How Driving History Impacts Insurance Rates
Your driving history is one of the most important factors insurance companies consider when determining your auto insurance rates. A clean record with no violations or accidents can lead to lower premiums, while incidents such as speeding tickets, DUIs, and at-fault accidents can drive up your costs.
Insurance providers assess risk by reviewing past driving behavior—drivers with multiple infractions are statistically more likely to file claims, leading to higher premiums. On the other hand, a history of responsible driving indicates lower risk, making insurers more likely to offer competitive rates and discounts. Understanding how your driving record impacts your insurance can help you take steps to keep costs down and maintain better coverage options.
What Counts as Your Driving History?
A driving history is a record of your past behavior on the road, maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Insurers use this data to calculate auto insurance premiums.
Key Elements of a Driving Record
- Traffic Violations – Speeding, running red lights, failure to yield, and distracted driving.
- Accident History – At-fault accidents and claims filed impact rates.
- DUI/DWI Convictions – Among the most serious offenses, these can double or triple premiums and stay on your record for years.
- License Suspensions – A suspended or revoked license makes it difficult to get standard insurance.
- Driving Experience – New drivers or those with minimal experience usually pay higher premiums.
How Insurers Use Your Driving Record to Determine Rates
Insurance companies rely on risk assessment models to estimate how likely a driver is to file a claim. The more violations or accidents on your record, the higher the risk—and the more you’ll pay for coverage.
How Far Back Insurers Look at Your Driving Record
Insurers review your driving history within a specific lookback period, which varies by state and provider. Here’s a general guideline:
- Minor violations (speeding, failure to yield): 3–5 years
- At-fault accidents: 3–5 years
- Major violations (DUI, reckless driving): 5–10+ years
- License suspensions: 5–7 years
Once an infraction drops off your record, you may see lower insurance rates.
Driving Infractions That Raise Insurance Rates
Certain traffic violations and accidents can significantly increase your insurance premiums.
Minor Violations (Moderate Rate Increases)
| Violation | Average Rate Increase | Stays on Record For |
| Speeding (1-10 mph over limit) | 15-20% | 3-5 years |
| Speeding (11+ mph over limit) | 20-30% | 3-5 years |
| Failure to stop or yield | 15-20% | 3-5 years |
| Distracted driving | 25-35% | 3-5 years |
Major Violations (Significant Rate Increases)
| Violation | Average Rate Increase | Stays on Record For |
| DUI/DWI | 50-100%+ | 10+ years |
| Reckless driving | 50-80% | 5-10 years |
| Hit-and-run | 75-150% | Permanent in some states |
| Street racing | 100%+ | 7-10 years |
At-Fault Accidents (Severe Rate Increases)
| Type of Accident | Average Rate Increase | Stays on Record For |
| Single at-fault accident | 30-50% | 3-5 years |
| Multiple at-fault accidents | 50-100%+ | 5-7 years |
| At-fault accident with injury | 75-150% | 5-10 years |
How a Clean Driving Record Can Lower Insurance Costs
A spotless driving history not only keeps your premiums low but also unlocks discounts and better policy options.
Benefits of a Clean Driving Record
- Lower Premiums – Safe drivers typically pay 30-50% less than those with violations.
- Discounts & Incentives – Many insurers offer safe driver discounts, defensive driving course reductions, and accident-free rewards.
- Better Coverage Options – A good record qualifies you for standard policies with lower deductibles.
Defensive Driving Courses & Insurance Savings
Taking a defensive driving course can reduce your insurance costs and, in some states, remove points from your record.
| State | Insurance Discount | Points Removed |
| New York | 10% | Up to 4 points |
| Texas | 5-10% | 2-3 points |
| Florida | 10% | Varies |
Check with your state’s DMV and insurer to confirm eligibility.
How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Record?
The duration depends on your state and the severity of the offense:
- Minor violations: 3–5 years
- At-fault accidents: 3–5 years
- Reckless driving: 5–10 years
- DUI/DWI: 7–10 years (some states maintain them permanently)
Once a violation drops off, your insurer may lower your rates—but you might need to request a policy re-evaluation.
How to Improve Your Driving Record & Lower Your Rates
Steps to Rebuild Your Driving History
- Adopt Safe Driving Habits – Follow speed limits, avoid distractions, and drive defensively.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course – Could lower premiums by 5-15%.
- Dispute Errors on Your Record – If your report contains inaccuracies, contact the DMV for corrections.
- Shop for Better Insurance Rates – Some insurers offer better deals for drivers actively improving their records.
Special Considerations for High-Risk Drivers
If you have multiple violations or serious infractions, you may be required to carry SR-22 or FR-44 insurance, which verifies financial responsibility.
| Filing Type | Who Needs It | Duration Required |
| SR-22 | DUI, multiple violations, license suspension | 3-5 years |
| FR-44 | Severe DUI offenses | 4-10 years |
High-risk drivers can return to standard insurance after maintaining a clean record for several years.
How to Check Your Driving Record
Checking your driving record regularly ensures accuracy and helps prevent unjustified rate increases.
How to Obtain a Copy
- Online – Most state DMV websites allow drivers to request records for a small fee.
- In-Person – Visit your local DMV with a valid ID and request a copy.
- Mail Request – Some states allow mail-in applications but may take weeks to process.
Conclusion
Your driving history is a key factor in determining your auto insurance rates. Keeping a clean record lowers your premiums, unlocks discounts, and gives you better policy options.
By practicing safe driving, taking defensive driving courses, and regularly checking your record, you can maintain lower insurance costs. If you have violations, proactive steps—like improving your record and shopping for better policies—can help reduce financial impacts over time.
FAQs
How does driving record affect your insurance?
A clean driving record leads to lower insurance rates, while violations like speeding, DUIs, and at-fault accidents increase premiums.
- Minor violations (speeding, failure to stop): 15-30% rate increase, stays 3-5 years
- Major violations (DUI, reckless driving): 50-100%+ increase, stays 5-10 years
- At-fault accidents: 30-50% increase, stays 3-5 years
Safe drivers may qualify for discounts, while high-risk drivers face higher costs or policy restrictions.
How do insurance apps know who’s driving?
Insurance apps use GPS, motion sensors, Bluetooth, and trip classification to track driving habits and identify the driver. Some require manual trip labeling, while others recognize patterns over time. Programs like Progressive Snapshot and State Farm Drive Safe & Save offer discounts based on safe driving data.
Is 79 a good driving score?
A driving score of 79 is considered average to good in most telematics programs.
- 80-100 – Excellent (highest discounts)
- 70-79 – Good (moderate discounts)
- 50-69 – Fair (needs improvement)
- Below 50 – Risky (may increase rates)
Improving braking, speed control, and reducing phone use can help raise your score and maximize insurance savings.