Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

How can an insurance company add an accident to your record that never happened?

I received a call last year from my insurance company asking questions about an accident my wife and I were never in. Different county, car color, and it just was not us. The only link was my wife’s first name in a police report. That is nowhere near enough evidence. As I said, it wasn’t even the same color car we have insured with the company, which they could have seen if they looked into it more themselves. Needless to say, a year later I just saw this “accident” on my newest insurance quote. How is this legal and did this cost me extra all year? I’m shocked by this, it just seems so wrong. Can they do this to anyone with insurance?

Jan 30, 2020 Medford, NY

Answer
Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

I would contact the insurance company that listed the claim and start a dispute. They really shouldn't be able to put you down for this claim. I imagine it was an error made on their part if it wasn't even your insured vehicle. If the company is uncooperative, you may want to dispute it with a company called LexisNexis. They are the ones that provide the most commonly-used accident reports on the market called CLUE reports.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Do I need to report a fix-it ticket when applying for new auto insurance?

As long as your license wasn't suspended as a result — or other violations that affect your driving record — you do not have to report fix-it tickets to your insurance company. Insurers typically will only rate against moving violations that show up on your motor vehicle record (MVR).If you&#x…
Feb 25, 2020 Arlington, TX

I started a claim but canceled it with no payout. Why is it on my CLUE report?

Unfortunately, if you start the claims process, the insurance company can list it on your CLUE report through LexisNexis which contains your claims history — even if there was no payout or resolution. You can dispute with State Farm to see if they will remove it, but at this point, that is really t…
Jul 7, 2019 La Mirada, CA

Do I need international motorcycle insurance?

Several companies will insure you with an International driver's license. Remember that most companies will add a surcharge to the policy because they cannot verify your driving history. The surcharge will vary by company and typically they will require you to show proof of your International …
Aug 13, 2018 Niagara Falls, NY

Driving record transfer from state to state

Most companies will only run the current MVR so in your case Texas would be pulled and the Illinois ticket will not show up. The issue would be if the underwriters pull the Illinois records and see the ticket they will add it to your policy after you have bound it. My best advice is to disclose the…
Apr 10, 2018 Dallas, Texas