Insurers price your premium on a look-back period — a window of recent driving history. Once an incident ages past that window, its surcharge disappears and your rate should fall. The catch: your carrier won't always drop it automatically or competitively, which is exactly why the smart move is to re-compare carriers the moment something falls off your record.
The timeline, by incident
How long each typically affects your insurance rate (the surcharge window, which differs from how long it stays on your DMV record):
| Incident | Typical rate impact |
|---|---|
| At-fault accident | 3–5 years |
| Speeding / minor ticket | ~3 years |
| DUI / major violation | 3–10 years (varies widely by state) |
| Comprehensive claim (theft, weather) | Usually little to none |
| Coverage lapse | ~6 months–1 year, but can be steep |
Exact windows vary by carrier and state — California, for example, surcharges accidents for ~3 years, while a DUI can affect rates for 10. The point is that none of it is permanent.
Why your rate doesn't always drop on its own
When an incident ages out, your premium should fall — but carriers don't compete for their existing customers. The surcharge may come off while other quiet renewal increases stay. The only way to capture the drop is to get fresh quotes right after the anniversary when the incident falls outside the look-back window.
Cheaper options while it's still on your record
Even during the surcharge period, carriers weigh incidents very differently — the cheapest carrier after an accident or DUI can be hundreds less than the priciest. See our rankings for cheapest after an accident and cheapest after a DUI / SR-22, or enter your ZIP below to compare for your exact situation.
The money move: set a reminder for the 3-year mark after any incident. The day it ages out of the look-back window, re-compare carriers — that's when switching often unlocks a real drop your current insurer won't volunteer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an at-fault accident raise your insurance?
Typically 3–5 years, depending on your carrier and state. After that the surcharge should come off — re-shop to make sure you're getting the lower rate.
How long does a DUI affect car insurance?
Commonly 3–10 years depending on the state — far longer than most violations, and it usually moves you to the non-standard market with an SR-22 requirement for ~3 years.
How long do speeding tickets affect insurance?
Most minor violations affect your rate for about 3 years, then drop off the look-back window insurers use for pricing.
Will my rate automatically go down when it falls off?
Not always competitively. Carriers rarely lower a loyal customer's rate on their own — comparing quotes when the incident ages out is how you actually capture the savings.