How far back do most insurance companies go?

Asked by: Dr. Baron Hamill MD  |  Last update: July 16, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (29 votes)

In most cases, the motor vehicle report that your insurance company reviews will go back between three and five years. It's worth noting that some incidents could stay on your record for a longer period of time. Drug and alcohol-related convictions, for instance, might stay on your driving record for 10 years or more.

How far back do insurance companies look at claims?

The answer varies depending on the state. In California, the retention period can be anywhere from two to ten years, depending on the type of procedure or healthcare provider. However, an insurance claim medical report should only look as far back as the injury in question.

How far back do insurance companies look for pre existing conditions?

To determine if a condition is pre-existing, insurers examine medical history, treatment records, and diagnosis reports. They may use “look-back periods,” which are specific timeframes—typically six months to a year before coverage begins—to review medical history.

How far back can an insurance policy be backdated?

Depending on your state's laws, you may be able to request that your insurance company backdate a life insurance policy, typically up to 6 months.

Which insurance companies only go back 3 years?

Progressive and State Farm are two of the best car insurance companies that only look back three years. But that could change depending on the state where you live. Car insurance with a three-year accident history is more expensive than average, and it could take longer to receive more affordable rates.

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34 related questions found

What makes someone uninsurable for car insurance?

Poor driving history is a top reason drivers can face challenges obtaining auto insurance. A track record of collisions, traffic violations, or DUI convictions can make getting coverage difficult and extremely costly. Insurers consider drivers with such records high-risk; some may deny coverage altogether.

What is the biggest insurance company to fail?

Executive Life Insurance Company is regarded to be the biggest bankruptcy of an insurance company in the United States in the course of recent years. Based in California, the life company had to file for bankruptcy in 1991 following disastrous investments in junk bonds.

How far back can an insurance company recoup a payment?

California law allows health plans, their delegated groups and health insurers 365 days from the date of payment to request a refund, except in cases of fraud or misrepresentation.

At what age does insurance go back up?

Average auto insurance rates by age and gender

In general, young drivers can expect to pay higher rates than older drivers, and around 70, car insurance rates start to increase again. Due to accident trends and data, men are riskier to insure than women and often pay higher rates.

Can you file a homeowners claim years later?

This depends on your state and your insurance company. In general, most states have a statute of limitations for how long you have to file a claim after the damage occurs. For homeowners, it's usually two years max, but you would have to check with your insurance company for the specifics.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered in insurance?

Is there health insurance for pre-existing conditions? Choosing a health plan is no longer based on the concept of a pre-existing condition. A health insurer cannot deny you coverage or raise rates for plans if you have a medical condition at the time of enrollment.

Does the insurance company have access to medical records?

Due to state and federal privacy laws, an insurance company must obtain a claimant's written permission in order to access medical records.

How far back can insurance companies audit?

Typically, they might seek medical records from the last 5-7 years. That's the general timeline for medical record checks, but insurance companies can go back even further when exploring other facets of your past, such as driving history or previous insurance claims.

How far back do accidents affect insurance?

Typically, the DMV will hold onto these records for around 3 years, but this can go up to 10 years if the accident involves a commercial vehicle. This 3-year countdown also starts on the day that the accident occurred.

How many years does Progressive go back?

Progressive gets your driving record from your state's DMV or LexisNexis, and they check the past 3 years for accidents and moving violations. If you were cited for a moving violation or got into an accident mid-policy, your rates will not change until your next renewal.

How often do insurance companies deny claims?

Companies' denial rates vary more than would be expected, ranging from as low as 2% to as high as almost 50%. Plans' denial rates often fluctuate dramatically from year to year.

What is the best car insurance for people over 65?

State Farm is our top pick for auto and home insurance for seniors, thanks to their affordable plans and excellent customer service.

Does credit score affect car insurance?

How credit-based insurance scores work. Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

How far back does Allstate look at your driving record?

Allstate gets your driving record from your state's DMV or LexisNexis, and they check the past 3 years for accidents and moving violations. If you were cited for a moving violation or got into an accident mid-policy, your rates will not change until your next renewal.

How many years do insurance companies look back?

In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.

What happens if you don't pay insurance back?

If you don't pay all owed premiums, you may lose your coverage dating back to the first month you missed the premium payment. You may also have to wait to get health coverage. The 3-month premium payment grace period starts the first month you didn't pay, even if you make payments for the following months.

What is the clawback period for insurance?

How Far Back Can Insurers Go? Unfortunately for providers, insurers often have a significant window of time to pursue clawbacks. The exact time frame varies by state, but it can range anywhere from 6 months to 3 years after the initial payment.

What do insurance companies fear the most?

It's simple: Insurance companies' legal teams hate having to go before juries. Naturally, it's up to juries to apply the law in a fair and even-handed manner. However, it never helps insurance companies to be seen as the villains who are trying to get one over on people in genuine need.

Who is the most trusted insurance company?

Best car insurance companies
  • Best for customer satisfaction: Erie Insurance.
  • Best for seniors: Nationwide.
  • Best for liability insurance: Auto-Owners.
  • Best for claims filing : State Farm.
  • Best for bundling: American Family.
  • Best for accident forgiveness: Progressive.
  • Best for military members and veterans: USAA.