Understanding How Insurance Companies Access Your Driving Record After an Accident
If you’ve recently experienced a rear-end collision in Texas and are concerned about how it might impact your insurance, you’re not alone. Many drivers wonder how accidents are recorded and whether these records influence insurance rates, especially when they are not at fault.
In a recent case, a driver involved in a rear-end collision received their Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driving record, which displayed a “CRASH EVENT” marker without indicating fault. The crash report was submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and subsequently, the driver’s DPS record accurately reflects the incident but omits any fault designation.
This situation raises a crucial question: when shopping for auto insurance, do companies primarily review state and DMV records, or do they rely on specialized data providers like LexisNexis and CLUE reports? Understanding the sources insurance companies use is essential for drivers looking to manage their rates and records effectively.
Do Insurance Providers Check Your State DMV or DPS Records?
Insurance companies frequently access your driving records maintained by state agencies. These records typically include violations, accidents, license status, and other relevant driving history. However, the level of detail and the way incidents are reported can vary from state to state, and sometimes, the records may not reflect fault or other nuances.
Role of LexisNexis and CLUE in Insurance Rating
Beyond state records, many insurers utilize third-party data services like LexisNexis and CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange). These services compile insurance claims information from multiple sources, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual’s claims history, including at-fault and not-at-fault accidents.
How Does LexisNexis Obtain Its Information?
The data inside LexisNexis and similar platforms often originates directly from insurance companies and claims administrators, who share claims data to facilitate underwriting and risk assessment. This data sharing allows insurers to access a broader and more detailed picture of an applicant’s history than what may be available solely through DMV records.
Implications for Drivers
In cases where you’re involved in an accident but are not at fault, the incident may be recorded on your driving record for transparency but might not influence your insurance premiums directly if you can demonstrate the liability. Insurance companies may also rely more heavily on claims databases like LexisNexis, which record fault status and claim details more explicitly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned
