, injury, or death are reported to the state. However, insurance companies keep their own records, so any accident that results in a claim, whether at-fault or not-at-fault, will likely impact your insurance record and rates.