When you’re involved in a car accident in Arizona, one of the first questions people ask is: How long does an accident stay on your record in Arizona? Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a more serious crash, an accident can affect everything from insurance premiums and DMV records to your ability to dispute an at-fault determination made by an insurance company.

At Harris Injury Law, many Arizona drivers contact us because they are confused about how long car accidents stay on their driving history, how long an accident appears on insurance records, and what happens if the other driver claims they weren’t responsible.

This guide explains the difference between insurance records, driving records, and accident-related legal timelines under Arizona law. It also discusses how accidents impact insurance rates, how at-fault decisions are made, and how an experienced car accident attorney can help protect your rights.

Driving Records vs. Insurance Records: What’s the Difference?

One of the most important distinctions Arizona drivers need to understand is the difference between:

• Your driving record (maintained by ADOT / MVD)
• Your insurance record (maintained by each insurer)

While they sound similar, they operate independently.

Your Driving Record (MVD Record)

Arizona driving records are managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and include violations, license points, suspensions, and certain accident entries.

Your Insurance Record

Insurance companies maintain their own internal files based on incident reports, fault findings, insurance claims, and accident history, and they may keep these records longer than ADOT.

Understanding these two separate systems helps drivers know what information impacts insurance premiums, liability, and long-term driving privileges.

How Long Do Accidents Stay on Your Driving Record in Arizona?

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), accident-related entries typically remain on your DMV record for three years, though certain incidents may appear for longer depending on whether the accident involved:

• A serious injury
• A fatality
• A DUI
• Reckless driving or criminal charges

The General Rule: Three Years

For most accidents, especially those involving minor property damage, non-injury crashes, and routine accident reporting, the standard is three years.

This includes:

• Most car accidents
• Motor vehicle accidents with no injuries
• Minor traffic incidents

This three-year timeline is important for employers, insurance evaluations, and people seeking to maintain a clean record.

How Long Do Accidents Stay on Insurance Records?

Insurers maintain their own data and are not bound by ADOT’s record-keeping rules. Many insurance providers keep accident information for five years, sometimes longer depending on their insurer’s policies and internal risk evaluations.

Typical Insurance Record Duration: Three to Five Years

For most car accidents, insurance companies review the incident for three to five years, examining:

• Fault determinations
• The cost of the car accident claim
• Injuries and medical treatment
• The number of claims filed
• Whether the driver is considered an added risk

Serious Crashes May Stay Longer

If the incident involved a:

• DUI
• At-fault driver causing serious injuries
• Multi-vehicle collision
• Motorcycle accident
• High claim amount

…insurance companies may keep the accident on file for up to seven years or more.

This can significantly affect insurance premiums, making it essential to consult an experienced attorney before accepting fault or signing any documents.

How Fault Determines How Long an Accident Affects You

Arizona is a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault party is responsible for damages. Fault allocation will affect:

• Your insurance rates
• Your ability to file an insurance claim
• Whether the incident remains on your insurance record longer
• Whether the other party may pursue compensation

Fault Determination Matters

Insurance companies look at:

• Accident reporting
• Police reports
• Statements from people involved
• Critical errors made by drivers
• Physical evidence and photos

Even if you believe you were not responsible, the insurance provider may still classify you as at fault if you don’t gather evidence and dispute the decision in a timely manner.

How ADOT Records the Accident Date

Your driving record reflects the accident date, not the claim resolution date. So even if your claim takes months to settle, the accident’s timestamp is fixed.

The Arizona Judicial Branch notes that administrative records, including accident data used in hearings or review processes, are tied to the original incident date.

Knowing this helps drivers understand why accidents sometimes appear to “linger,” even after claim resolution.

How an Accident Affects Your Insurance Rates

After a crash, the insurance company reviews the claim to decide if you pose a higher risk. If they determine you were even partially responsible, the rate increases may be significant.

Factors That Affect Insurance Premiums

• Whether you were the at-fault driver
• Amount paid out for property damage
• Severity of injuries sustained
• Cost of medical treatment
• History of previous accidents
• Whether the event appears on dmv records or only insurance records

Drivers with multiple incidents, a history of motor vehicle accidents, or repeated insurance claims may see premiums rise for years.

Not At Fault? Rates Could Still Increase

Under many insurers’ rules, even being not at fault does not guarantee your premiums stay the same. Some companies classify any accident as risk-enhancing.

