Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major accident, the effects of a car crash in South Carolina extend far beyond the accident scene. Most people are concerned about vehicle damage, personal injuries, and medical expenses, but few realize just how long that incident can affect your driving history and insurance coverage.
If you’re wondering how long an accident record sticks, what factors influence it, and how it impacts your insurance costs, you’re in the right place. At Ted Law Firm, we help accident victims understand their rights and how to navigate the aftermath, including issues with auto insurance companies, insurance adjusters, and lingering legal troubles.
What Is an Accident Record in South Carolina?
An accident record is part of your official driving history, maintained by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. This record includes:
- Moving and non-moving violations
- Traffic citations
- License suspensions
- Auto accidents involving bodily injury or property damage
- Points from infractions or tickets
Once logged, an accident report becomes part of your motor vehicle record, affecting everything from auto insurance rates to potential driving privileges.
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Driving Record?
The answer varies depending on several factors , especially the accident severity, whether you were the fault driver, and any associated violations.
1. Minor Accidents
If your incident was a minor fender bender, it may stay on your driving record for three years. Even without serious injuries or damage, auto insurance providers still assess risk based on your full accident history.
2. Major Accidents
A major accident involving bodily injury, DUI, or reckless driving can stay on your insurance records and motor vehicle record for up to ten years.
3. DUI-Related Accidents
A DUI offense in South Carolina remains on your driving record for ten years, and will significantly impact your auto insurance policy, insurance premium service company, and eligibility for accident forgiveness programs.
4. Commercial Driver Records
If you have a CDL, violations could stay indefinitely, especially for fatal or hazardous material accidents.
How Accidents Impact Insurance Coverage & Premiums
After an accident, most people notice a rate hike in their auto insurance premiums. This is because most auto insurance companies assess risk based on your driving habits and past accident claims.
Here’s how insurance coverage is typically affected:
- Year 1–2: You’ll likely see an average increase of 20–50% in insurance costs.
- Year 3–5: Rates may decline slightly, assuming no new violations.
- Beyond 5 Years: For a clean driving record, rates may return to pre-accident levels.
Certain accident forgiveness programs may protect your rates, but only if your driving record was previously spotless.
What Factors Can Extend the Duration?
Several conditions may prolong how long the accident remains on your record:
- Failure to complete defensive driving courses
- Pending personal injury claims
- Unpaid medical expenses or property damage fees
- Involvement in multiple accidents
- Repeat driving violations
These conditions not only prolong the incident’s presence on your driving record, but they also elevate your insurance costs and affect your ability to find affordable coverage.
Can You Remove an Accident from Your Record?
In South Carolina, there is no way to legally erase an accident record early. However, you can reduce its impact:
- Enroll in state-approved defensive driving classes
- Avoid additional infractions for a set period of time
- Consult a personal injury attorney for support with complex legal issues
- Maintain a clean record moving forward
Taking these steps improves your status with auto insurance providers and may qualify you for lower auto insurance premiums down the line.
What Happens If You’re Not at Fault?
Even if you’re not the fault driver, the accident report may still appear on your record. However, your lack of liability can make a difference with:
- Disputing rate increases
- Filing successful personal injury claims
- Arguing for accident forgiveness programs
Being proactive with a licensed insurance agent or personal injury lawyer can help in mitigating negative consequences, especially in cases with medical care, vehicle damage, or loss of income.
Insurance Adjusters and Accident Claims
Following any accident, an insurance adjuster will review:
- Extent of personal injuries
- Severity of vehicle damage
- Level of fault
- Required medical care
They’ll also assess your driving history and eligibility for accident forgiveness. These decisions impact future insurance coverage and can result in rate hikes, especially for high-risk drivers.
The Role of Driving Courses & Safe Driving
Taking defensive driving courses is one of the few ways to shorten the duration of an accident’s impact. Successful completion may:
- Remove points from your record
- Show insurance providers a commitment to better driving habits
- Lower your insurance costs over time
Maintaining a safe driving routine is the most reliable way to earn a clean driving record.
State Laws and Auto Insurance Policy Differences
Your ZIP code and provider can also affect the impact of an accident. Auto insurance laws vary from company to company, but South Carolina typically imposes a three-to-five-year hold on accident records. Be aware that different insurance products may have varying timelines and exclusions.
Some companies may:
- Require a licensed insurance producer
- Offer tiered accident forgiveness programs
- Base rates on driving skills, distracted driving reports, or alcohol-related violations
Understanding how long an accident stays on your record in South Carolina can help you make informed choices , whether you’re dealing with insurance adjusters, accident claims, or ongoing medical expenses.
Remember, maintaining a clean driving record after an accident is the best way to reclaim lower auto insurance premiums, avoid being flagged as a high-risk driver, and protect your financial stability.
Don’t let an accident shape your future.
Ted Law Firm proudly represents injured individuals and their families in Aiken, Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta, advocating for accident victims across South Carolina and Georgia. When a devastating crash turns your world upside down, you can count on Ted Law Firm to stand by your side and provide the trusted legal support you deserve.Contact Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation. We help drivers protect their records, dispute unfair claims, and secure maximum compensation. Call now , your clean slate starts here.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
