Understanding How Insurance Companies Access Your Driving Record and Crash Data
If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident where you were not at fault, you might notice a record of the incident appearing on your official driving history. For example, in Texas, recent accidents can show up as “CRASH EVENT” on the Department of Public Safety (DPS) driving record, sometimes without indicating fault. This situation raises important questions about how insurers evaluate your driving history and what records they rely on when determining coverage.
What Shows Up on Your Driving Record?
In Texas, when a collision report is filed with the Department of Transportation (DOT), it can be reflected in your driving record maintained by the DPS. While the record may show that a crash occurred, it often does not specify whether you were at fault or not. This can lead to confusion, especially when you’re shopping for new auto insurance and want accurate information about your driving history.
Do Insurance Providers Use State Records or External Reports?
Typically, insurance companies do review your state-maintained driving records during the quote process. However, they also have access to additional data sources, such as LexisNexis and CLUE reports. These external databases compile a variety of information including accident reports, claims history, and sometimes even traffic violations.
Are Accident Details Fully Transparent to Insurers?
While your state records may show a crash without fault details, insurance companies often rely on LexisNexis or CLUE reports for a more comprehensive view. These reports may include details about the incident, claims history, and other relevant events, which can influence policy decisions.
How Does LexisNexis Obtain Its Information?
LexisNexis collects data from multiple sources, primarily insurance companies and related entities that share claims and accident information. They act as aggregators, bringing together data from insurers, government agencies, and public records to provide a consolidated view for underwriters and other stakeholders.
Implications for Drivers
If you’ve experienced an accident where you are not at fault, and you’re concerned about how it’s reflected in your insurance profile, it’s worth understanding what information insurers are likely to access. While state records offer a snapshot of incidents, comprehensive reports from LexisNexis or CLUE often provide a more detailed picture.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of how your driving history affects insurance ratings can be challenging. Being informed about what data is available and how it’s used can help you better
