Jane Dotson
Driving records are an important factor in determining insurance premiums. In Maryland, insurance companies can access your DMV records to calculate your premiums. While Baltimore Life Insurance has not made public whether they check your driving record, insurance companies generally look at the past three to five years of your driving history. This is because a poor driving record is associated with an increased risk of filing a claim. Consequently, a bad driving record will result in higher insurance premiums.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baltimore life insurance checks your driving record | Yes |
| How often do auto insurance companies check your driving record? | Every 3-5 years |
| How long do tickets stay on your record in Maryland? | Up to 10 years |
| How to check your driving record in Maryland | Go to the Motor Vehicle Administration website and request a copy |
| Cost of checking your driving record in Maryland | $9 for a non-certified copy or $12 for a certified copy |
What You'll Learn
How to check your driving record in Baltimore
To check your driving record in Baltimore, you must request a copy of your Maryland driving record. This can be done online, by mail, or in person.
Online
Go to the Motor Vehicle Administration website and fill out the online form with your personal information. You will need to provide your full name, driver's license number, address, and date of birth. Pay the $9 fee ($12 for a certified copy) and then print or save your driving record.
By Mail
Complete a request for Motor Vehicle records and mail the request with a certified cashier's check or money order for $9 ($12 for a certified copy) to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, Driver Services Division, 6601 Ritchie Highway, NE, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21062.
In Person
You can also get your driving record in person at any MVA branch office.
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The impact of driving records on life insurance rates
Driving records can have a significant impact on life insurance rates. While a perfect driving record can help secure lower premiums, a history of violations or accidents can lead to higher rates or even rejection of coverage. Insurance providers assess an individual's driving record during the underwriting process to determine their level of risk. Underwriters examine various factors, including the severity, recency, and frequency of infractions, to evaluate the likelihood of a premature life insurance payout.
In Baltimore, Maryland, a single accident on one's driving record can result in monthly insurance rates of around $217, while a single ticket can lead to an average monthly rate of $189. These rates are significantly higher than the average cost of car insurance in the city, which is about $180 per month.
The presence of DUIs or DWIs on a driving record can be particularly detrimental. Some insurance companies may outright reject life insurance applications if there is a DUI or DWI within the past five years. Reckless driving violations can also lead to similar issues, though not all insurers treat these infractions with the same level of severity.
It is advisable for individuals to review their driving records before applying for life insurance to anticipate how their records may influence their insurance eligibility and rates. Consulting with an insurance broker and being transparent about one's driving history can help individuals make informed decisions about their coverage options.
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How to get insurance with a bad driving record
While there is no information on whether Baltimore Life Insurance checks your driving record, it is important to note that all car insurance companies do check your driving record when you apply for coverage. This is because they need to assess the risk of providing insurance to you. A bad driving record will generally lead to higher insurance costs as insurers believe you are more likely to cause an accident in the future.
- Look for high-risk policies: High-risk policies are designed for drivers who are considered more likely than average to file a claim. Some national insurance companies, like Geico and Progressive, offer insurance options for bad drivers, including those who need an SR-22 or FR-44. Other companies that specialize in nonstandard insurance for high-risk drivers include The General and Dairyland.
- Research non-standard insurers: If you are unable to find coverage from a standard insurance company, consider insurers that specialize in high-risk car insurance. For example, The General provides coverage for different types of high-risk drivers, from those who have never been insured before to those with accidents or moving violations on their records.
- Check your state's assigned-risk insurance pool: States with assigned-risk pools require all insurers operating within the state to participate. When you apply for coverage through the pool, the state will assign your policy to a participating insurer, who must offer you coverage. However, not all states have assigned-risk pools, and you will generally pay higher rates if you obtain coverage in this way.
- Consider pay-per-mile or telematics insurance: If you don't drive many miles or are committed to improving your driving skills, usage-based insurance may be a good option. Pay-per-mile coverage allows you to pay only for the miles you drive, while telematics policies typically reward good driving habits with lower rates.
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers: Comparison shopping is a great way to find the lowest rates available for high-risk drivers. Use a comparison website to see quotes from multiple companies and choose the best option for your needs.
- Bundle your insurance policies: Consider bundling your car insurance with another policy, such as homeowners insurance. Some insurers may offer more favourable rates if you have multiple policies with them.
