Quick lane changes and consistent stop-and-go are an everyday driver’s experience on California highways. Inevitably, fender benders and collisions happen — despite our best efforts to prevent them. After an accident, your car insurance may spike.
In California, the top five primary crash factors are improper turning, unsafe speed, automobile right of way, DUI of alcohol or drugs and violation of traffic signals and signs (red light and stop sign running, for example), according to the University of Berkley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTrec) Transportation Injury Mapping System.
An accident can stay on your record for three years in California. How it impacts your license or how many points you could accrue depends on the accident or violation you were involved in, or what type of license you carry.
Learn more about how an accident is reported in California, the impact of an at-fault violation, how to improve it, and how to check your driving record.
- An at-fault accident in California can remain on your record for three years and is accessible by anyone who requests it. Some accident violations can remain on your record for more than 10 years.
- The California DMV requires all people in an accident to file an SR-1 report within 10 days when property damage exceeds $1,000 or someone is injured.
- Practicing safe driving, keeping your record clean, shopping around for car insurance rates and taking a defensive driving course can help you reduce your car insurance premiums over time.
How long does an at-fault accident stay on your record in California?
Even the best drivers can get into a fender bender. While it’s not ideal to be involved in a car accident, it’s a good idea to know what to do after an accident and what it might mean for your driver’s record.
“Accident forgiveness coverage, which is an optional coverage offered by many national and regional insurers, will help you avoid premium surcharges for a first at-fault accident,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications for the Insurance Information Institute. “However, if you were ticketed for causing the accident, that will still appear on your motor vehicle record for at least three years.”
In general, an accident in California can remain on your driving record for three years. If you’ve been involved in an at-fault accident in California, car insurance companies can increase your premium as you’re deemed a riskier driver. Note, that California has banned increased premiums for no-fault accidents.
The violation type impacts the time it stays on your record. An at-fault, no-injury collision may be on your record for at least three years; however, a major collision with injuries and police involvement could remain on your record for 10 years. A DUI conviction can increase the time your accident is on your record. For example, commercial driver’s license holders with DUI convictions will be reported for 55 years.
Learn more about which states are no-fault states
How are car accidents reported in California?
When you’ve been involved in an accident in California, the first thing to do is stop — failure to do so could result in “hit and run” charges. You will need to report the accident to the police immediately, which will provide documentation from the scene of the accident and the initial DMV report.
You will have 10 days to report the collision to the DMV through a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) report, regardless of fault. In general, when you’re in a major accident, with injuries or more than $1,000 in damages, an SR-1 form is required. If you were at fault during the collision, you can anticipate the accident showing up on your driving record.
However, if the police report indicates the other party was at fault or there were no injuries or pricey damages, the accident may not appear on your driving record.
California is a tort state, which means if you’re driving and someone hits you, you may not be responsible for property damage or medical bills if you can prove the other driver was at fault in the accident.
Do all accidents show up on your driving record in California?
In general, accidents occurring in California show up on one’s driving record. This includes accidents that are reported to the police, have damage over $1,000, involve injuries, occur off the street or highway, involve vehicles not currently registered, or are at fault. Most accidents reported to the DMV — via a law enforcement agent or SR-1 report – will be listed on your driving record.
If you’re involved in a fender bender or an accident with no fault, it may not show on your record. In general, most accidents are reported to the DMV and therefore, show up on your record. If you are involved in a no-fault accident and it’s listed on your driving record, it doesn’t mean your car insurance rates will spike — this is something to review with your insurance company during the claims process.
When you’ve been involved in a collision, it will remain on your record for a minimum of three years from the collision date. If it was a collision with a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials, it will be on your record for 10 years from the collision date.
If you’ve been involved in an accident while driving under the influence, you could be looking at it being on your record for at least a decade.
Are there ways to reduce the impact of an at-fault accident on your driving record in California?
When you’re involved in an accident or receive a ticket in California, you acquire points based on the type of violation. The Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) is based on operator points received based on driving violations. Generally, a driver can receive 0-3 points on their record. For example, a speeding violation may equate to one point on your driving record while a DUI is two points. You can also receive violations without points, such as having a brake light out on your vehicle.
While you can’t remove points from your driving record after an at-fault accident for at least three years, you can aim to become a safer driver. This could involve taking defensive driving courses, not receiving any additional driving violations and working with your car insurance company on ways you can reduce your premium.
“You can improve your motor vehicle record by following safe driving practices and avoid moving violations and additional accidents,” Friedlander says.
Frequently asked questions
How often can I check my California driving record for accuracy?
“Drivers do not typically need to check their motor vehicle record as they should be aware of any infractions that they were responsible for. However, you can make a request to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles if you require access to your MVR,” Friedlander says.
To obtain your record, fill out an online request through the California DMV, including your personal information and vehicle’s information and pay the fee. You will receive a download of your record with only one opportunity to print it. You can also request your record via mail or in person at the DMV.
Once you’ve received your California driving record, review it for accuracy. If any information appears incorrect, you can file a Report of Incorrect Record Form (DL207) or Report of Incorrect Driver Record Traffic Collision Form DL 207A online. You can also submit an Abstract/Document Error Form from the court or law enforcement agency to the DMV to correct a record.
What actions should I avoid after an at-fault accident in California?
Being a safe driver on the road following an at-fault accident in California is a top priority. Since your driving violation will be on your record for at least three years, it’s essential your driving behaviors and practices are safe, within the law, and defensive. It will decrease your car insurance premiums to take a driving course, but ensure that you understand safe driving procedures.
Can taking a driving course help lower premiums after an at-fault accident?
Some car insurance companies have accident forgiveness programs to help offset a premium spike your at-fault accident creates. While taking a defensive driving course can help get you started on the path to being a safer driver, the fact remains that you’ve got at least three years to work on your driving behaviors before the points are removed from your record.
There isn’t an immediate “fix” to your at-fault accident, but over time, safe driving can lead to lowering your premiums.
It’s also a good idea to shop around to find cheap car insurance after an accident — you may find a company offering a lower premium with options for deductions in the future.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. “Driver’s Record Request.” Accessed June 2024.
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. “Report of Accidents Occurring in California, (SR-1).” Accessed June 2024.
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. “Retention of Driver Record Information.” Accessed June 2024.
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. “Vehicle Collisions.” Accessed June 2024.
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. “Driver Negligence.” Accessed June 2024.
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. “Vehicle or Driver’s Records Requests.” Accessed June 2024.
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