Your Car Insurance Policy and Your Driving History

by Ronel Forbes

March 25, 2022

One of the most important elements that determines how much you spend for vehicle insurance is your driving record. In general, having a good driving record lowers your insurance prices.

A history of accidents or significant traffic offenses, on the other hand, gives you a higher insurance risk and will almost certainly increase your premiums.

But how can you find out what’s on your driving record and how it affects your insurance rates? Learn how to examine your driving record and evaluate the information included therein if you’re looking for new insurance coverage.

Reviewing the applicant’s driving history, which often includes moving violations and accidents, both at-fault and not-at-fault, is the best approach to assess them. Based on the frequency and severity of recent driving offenses and collisions, the insurance provider can determine the amount of insurance risk.

What effect does a clean driving record have on Car insurance?

Excellent and experienced motorcyclists with a clean driving record benefit from lower bike insurance costs and, in most cases, superior coverage alternatives. Riding well, cleanly, and safely pays off! If you have a clean driving record, you have a number of insurers to choose from who may provide you cheap insurance rates and coverage.

Why? There are various elements that an insurer considers when determining how much bike insurance will cost.

There are a few things to consider when determining your motorcycle insurance.

Your vehicle’s model
Where are you going to ride? (location)
Your vehicle’s year of production
Riding history/record
History of a claim
Type of plan

Drivers who are less prone to file claims during the policy period are offered lower insurance premiums by insurers. Insurers are more likely to offer major money-saving benefits to riders who have an excellent riding record.

Factors that influence a Driver’s record

Your riding record is influenced by a number of factors. The following are the most important aspects that influence your riding record.

Violations of traffic rules and regulations might ruin your riding record and lead to you being labeled as a bad rider. Overspeeding, jumping traffic signals, and other traffic offenses result in a poor riding record. As a result, you must adhere to the rules and regulations as well as the safety of other road users.
Payment of citation late or not at all: If you do not pay your traffic violation citation on time, it indicates your laid-back attitude. While you should not disobey traffic laws, if you do obtain a citation make sure you pay the fee before the deadline.
Accidents: An accident caused by negligence can have a negative influence on your driving record since you will be regarded as reckless. This can have a significant impact on your driving record.
Risky riding: Careless, rash, or dangerous riding can have a negative impact on your riding history and premium, as well as put your life in danger.

How to keep a clean driving record?

Now that you understand the significance of your riding record, make sure to follow the steps outlined below to maintain a spotless record.

Drive safely: Always ride responsibly on the road and show consideration for other road users. Riding irresponsibly can endanger you and others. Never ride in a combative manner. Make sure you and others are safe.

Follow the regulations of the road: Traffic rules are in place to ensure the safety of all road users. Make sure you don’t speed, run red lights, park in no-parking zones, or do anything else that could harm your riding record.

Maintain a spotless riding record by following the regulations.

Pay fines on time: If you receive an invoice for a traffic infringement, make sure you pay the fine on time to avoid further penalties and keep your driving record clean.

Your Driving Record and How Insurance Companies Use It

As part of the underwriting process for car insurance, the insurance company undertakes a risk assessment. This evaluation, or selection process, includes determining how to categorize the applicant.

While your car insurance company is unable to obtain a complete motor vehicle report (MVR), it can obtain a summary of your most recent fines, accidents, and convictions. Your MVR’s lookback time varies by state and insurance carrier. This time frame is usually between three and five years, but it can be considerably longer.

If the driver has a history of accidents or traffic violations, he or she is more likely than other drivers to have similar issues in the future, putting the insurer’s coverage at risk. They’ll also very certainly file many, expensive insurance claims.

As a result, the insurance company may deem the motorist too dangerous to insure, or it may charge a higher rate to compensate for the likelihood of paying claims.

What If My Record Isn’t Clean?

If your violations are older than the lookback period, they are removed from your insurance summary and are no longer taken into account when calculating your premium. If your insurance provider has a three-year lookback period, for example, an accident you had in 2017 will be removed from your record in 2020.

If you haven’t had any new collisions, your insurance premiums may drop when you renew your coverage.