Your driving history directly affects your car insurance costs. What you’ve done behind the wheel can hit your wallet hard when it’s time to pay for coverage. Many car insurance companies make this a top consideration when figuring out what to charge you, and understanding this connection can help you make smarter choices and possibly cut your insurance bills.
What Is a Driving Record?
Your driving record (also known as your motor vehicle record or MVR) is an official document maintained by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that tracks your driving history. It includes all driving-related issues, such as tickets for speeding or running red lights, accidents (whether your fault or not), suspensions, and other incidents linked to your license, revealing a complete picture of your behavior behind the wheel. Insurers check your driving record to figure out how risky you might be to cover.
Most states use a points system for traffic violations, giving each offense a number based on how bad it was. For instance, a minor speeding violation might get you fewer points than dangerous driving. In most places, these points hang around on your MVR for two to three years from when you got the ticket. In some states, serious offences such as DUIs can stick around for way longer — sometimes up to 10 years or more. Different aspects of your record affect your insurance rates to varying degrees — with serious stuff hiking your premiums way more than minor slip-ups.
How Driving Records Affect Insurance Rates
Most insurance companies look at the last three to five years of your driving history when setting their rates. This timeframe changes depending on where you live and how bad any violations were. Drivers with clean histories usually pay less, while those with tickets or accidents often shell out more. How much more depends on what you did and how many times you did it. After receiving a speeding ticket, the average car insurance rate jumps about 25%. Get a DUI, and you might see rates shoot up by 70% or more.
State-Specific Differences in Insurance Rates
The impact of driving violations on insurance rates differs greatly between states due to varying insurance rules, coverage requirements, population densities, and crash statistics. States also differ in how they count violations, with some using point systems and others not.
In Illinois, drivers with clean records typically pay about $179 per month for full coverage. Get a speeding ticket, and that jumps to $230 monthly — a 28.49% increase. Accidents have even more of an impact. After a crash, average monthly premiums climb to $268 — nearly 50% more than what drivers with clean records pay. These numbers show why keeping a clean record in Illinois matters so much. Illinois uses a point system for traffic violations, too, which affects how long these misdemeanors follow you around and keep your rates high.
Strategies To Improve Your Driving Record
To reduce your insurance costs, focus on improving your driving record. Safe driving means sticking to traffic laws and avoiding new violations. Defensive driving courses can help, too, as many insurers offer discounts of 5% to 20% for completion. These courses typically cost just $20 to $40 and quickly pay for themselves through savings on your premiums.
If you receive a ticket, consider contesting it when appropriate, and look into usage-based insurance programs that reward good driving habits with lower rates. It’s important to maintain continuous coverage, as gaps can concern insurers. Also, remember that your violations will eventually expire.
Lowering Insurance Rates Despite a Poor Driving Record
If your driving record is less than ideal, you’ve still got options. First, shop around. Different companies charge wildly different rates based on the same driving history. Some insurers specialize in covering high-risk drivers and might offer better deals. Think about raising your deductible, too. Paying more out-of-pocket when an incident occurs typically means lower monthly bills.
Bundling your car insurance with your home or renters coverage can give you extra discounts. Take advantage of any available price savings, such as those for good students or low mileage. In many states, a better credit score can also lower your car insurance, and you can also trade in your vehicle for a cheaper car to insure. While these tricks can help in the short term, nothing beats improving your actual driving record over time.
Checking and Managing Your Driving Record
Check your driving record regularly — it’s as essential as checking your credit report. You can get a copy from your state’s DMV. Make sure to review your record before shopping for insurance quotes. That way, you’ll know exactly what insurers will see when sizing you up.
Most states let you request your record online for a small fee. If you find any mistakes, dispute them right away. Some states allow certain violations to be removed after a set period of time or if you meet specific requirements. Why pay higher rates because of outdated info or mistakes?
Take Control of Your Insurance Rates With American Auto Insurance
Keeping a clean driving record matters for both your safety and your bank account. A bad driving history can send your insurance costs sky-high, but you can turn things around. Safe driving habits, defensive driving courses, and keeping tabs on your record all help lower your rates over time.
Need help? Give our team at American Auto Insurance a call at 773-286-3500. We can walk you through the options that suit your situation and budget. We also offer specialized coverage, such as SR-22 insurance and plans designed for Illinois drivers.
Man Sitting on the Driver’s Seat Looking at the Police Officer by Kindel Media is licensed with Pexels License
