Getting into a car accident is stressful. You might feel worried about your injuries, how to get your car fixed, and most of all, how this accident will affect you going forward. One question that often comes up is: Does a no-fault accident go on your driving record?
If you’ve been in a crash, understanding how no-fault insurance works and what it means for your driving record and insurance rates is very important. This article will explain everything in simple terms so you know what to expect and how to protect yourself.
What Is a No-Fault Accident?
Before we get to your driving record, let’s understand what a no-fault accident really is.
In many states, insurance works on a “no-fault” basis. This means that after an accident, your own insurance company pays for your medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. This system is designed to speed up claims and reduce fights over who’s responsible.
However, just because it’s called “no-fault” doesn’t mean no one was at fault. It just means the insurance companies handle medical costs differently. For property damage (like fixing your car) or serious injuries, fault still matters. The at-fault driver or their insurance company is responsible for paying those costs.
Which States Have No-Fault Insurance?
Not all states follow the no-fault rule. About 12 states and Puerto Rico have laws requiring no-fault insurance, and some others give drivers the option to choose between no-fault and traditional insurance.
Here are some states that require no-fault insurance:
- Florida
- Michigan
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Kansas
- North Dakota
- Utah
- Hawaii
And some states like Kentucky, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania let you pick the insurance type.
Knowing if your state has no-fault insurance helps you understand how your claim will be handled.
What Goes on Your Driving Record?
Your driving record is kept by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It tracks your driving history and shows important information like:
- Moving violations (speeding tickets, running red lights)
- Accidents you’ve been involved in
- Traffic-related court cases
- Points against your license
When it comes to accidents, your driving record usually shows that you were in a crash, but it might not always say who was at fault.
Does a No-Fault Accident Appear on Your Record?
Yes, a no-fault accident will appear on your driving record. Whether you caused the accident or not, the crash will be recorded.
But the way it appears and how long it stays on your record depends on your state’s rules.
For example, in some states, a crash stays on your record for 3 to 5 years. In others, serious accidents might stay for 10 years or more.
Even if you were not at fault, the accident will still be visible to insurance companies and may influence how they view your driving history.
What Does “At Fault” Mean for Your Record?
If the police or insurance company decides you were at fault for the accident, this usually leads to more serious consequences on your record. An at-fault accident typically results in:
- Points on your license
- Higher insurance premiums
- Possible traffic school or court orders
If you were not at fault, your record might still show the accident, but without the negative marks associated with fault. This can make a difference in how your insurance treats you.
How Does a No-Fault Accident Affect Your Insurance Rates?
One of the biggest worries after an accident is whether your insurance premiums will go up.
If You Caused the Accident
If you were responsible, your insurance rates will almost certainly increase. Insurance companies see you as a higher risk, which means you’ll pay more to stay insured.
For example, even a small accident causing less than $2,000 in damages can raise your premium by hundreds of dollars per year.
No-fault insurance does not protect you from this increase. Even though your insurance company covers your medical bills, they will raise your rates if you caused the accident.
If You Didn’t Cause the Accident
If you were not at fault, your insurance rates usually won’t increase. However, this is not guaranteed.
Some insurance companies consider other factors like:
- The total cost of the claim
- Your past driving record
- The number of claims you’ve made before
If you have a clean driving history and the accident was minor, your rates probably won’t change.
But if you have multiple recent accidents, even no-fault claims might make insurers nervous and lead to higher premiums.
How Insurance Companies Keep Track of Your Accidents
When you file a claim, insurance companies report accident details to large databases like:
- Verisk
- Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.)
These databases store information about your claims and accidents. Insurance companies use this data when deciding your rates for new policies or renewals.
Even if your claim was no-fault, it will be listed in these systems. Multiple claims can affect your future premiums.
What If You Switch Insurance Companies?
If you change insurers, your new company might only see your driving record from the DMV, not your full insurance claim history.
Since DMV records usually don’t show fault, your new insurer might not know whether you caused past accidents or not.
This can work both ways:
- It might help if you were not at fault because the accident won’t show as your fault.
- But if you want to prove you were not at fault, you might need to provide extra documents like police reports or insurance records.
How to Protect Your Driving Record After a No-Fault Accident
Here are some tips to help keep your driving record and insurance rates in good shape after a no-fault accident:
- Report the Accident Promptly: Always inform your insurance company and the DMV as required by your state.
- Keep All Documents: Save police reports, claim settlements, medical bills, and any communication with insurance companies.
- Check Your Driving Record: Request a copy from your DMV and review it to ensure all information is accurate.
- Dispute Incorrect Information: If you see wrong details, contact your DMV and insurance company to correct them.
- Drive Safely: Avoid further accidents or traffic violations to maintain a clean record.
- Consider Defensive Driving Courses: Some states offer insurance discounts if you complete these courses.
- Consult an Attorney if Needed: For serious accidents or if you feel your claim or fault has been unfairly assigned, a personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights.
Why Understanding No-Fault Matters to You
Knowing how no-fault accidents affect your record and insurance helps you make smart decisions.
- You won’t be caught off guard by unexpected rate hikes.
- You’ll know when and how to report accidents correctly.
- You can protect your rights if fault is wrongly assigned.
- You’ll be prepared if you switch insurance companies.
Final Thoughts
A no-fault accident does go on your driving record, but it doesn’t always mean you will pay higher insurance rates—especially if you were not at fault.
Fault still matters when it comes to insurance premiums, even in no-fault states.
Your best defense is to be informed, keep good records, and drive safely.
If you’re unsure how your accident affects your driving record or insurance, talk to your insurance agent or consult a qualified attorney.
Remember, accidents happen to everyone. What matters most is how you handle them afterward. By understanding your no-fault insurance and driving record, you can protect your financial future and keep driving with confidence.