When putting together an auto insurance policy, insurers consider various factors. One of the key considerations is your driving history, and so your insurance company will review your motor vehicle and CLUE reports to assess your driving history. These documents list your tickets and claims. In case the documents reveal that you’ve been issued license points due to traffic violations such as DUI, driving while distracted, or speeding – your car insurance premiums will be more expensive. Here’s some more information on this topic.
Driver’s License Points – The Basics
Most states use a points system to tally traffic violations and collisions. The states’ DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) keeps this record of motorists’ infractions. Accumulating driver’s license points can lead to penalties, including license suspension or even revocation. License points are added to your record in case of a traffic violation (speeding, reckless or drunk driving, texting while driving, or illegal turns) or at-fault collision. While not every state relies on a points system, all states maintain a record of each driver’s moving violations and can revoke or suspend licenses.
Do All States Use the Points System?
Each state has unique traffic laws, and the structure of the points system used by each state varies. However, in most states, having your license suspended once will increase the chances of it being suspended again. In almost all states, a DUI conviction leads to a driver’s license suspension and higher insurance premiums. Moreover, in most states, out-of-state traffic offenses are included in the in-state tally.
States Without Points System
Nine states don’t have a points system. However, each of these states has a mode of tracking traffic offenses. The states include:
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Hawaii
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Oregon
- Washington
- Wyoming
- Rhode Island
How to Check Your Driver’s License Points
In most states, you can check your points total through the DMV’s online portal. If there is no online option in your state, you can contact the DMV to get more information.
Effect of Having Driver’s License Points
In all states, if you have driver’s license points or a record of traffic violation leads, you’ll likely pay more for your auto insurance coverage. For instance, in New York, the average annual premium for individuals with no violation and zero points is $1,808. Conversely, the average annual premium for individuals with an at-fault accident violation, which attracts 8 points, is $2,200. Other traffic violations, such as speeding, racing, following too closely, and ignoring a red light, attract a predetermined number of points and significantly impact auto insurance premiums.
Save on Car Insurance
In case you’re dealing with costly car insurance due to a violation or a citation, you can reduce your premiums by taking certain actions to remove your license points. Each state has a unique procedure for removing license points. In New York, for instance, you’ll need to complete the Point & Insurance Reduction Program. Contact your state’s DMV to get the precise procedure in your state.
Once you’ve completed the required program or coursework, you should submit the proof to your insurer. Importantly, to get low-cost and customized car insurance in Astoria NY, you need to work with the right insurance agent. At 01 Insurance, our experienced team of auto insurance experts will help you find a policy that suits your budget and needs. Contact us today.