Compare Best Car Insurance Companies That Only Look Back Three Years [2023]
Finding car insurance companies that only look back three years is relatively easy since many major insurers don’t look back at your driving record any more than three years. Bad driving can raise your rates by around $150 a month, but car insurance companies that only look back three years should lower rates once your record is clear. Be sure to check your driving record periodically to make sure you are getting the cheapest car insurance rates.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
UPDATED: Jul 23, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 23, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Most car insurance companies look back at your driving record less than five years
- Your driving record has a significant impact on your car insurance rates
- How long accidents and tickets stay on your driving record is different for each state
It’s no secret that your driving history affects your car insurance rates. What may be surprising is how far back car insurance companies look at your driving.
Finding car insurance companies that only look back three years isn’t all that hard, although some companies look back five years.
Read more: Best Accident Insurance Companies
Even if your driving record leaves something to be desired, you can still find affordable car insurance by shopping around. Each company will offer different rates to each driver so compare rates to see who offers you the best deal.
If you’re ready to buy car insurance now, enter your ZIP code above to compare free quotes from car insurance companies that only look back three years in your area today.
What car insurance companies only look back at your driving record for three years?
Although many factors affect your car insurance rates, your driving record is the most significant. Insurers want to know if you’re a risky driver, and your driving history tells them if you’re a risk to insure.
How far back does a car insurance company look? That depends on the company and the state that you live in.
Although time limits will vary, many car insurance companies believe that your car insurance three-year accident history is enough to determine if you are a safe driver.
For example, USAA car insurance looks back at your driving record for only three years.
You might be surprised to learn just how much your driving affects your car insurance rates.
This table shows you average annual rates from top insurance companies based on your driving record:
| Company | Average Annual Rates with Clean Record | Average Annual Rates with 1 Accident | Average Annual Rates with 1 DUI | Average Annual Rates with 1 Speeding Violation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $3,819.90 | $4,987.68 | $6,260.73 | $4,483.51 |
| American Family | $2,693.61 | $3,722.75 | $4,330.24 | $3,025.74 |
| Farmers | $3,460.60 | $4,518.73 | $4,718.75 | $4,079.01 |
| Geico | $2,145.96 | $3,192.77 | $4,875.87 | $2,645.43 |
| Liberty Mutual | $4,774.30 | $6,204.78 | $7,613.48 | $5,701.26 |
| Nationwide | $2,746.18 | $3,396.95 | $4,543.20 | $3,113.68 |
| Progressive | $3,393.09 | $4,777.04 | $3,969.65 | $4,002.28 |
| State Farm | $2,821.18 | $3,396.01 | $3,636.80 | $3,186.01 |
| Travelers | $3,447.69 | $4,289.74 | $5,741.40 | $4,260.80 |
| USAA | $1,933.68 | $2,516.24 | $3,506.03 | $2,193.25 |
While rates from car insurance companies that only look back three years generally aren’t any more expensive, bad driving can cost you around an extra $150 a month.
If you have enough tickets, accidents, or DUIs on your driving record, you can be considered a high-risk driver. Car insurance rates for drivers with the high-risk label are much higher than for drivers with a clean record.
It should be noted that you can also be considered high-risk for things other than your driving record. Your age, credit score, and the type of car you drive can all land you in the high-risk category.
Which car insurance companies look back two, three, four, or five years?
Each car insurance company will look back at your driving record differently. Some companies feel that two years is sufficient, while other companies want to see five years of your driving history.
Some of the car insurance companies that present themselves as discount insurers may look back at your driving record for just a couple of years. Although you may think this will help you, those companies may charge higher rates to start with.
How often a car insurance company checks your driving record will also vary. While all companies check your record when you buy a new policy, most also check your record when you’re up for renewal.
For example, how often does State Farm check driving records? The company doesn’t specifically say how often they check your driving record. However, you can be sure that they check often enough to know what kind of driver you are.
No matter what your driving record looks like, you want to be honest with your car insurance company. According to the Insurance Information Institute, misrepresenting facts on your insurance application is actually insurance fraud.
Your car insurance company will find out anyway when they run your driving record, so lying doesn’t help you. It can lead to much higher rates or your insurer refusing to cover you at all.
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How long do accidents and tickets stay on your driving record?
Each state will also have different requirements for how long infractions stay on your driving record.
Some states will allow tickets and minor accidents to be removed from your driving record after only three years, but DUIs may stay on your record for up to 10 years.
It makes sense to check your driving record every few years. Not only do you need to know what’s listed, but you can also check with your insurer to make sure they are not still charging you for tickets or accidents that have been removed.
How can drivers with a bad driving record save money on car insurance?
If your driving record has a lot of dings on it, you need to do everything you can to save money on your car insurance.
Taking a defensive driving course can help you lower your rates. Not only will you get a car insurance discount for taking the class, but you will also learn valuable tips to make you a safer driver.
Many states also remove points from your driving license for taking a defensive driving course.
Ask for any other discounts that may be available to you. Not all discounts are based on your driving record. Many discounts are based on the type of customer you are, how many policies you have, and even the features that are on your vehicle.
Also, consider switching to usage-based car insurance. The rates are typically lower since you pay per every mile that you drive. Although there is a small base rate that is based on your personal information, rates are still cheaper if you don’t drive a lot of miles.
Compare Car Insurance Companies That Only Look Back Three Years
Many car insurance companies only look back three years to determine your rates. However, that will vary by company and state regulations.
Shop around to get great rates if your driving history is less than perfect. Since each company will weigh your driving record differently, you will see very different rates from company to company.
No matter what your driving history looks like, enter your ZIP code below to compare quotes from car insurance companies that only look back three years for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for an insurance company to “look back” in relation to car insurance?
When an insurance company “looks back,” it refers to the period of time during which they review your driving history to assess your risk profile. This includes factors such as accidents, violations, and claims made in the past.
Why would someone want to consider car insurance companies that only look back three years?
Opting for car insurance companies that only look back three years can be advantageous for individuals who have had negative incidents on their driving record. By limiting the look-back period, these companies place less emphasis on older incidents, potentially resulting in more favorable rates for policyholders with recent clean driving histories.
Are there specific car insurance companies known for only considering the past three years of driving history?
While insurance companies vary in their policies, there are several companies known to focus on a shorter look-back period. Some well-known examples include Company A, Company B, and Company C.
What criteria should I consider when comparing car insurance companies that only look back three years?
When comparing such insurance companies, consider the following criteria:
- Premium rates: Compare the rates offered by different companies for the coverage you require.
- Coverage options: Evaluate the available coverage options and select those that align with your needs.
- Customer service: Look for companies with a reputation for excellent customer service and timely claims handling.
- Financial stability: Research the financial strength and stability of the insurance companies to ensure they can fulfill their obligations.
- Discounts and benefits: Inquire about any available discounts or additional benefits that can further reduce your insurance costs or enhance your coverage.
Will car insurance companies that only look back three years completely ignore incidents from before that period?
While these insurance companies place less emphasis on incidents beyond the three-year look-back period, they may still consider them to some extent. The impact on your rates may vary depending on the specific company’s policies.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.