Compare Car Insurance Companies That Only Look Back Three Years [2023]

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.

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:

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.

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.