Your driving record is one of the most critical factors insurers consider when determining your auto insurance premiums. It’s a snapshot of your behavior behind the wheel—highlighting your safety, reliability, and risk level as a driver. A clean record can significantly reduce your insurance costs, while a history of violations can drive your rates through the roof. In this in-depth guide, we break down exactly how your driving history influences what you pay and what you can do to lower your premium, even with past mistakes.
What’s Included in a Driving Record?
Before you can understand how your record affects your premiums, you need to know what’s on it.
Key Components:
- Traffic violations (speeding, red light, reckless driving)
- Accidents (at-fault and not-at-fault)
- DUI/DWI convictions
- License suspensions or revocations
- Points on your license (depending on your state)
Each of these elements tells insurers how much risk they’re taking on by covering you.
How Insurers Use Your Driving Record
Car insurance companies use your record to evaluate your likelihood of filing a claim. They input your driving history into underwriting algorithms that determine your rate.
Examples of Impact:
- Clean Record: May result in the best pricing and eligibility for safe-driver discounts
- Minor Violations: Could cause a 10–20% increase in premiums
- Major Violations or At-Fault Accidents: Could double your premium or result in policy cancellation
Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers, but those policies tend to be more expensive and limited in coverage.
Types of Incidents and Their Premium Effects
Not all violations are equal. Here’s how common infractions affect premiums:
Speeding Tickets:
- Minor (<10 mph over limit): 10–15% rate increase
- Major (>20 mph over): 20–30% or more
At-Fault Accidents:
- First-time: Up to 40% increase
- Multiple accidents: Rates can double or triple
DUI/DWI:
- 50–100% premium increase
- Mandatory SR-22 filing
- May require non-standard (high-risk) insurance
Reckless Driving, Racing, Hit & Run:
- Considered major offenses
- Often result in denial or cancellation of coverage
- Required to carry high-risk insurance for 3–5 years
How Long Do Incidents Stay on Your Record?
Most violations and accidents don’t stay on your record forever. However, the duration depends on the type and severity.
Typical Duration by Offense:
- Minor ticket: 3 years
- At-fault accident: 3–5 years
- DUI/DWI: 5–10 years (varies by state)
- License suspension: 3–5 years
Good news: the older the incident, the less weight it carries over time. After a clean record for a few years, your rates may decrease again.
Safe Driving Discounts and Rewards
Insurers often provide rewards for drivers with a clean or improving record.
Examples:
- Safe Driver Discount: Up to 20–25% for no claims or violations in 3–5 years
- Accident-Free Discount: Even higher if combined with other safe driving behaviors
- Usage-Based Programs: Telematics apps track real-time driving to offer personalized discounts
Pro Tip:
Enroll in safe-driving programs to rebuild trust with insurers even after an incident.
How to Check and Improve Your Driving Record
Staying informed is the first step to controlling your insurance costs.
To Check Your Record:
- Request a copy from your state DMV (usually a small fee)
- Review for errors or outdated violations
To Improve It:
- Take a defensive driving course (may remove points or reduce rates)
- Drive safely and avoid further infractions
- Stay insured continuously without lapses
Can You Get Insurance with a Bad Driving Record?
Yes, but it may cost more and limit your options.
Options for High-Risk Drivers:
- Non-standard insurers: Companies that specialize in high-risk drivers (e.g., The General, Dairyland)
- State-assigned risk pools: Last-resort option if no private insurers will accept you
- SR-22 Policies: Required after DUI or license suspension; not a type of insurance but proof of coverage
Improving your record over time helps you transition back to standard coverage.
Tips to Lower Premiums with a Spotty Record
Even with blemishes on your record, you can reduce insurance costs.
Strategies:
- Shop around: Different insurers weigh violations differently
- Increase deductibles: Lower premiums in exchange for higher out-of-pocket costs
- Bundle policies: Home + Auto can trigger discounts
- Maintain continuous coverage: Avoid gaps
- Use telematics to prove improved driving habits
Final Thoughts: Your Driving Record = Your Insurance Scorecard
Your driving record acts like a report card for insurance companies. The safer you are behind the wheel, the less risk you pose—and the more you’ll save. While past mistakes can hurt, they aren’t forever. With careful driving, education, and smart insurance shopping, you can recover from a poor record and return to low premium territory.