- Take a defensive driving course: Depending on your state, completing a defensive driving course may help remove points from your record. Additionally, brushing up on your defensive driving skills may help you drive more safely in the future.
- Wait for offenses to be removed from your record: If a past ticket is due to be removed from your record soon, you may want to wait until your record is clean before shopping for a new policy. This could result in lower insurance rates.
- Speak to a broker or agent: If you have a complex driving history, consider consulting a professional who can help you explore your options and communicate with the underwriting department on your behalf. Be honest about your driving record to ensure they have accurate information.
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How long do tickets stay on your record?
The length of time that a ticket stays on your record varies depending on the state and the severity of the violation. In most of the U.S., speeding tickets and the points associated with them will stay on your record for three to five years. However, in certain states, such as Texas, a speeding ticket will remain on your driving record permanently, although it will only impact your insurance rates for three to five years.
In California, a speeding ticket will stay on your record for three to seven years. In New York, a speeding ticket can remain on your record for up to four years, and in Florida, it can stay for five years. The state of Maryland is an outlier, with tickets remaining on your record for up to 10 years if your license has been suspended.
The number of points added to your driving record also depends on the state and the speed at which you were driving. For example, in New York, speeding violations can result in three to 11 points, whereas in Nevada, you will receive between one and five points for speeding.
It is important to note that insurance companies typically consider the past three to five years of your driving history when determining your rates. Therefore, even if a ticket stays on your record for a more extended period, it may not impact your insurance rates for the entire duration.
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How to check points on your license
Checking the points on your license is a straightforward process, although it varies slightly depending on your state. All but nine states use a driver's license point system to track traffic violations. Each type of violation is assigned a specific number of points, and if you are guilty of that violation, those points are added to your driving record. When a driver accrues more than a specified number of points, their license can be suspended or revoked, and insurance companies will also increase rates for customers with multiple traffic violations.
Checking Your Points Online
Most state motor vehicle agencies have a website for checking points on licenses. This service is free, but you may need to create an account before checking your points. Go to the website of your state's motor vehicle agency and look for a link to the 'driver's license check' or 'driver's license status' page. Enter the requested information, which typically includes your name and driver's license number. You can then access your driving record and view any points on your license.
Other Ways to Check Your Points
If your state does not offer a website for checking your driver's license, you may need to request this information by phone, by mailing in a form, or by visiting a field office in person. Third-party vendors can also provide a driving record report for a fee, which is usually quicker than requesting a copy of your driving record by phone or mail.
Example: Checking Your Points in Maryland
In Maryland, you can check your driving record by going to the Motor Vehicle Administration website and requesting a copy. It costs $9 ($12 for a certified copy), and you will need to provide your full name, driver's license number, address, and date of birth. You can also purchase your driving record by mail by completing a request for Motor Vehicle records and mailing the request with a certified cashier's check or money order to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, Driver Services Division, 6601 Ritchie Highway, NE, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21062. Alternatively, you can get your record in person at any MVA branch office.
Example: Checking Your Points in Michigan
In Michigan, the Secretary of State maintains driving records for each motorist in the state. Drivers can obtain a copy of their DMV record, which contains information related to their traffic history, such as any traffic tickets, violations, infractions, or offenses. To check your license points, request a copy of your MI driver record online. The Michigan Secretary of State will place a certain number of points on your driving record, corresponding to any traffic infractions you have committed. If you accumulate too many points, your license may be suspended or revoked.
Example: Checking Your Points in Georgia
Licensed Georgia residents can check their points by creating an Online Services account or downloading the DDS 2 GO Mobile App to check their license status and the number of points on their license. To reduce points on your Georgia driver's license, you must successfully complete a certified Driver Improvement (defensive driving) course.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, insurance companies will check your driving record when you apply for coverage. They will take into account the past 3-5 years of your driving history when determining your rates.
You can check your driving record in Maryland by going to the Motor Vehicle Administration website and requesting a copy. It costs $9 for a non-certified copy or $12 for a certified copy.
Your driving record can impact your life insurance rates because it helps insurance providers determine how risky you are to insure. A person with a perfect driving record is considered low risk, while someone with a history of speeding is considered higher risk.
