by Zayed Al-Sayyed

UncategorizedMay 9, 20250 comments

How Long Does a No-Fault Accident Stay on Your Record in Arizona?

How long does a no-fault accident stay on your record in Arizona? Does it matter if you were at fault or not at fault? Will your insurance rates go up with an accident on your record? Each state and insurance provider has different regulations for handling accident reporting. In this article, we’ll cover Arizona’s stance on no-fault accidents.

How Long Does a No-Fault Accident Stay on Your Record in Arizona?

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, convictions stay on your records for five years from the date of the conviction. However, less severe accidents generally remain on your record for only three years. More severe accidents like DUIs will remain on your criminal record permanently. Even if you aren’t found at fault in an accident, insurance providers factor the accident into your premiums for three to five years after the incident.

Do No-Fault Accidents Impact Your Driving Points?

Arizona does follow the point system for vehicle infractions. Acquiring eight or more points within a 12-month period requires you to attend Traffic Survival School and may result in a suspended license. Accumulating more than 24 points over a 36-month period results in a one-year suspension of your license. If you are not found at fault in an accident, your points should not be impacted.

Does Not Reporting an Accident Impact Your Record?

It’s common for no police report to be filed in minor fender benders. In fact, some accidents may not even warrant an insurance claim if the damage is minimal. When an accident isn’t reported to the police or your insurance carrier, it likely won’t appear on your driving record. However, Arizona does require a written report if the accident caused more than $2,000 in damage or resulted in injuries.

It’s also important to understand that auto body shops performing repairs on damaged vehicles may also report the damage. While auto body shops generally will not report damage to your insurance agency without your consent, any suspected fraud, irregularities, legal subpoenas, or identification of stolen parts may bypass the consent requirement.

Do Insurance Rates Increase After a No-Fault Accident?

Most people notice insurance premiums increasing following an accident, even if they are not at fault. This is because an accident on your driving record may indicate that you are more likely to be in another accident compared to someone with a clean driving record. To minimize any added risk of holding your policy, insurance providers will increase your premium. However, rate increases will be less severe if you do not cause the accident.

Summary

Were you recently involved in an accident in Arizona? Even if you aren’t at fault, there can be consequences for accidents when it comes to insurance and your driving record. Working with a qualified Arizona lawyer is the best way to navigate any side effects of a no-fault accident. Reach out to our team at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed today to schedule your free consultation.