In Texas, an at-fault car accident generally remains relevant for about three years for driving record and insurance purposes. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains driving records, while insurance companies maintain their own claims histories that may also be considered when evaluating your insurance rates.
However, your driving record is only one part of the picture. Insurance companies also maintain their own claims history, which may affect your insurance rates for longer than your DPS driving record reflects.
What Does “On Your Record” Mean in Texas?
When people ask whether an accident stays “on their record,” they are often referring to two different records:
- Your Texas DPS driving record: This record includes reported accidents, traffic violations, and other driving-related information maintained by the state.
- Your insurance claims history: Insurance companies maintain their own records of claims and accidents to help determine premiums and coverage eligibility.
These records serve different purposes. While your driving record is maintained by the state, insurance companies typically rely on their own claims history when evaluating your insurance policy or determining your rates.
If you have questions about how an accident record may affect an injury claim, McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers can explain how Texas law applies to your situation.
How Long Does an Accident Affect Your Insurance Rates in Texas?
An accident may affect your insurance premiums for three to five years, depending on your insurance company and the circumstances of the crash. Every insurer uses its own underwriting guidelines, so the length of time and the amount of any increase can vary.
Several factors may influence whether your rates increase, including:
- Whether you were at fault
- The severity of the accident
- Your previous driving history
- Whether injuries or significant property damage occurred
In some situations, such as crashes involving impaired driving, insurance consequences may last even longer. If you were not at fault, your insurer may treat the accident differently, although it may still appear in your claims history.
Can You Remove an Accident From Your Texas Driving Record?
In most cases, no. Texas generally does not allow accident records to be removed from a driving record simply because time has passed or a driver completes defensive driving.
While defensive driving courses may help resolve certain traffic citations, they do not erase accident records maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Once an accident has been properly reported, it will typically remain on your driving record for the applicable reporting period.
Can an Accident Affect a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes. Although an accident on your driving record does not automatically affect your right to recover compensation, insurance companies may attempt to use your driving history during the claims process.
For example, an insurer may argue that:
- You have a history of unsafe driving.
- You were partially responsible for the collision.
- Your prior driving history affects your credibility.
A prior accident does not prevent you from pursuing a personal injury claim after someone else’s negligence causes a crash. Every accident should be evaluated based on its own facts, the available evidence, and the applicable Texas laws.
With more than 40 years of combined experience and over $500 million recovered for injured clients, McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers understands how insurance companies evaluate claims and works to build strong cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Not-At-Fault Accident Stay on Your Record in Texas?
Yes. A not-at-fault accident may still appear on your driving record or insurance claims history if it was reported. However, it generally has less impact on your insurance premiums than an at-fault accident.
Can Employers See an Accident on My Driving Record?
Some employers, particularly those hiring for positions that involve driving, may request a copy of your Texas driving record during the hiring process. Whether an employer reviews your driving history depends on the position and the employer’s policies.
How Can I Get a Copy of My Texas Driving Record?
You can request a copy of your driving record through the Texas DPS. Reviewing your record can help you confirm whether an accident appears, check that the information is accurate, and understand what an insurer or prospective employer may see.
Contact the Austin Car Accident Lawyers at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a Texas car accident and have questions about your rights, our firm is here to help. Our attorneys can explain how insurance companies evaluate accident claims, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
Contact McMinn Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Austin car accident attorney. We proudly serve clients throughout Austin, TX in Travis County.
McMinn Law Firm – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
