Understanding How Auto Insurance Companies Assess Your Driving Record After an Accident
If you’ve recently been involved in a vehicular incident, especially one where you’re not at fault, you might wonder how this affects your auto insurance quotes and your driving record. A common scenario involves being rear-ended and seeing that the accident has been logged in your state’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) records — often marked simply as a “CRASH EVENT” without indicating fault.
Case in Point: Recent Rear-End Collision and Its Impact
Imagine experiencing a minor collision where you were hit from behind but are confirmed to be not at fault. You reported the incident to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and a crash report was filed. Subsequently, you review your Texas DPS driving record, which now displays the crash as a recorded event. However, crucially, there’s no indication on the record whether you were at fault or not.
The Key Question: How Do Insurance Companies Interpret This Data?
When you apply for auto insurance, will carriers reference your state’s DMV/DPS data, or do they rely solely on external sources like LexisNexis or CLUE reports? Typically, insurance companies acquire information from multiple sources:
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State/DPS/DMV Records: These documents usually include reported accidents, citations, and violations. However, they often do not specify fault unless explicitly noted.
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Third-Party Data Brokers (e.g., LexisNexis, CLUE): These entities compile comprehensive claims history, including accident details, insurance claims, and sometimes fault information.
Understanding How LexisNexis Collects Data
LexisNexis and similar organizations gather data directly from insurance companies that share claims information. When a claim is filed, the insurer reports relevant details — such as the occurrence, damages, injuries, and sometimes fault — to these data aggregators. Therefore, your claims history can influence your insurance rating, regardless of what is reflected in your DMV record.
Implications for Drivers
Given this data-sharing process, a record of an accident in DMV records does not necessarily equate to higher premiums if you were not at fault. Insurance providers often look at claims histories, which may be more detailed about fault and circumstances, possibly obtained through LexisNexis or similar sources.
Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned about how your driving history influences your insurance rates, it’s advisable to:
- Review your claims and driving records regularly.
- Request a copy of your claims history from Lex
