If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in South Carolina, one of your top concerns may be how it affects your insurance premiums. Whether you were at fault or not, accidents often cause a spike in rates ,and many drivers wonder how long that impact lasts on their insurance records.
Understanding how long an accident stays on your driving record and insurance history can help you plan ahead, dispute errors, and reduce your financial burden. This guide breaks down how insurance companies in South Carolina handle accidents, what timelines to expect, and ways to reduce the impact on your insurance policies.
What Happens After a Car Accident in South Carolina?
After an accident, several key processes begin:
- A police report is filed.
- Your insurance provider is notified.
- An insurance claim is opened to determine liability and property damage.
- Your driving record may be updated, especially if you’re deemed the at-fault driver.
Insurance companies use the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) to access your insurance records and claims history. These details are used to set future insurance premiums and evaluate your risk level.
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Insurance Record?
In South Carolina, an accident typically remains on your insurance record for 3 to 5 years.
Breakdown by Time Limit:
- 3 years – For minor auto accidents or low claim amounts, most insurers review your driving history within this period.
- 5 years – For serious bodily injury cases or high property damage, insurers may assess up to five years.
- 7+ years – If the incident involved DUI, reckless driving, or serious legal penalties, the timeline can extend even further.
The exact policy period depends on your auto insurance provider, your accident history, and the type of insurance coverage involved.
Does Fault Matter in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina is a fault-based state, meaning the at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays for damages. Fault affects how long the accident stays on your insurance records and how your premium rates change.
- At-fault accidents usually cause the biggest spike in insurance premiums.
- Not-at-fault accidents might still appear on your insurance policy but tend to have a smaller impact.
- Partial fault can affect your insurance coverage based on the insurer’s guidelines.
How Much Will Your Rates Go Up?
That depends on:
- Your driving habits and clean record
- The severity of the accident
- Whether you were the at-fault driver
- Your insurer’s pricing model and insurance products
Estimate:
- A single at-fault accident could increase your insurance rate by 20% to 50% over 3–5 years.
- A not-at-fault incident may have a much smaller effect.
Some auto insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs that reduce the long-term financial hit.
What Influences How Long It Stays?
- Type of Accident
- Minor accidents (e.g., parking lot scrapes) fade faster from your driving record.
- Serious collisions with bodily injury or major property damage tend to stay longer.
- Claim Amount
- Higher payouts mark you as a higher risk level to insurers.
- Driving History
- A clean driving record prior to the incident helps mitigate the rate increase.
- Your Insurance Provider
- Each company treats accident records differently. Some clear them at 3 years; others at 5.
Can You Remove an Accident from Your Record?
You generally can’t erase an accident from your insurance record early. But here’s how to reduce the impact:
- Dispute errors on your driving record or insurance report.
- Request accident forgiveness if your insurance policies offer it.
- Shop for auto insurance with companies that offer better rates after accidents.
- Complete a defensive driving course to earn discounts or reduce DMV points.
- Avoid new insurance claims that could extend your risk profile.
An accident may drop off your driving record before it disappears from your insurance policy terms.
What About Unreported Accidents?
If you don’t file a claim, the accident might not show on your insurance record. But:
- If the other party reports it later, your insurance coverage could still be triggered.
- Failure to report can result in coverage issues or denial of future claims.
Always report the accident, even if you don’t plan to file for insurance payout—to protect your rights.
Impact on Future Insurance Policies
When applying for new auto insurance coverage, companies will request your accident history (usually the last 3–5 years). They will check:
- CLUE reports
- SCDMV records
- Your application disclosures
Each automobile insurance provider evaluates driving history differently. Some offer lower rates if you’ve shown improved driving habits or completed defensive driving courses.
Can You Negotiate with Your Insurer?
Yes. Consider these tips:
- If you weren’t the at-fault driver, provide documentation.
- Ask for a policy reassessment if your driving history has remained clean.
- Inquire about loyalty programs, safe driving discounts, or revised insurance premiums.
Some auto policy providers will reward you for staying claim-free and keeping a clean record.
Best Practices After an Accident in South Carolina
To protect your record and reduce insurance premiums, follow these steps:
- File a police report immediately.
- Notify your insurance company quickly.
- Collect evidence: photos, witness info, property damage estimates.
- Keep communication professional and documented.
- Avoid reckless driving or further insurance claims.
- Consider legal advice if the accident is serious or fault is disputed.
When to Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Attorney
In cases involving injuries, disputed fault, or large medical expenses, working with an experienced attorney can make a big difference. A personal injury lawyer can help:
- Dispute liability with the insurance adjuster
- Protect your rights during legal processes
- Negotiate insurance policy limits and compensation
Final Thoughts
In South Carolina, accidents typically stay on your insurance record for 3 to 5 years, depending on fault, claim size, and your insurer’s rules. While the legal and financial implications can linger, proactive steps can reduce their impact.
Maintain safe driving habits, review your insurance products, and don’t hesitate to seek legal help when needed. Staying informed about your auto insurance options helps you regain control and move forward confidently.
Dealing with an accident and unsure about your insurance options? Contact Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and fight to minimize the impact on your insurance premiums and future coverage. We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Orangeburg, and Summerville. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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.
