Driving Records: Auto Insurance Access

Your driving record is a major factor in determining your car insurance premiums. A good driving record results in lower premiums, while a history of accidents or serious traffic violations makes you a higher risk to insure and leads to higher premiums. Insurers check your driving record when you apply for a new policy and at renewal. They typically look back at the previous three to five years of your driving history, although this can vary depending on the state and insurer. You can check your own driving record by requesting a copy from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a small fee. This will allow you to see what the insurance company sees and help you avoid surprises on your insurance bill.

How to check your driving record

Checking your driving record is a straightforward process and can be done online, by mail, or in person. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check your driving record:

Step 1: Determine the Type of Driving Record

Different types of driving records are available, such as residential history records, certified true copies, complete extract copies, and limited extract copies. Each type serves a specific purpose, such as official use by government agencies, personal use, or background checks by employers or insurance companies.

Step 2: Identify the Appropriate Department

The specific department you need to contact to obtain your driving record may vary depending on your state. In most cases, you will need to reach out to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Public Safety.

Step 3: Submit a Request

You can submit a request for your driving record through the relevant department's website, by mail, or in person. Be prepared to provide personal information, such as your name, address, driver's license number, and Social Security number.

Step 4: Pay the Applicable Fees

Obtaining a copy of your driving record typically incurs a fee, which can range from $2 to $25, depending on your state and the type of record requested. Some states may offer free access to certain types of driving records, such as a summary of driving record points.

Step 5: Receive the Record

Once your request is processed and any applicable fees are paid, you will receive your driving record. You may be able to view and print it online, or you may receive it by mail, depending on the options provided by your state.

It is important to note that the process may vary slightly from state to state, and you should refer to your specific state's guidelines for detailed instructions on checking your driving record. Additionally, keep in mind that your driving record can impact your car insurance rates, as insurance companies use it to assess your risk as a driver.

How driving records impact insurance rates

Driving records are a major factor in determining car insurance premiums. A good driving record generally results in lower premiums, while a history of accidents, traffic violations, and license points can make your insurance rate go up or even cause your insurance company to drop you.

Insurance companies review your driving record when you apply for a new policy and at renewal. They will check for accidents, moving violations, claims, and tickets. Minor violations, such as speeding tickets, can increase your insurance rate by $45 per month on average. More serious violations, such as DUIs, can result in your insurance company refusing to renew your policy or dropping you altogether.

The impact of your driving record on your insurance rates also depends on the state you live in. Most insurance companies look back at the previous three to five years of your driving record, but this can vary by state and insurance company. For example, in California, a DUI remains on your record for ten years, while an accident has a look-back period of three years.

If you have a negative driving record, you may be able to improve your insurance rate by taking a defensive driving course or shopping around for a new insurance company. Maintaining a clean driving record is the best way to keep your insurance rates low.

What's included in a driving record

A driving record, also known as a DMV record or motor vehicle record, is a major factor in determining car insurance premiums. A good driving record generally results in lower premiums, while a history of accidents or serious traffic violations will make your insurance more expensive.

In the US, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in each state maintains driving records, which can be requested for a fee. The information included in a driving record varies by state, but generally contains the following:

• Personal information: name, date of birth, social security number, address, and driver's license number.
• License status: whether the license is valid, expired, or suspended.
• Traffic violations: details of any traffic tickets, including speeding, and any associated points on the license.
• Convictions: any traffic-related convictions, including DUIs.
• Accidents: records of any at-fault accidents.
• Driver control actions: such as failure to yield or come to a complete stop.
• Driver training: whether the driver has attended traffic school or driver training courses.

It's important to note that a driving record may not include pending charges for traffic violations or your driving history outside of the US. Additionally, each state has different types of driving records for different purposes, such as background checks or court appearances. For example, North Carolina offers residential history records, certified true copies, complete extract copies, and limited extract copies, while New York offers standard, limited, and commercial driving records.

The length of time that incidents remain on a driving record also varies by state but typically ranges from three to ten years. After this period, the incidents will no longer impact insurance premiums.

How insurance companies use your driving record

When applying for car insurance, insurance companies conduct a risk assessment to determine how to classify the applicant, for example, as low risk or high risk. The best way to assess the applicant is to review their driving history, which includes moving violations and accidents, including at-fault and not-at-fault. The insurance company can estimate the level of insurance risk based on the frequency and severity of recent driving violations and collisions.

Insurance companies typically check the past 3-10 years of a driver's record to determine a quote. They can get your driving record from your local DMV or LexisNexis. While they cannot pull your full motor vehicle report (MVR), they do pull a summary listing your most recent tickets, accidents, and convictions. The lookback period for your MVR varies by state and company, but it is generally between three and five years. For example, in California, a DUI remains on the MVR record for 10 years, whereas an accident has a look-back period of three years.

If there are several accidents or traffic infractions, the driver is more likely to have similar problems in the future, increasing the insurer's liability. They will probably make multiple, costly insurance claims, so the insurance company may deem the driver too risky to insure or may charge an increased rate to compensate for the probability of paying out claims.

Accidents and traffic violations are the main red flags that raise insurance rates. One accident can increase auto insurance rates by an average of $80 per month, while one speeding ticket can raise your rates by $45 per month.

In addition to your driving record, car insurance companies will also check your Claims Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report, which tells them how often you have made insurance claims on your car and home, helping them predict your future claim risk.

How to get a better insurance rate

Your driving record is a major factor in determining your car insurance premiums. A good driving record generally results in lower premiums, while a history of accidents or serious traffic violations will increase your premiums as you are deemed a higher risk.

Maintain a Good Driving Record

This is one of the best ways to keep your auto insurance costs down. Accidents and traffic violations are the main red flags that raise insurance rates. A “clean” driving record means having no accidents, tickets, or recent claims. Even one accident can increase your auto insurance rates by an average of $80 per month, while one speeding ticket can raise your rates by $45 per month.

Shop Around for Better Rates

Compare quotes from several companies. Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around and get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly, access information online, or check with your state insurance department for comparisons of prices charged by major insurers.

Increase Your Deductibles

Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30%. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40% or more. Just be sure you have enough money set aside to pay the deductible in case of a claim.

Take Advantage of Discounts

Ask about group insurance, as some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through their employers or certain associations. You may also get a discount for being a good/safe driver, paying by bank account, having telematics or in-car safety features, or owning a green vehicle.

Reduce Coverage on Older Cars

Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, the coverage may not be cost-effective. Review your coverage at renewal time to ensure it aligns with your insurance needs.

Improve Your Credit Rating

Many insurers use credit information to price auto insurance policies. Research shows that people who effectively manage their credit have fewer claims. Pay your bills on time, don't obtain more credit than you need, and keep your credit balances low.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

Insurance companies sometimes provide discounts to drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course. These courses can also help reduce the number of points on your license.

Bundle Your Policies

If you own a home or condo, consider bundling your auto insurance with your homeowners or renters insurance. Keeping all your insurance policies together with the same company will usually result in lower premiums.

Compare Insurance Costs Before Buying a Car

Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car's price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Insurers often offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft, so it's worth checking insurance costs before buying a new or used car.

Review Your Coverage

Drop any coverage you don't need. For example, if you're driving an older automobile, it may not make sense to buy collision coverage if the car is only worth $1,000 and the coverage will cost you $500 per year.

Frequently asked questions