This is one reason many Phoenix residents seek help from a car accident lawyer in Arizona drivers trust, because your financial future often depends on contesting inaccurate or unfair fault assignments.

Do All Accidents Appear on Your Driving Record?

Not necessarily. ADOT only records certain types of incidents.

Accidents That Usually Appear on Your Record

• Crashes involving injury
• Accidents with property damage of a certain amount
• Collisions involving unsafe driving
• DUI or reckless behavior
• Violations issued at the scene

Accidents That May Not Appear

A minor parking lot scrape or low-speed collision might remain on insurance records only, depending on the police and insurer involvement.

How Fault Affects Your Record Duration

If You Were At Fault

The accident may stay on insurance records for five years or more.
Some insurers rate the driver as high-risk for seven years, especially if the claim payout was high.

If You Were Not At Fault

The accident typically impacts you for a shorter period, often three years.

Shared Fault Cases

Arizona’s pure comparative negligence system (under A.R.S. §12-2505) means you can still pursue compensation even if partially at fault, but your percentage may influence insurance outcomes.

Does an Accident Affect Your Ability to File a Claim Later?

Drivers sometimes worry that their accident history prevents future claims. This is not true.
Even if you have past accidents, you still maintain every right under Arizona’s statute of limitations.

Arizona’s Limitations Deadline

The general deadline to file most personal injury claims, including auto accident cases, is two years from the date of injury, according to A.R.S. §12-542.

This deadline applies to:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Property damage
• Emotional distress claims

The discovery rule may extend the deadline if injuries were not immediately clear.

The Lasting Effects of an Accident on Your Record

Accidents can have a ripple effect, influencing:

• Insurance premiums
• Background checks
• Employment opportunities
• Future insurance claims
• Licensing status

Maintaining safe driving habits after an incident helps reduce risk evaluations by insurers.

How Harris Injury Law Helps Arizona Drivers

Harris Injury Law is a personal injury law firm in Phoenix that helps accident victims protect their rights after a crash. Many clients come to us because they’re unsure how an accident will impact their record, their insurance, or their ability to seek compensation.

Our firm advises clients:

• Understand how long accidents stay on insurance and driving records
• Challenge inaccurate fault determinations
• Steps they can take when disputing rate increases after an accident
• File or dispute insurance claims
• Navigate a complex legal process
• Pursue compensation for injuries, emotional distress, and property damage

We also assist clients who experience complications involving:

• Delayed injuries
• Conflicting statements from the other driver
• Unfair decisions by an insurance provider
• Claims involving critical errors or disputed facts

About Harris Injury Law

NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME!

If you’re searching for a trusted car accident lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, Harris Injury Law is deeply experienced in Arizona car accident cases and dedicated to client-focused representation.

We help clients navigate:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Work-related vehicle incidents
• Motor vehicle accidents involving injuries
• Disputed at-fault determinations
• Compensation claims against negligent parties

We offer:

• 24/7 availability
• Direct communication with Attorney Jason Harris
• Contingency fee arrangements (you don’t pay unless compensation is obtained)
• Guidance through every step of your claim

About Attorney Jason A. Harris

Jason A. Harris is one of the few attorneys in Arizona who handles both personal injury and workers’ compensation claims, giving him a unique perspective on complex accident cases.

For over 16 years, he has resolved thousands of car accident claims, including those involving serious injuries and major property damage.

Jason is known for:

• Thorough case review
• Accurate fault analysis
• Strategic negotiations with insurers
• Commitment to helping injured victims seek justice

His background, from working in clerk’s offices to gaining courtroom experience with the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office, shapes his dedication to families recovering from motor vehicle accidents.

Common Questions Arizona Drivers Ask

Does every accident raise my insurance premiums?

Not always. If the at-fault party was clearly the other driver, your insurer may not penalize you.

Will an accident stay on my record forever?

No. Most entries fall off the DMV record after three years and off insurance records within three to five years.

Can I dispute an at-fault decision?

Yes, and you should. An inaccurate decision can increase your premiums for years.

When should I call a lawyer?

Immediately if you face:

• Injuries
• Disputes about fault
• Unfair insurance decisions
• Delays in claim processing

An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue your rights.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you’re unsure how long an accident will stay on your record or how to dispute an insurer’s decision, Harris Injury Law is here to help.

Call or text (480) 800-HURT for your free consultation.

We’re available 24/7 to guide you through your next steps and protect your rights under Arizona law.