Points aren’t just bad for your driving record. They can have a negative impact on your insurance rates too. That means the more points you have on your driving record, the higher your insurance rates will be.
According to WalletHub, just two points on your driving record can increase your auto insurance premiums by 20% or more. But the increase could be as much as 100% for more serious violations or when there are more points on the record.
Why Was the Points System Created?
The points system is used to record tickets or moving violations. Points can accumulate on your driving record for a certain period of time, usually 3-10 years. If you accumulate too many points the state could suspend your license.
Why Do Insurance Companies Use the Points System?
Why do insurance companies care so much about points? Because these points are a record of your past driving. They tell an auto insurance company what kind of driver you are, and most importantly how risky you are on the road.
If you get too many points, you pose a bigger risk in the eyes of your insurance company.
Risky Driving Behaviors That Lead to Points
What exactly will result in points on your driving record? There are a number of moving violations and offenses that can lead to one or more points.
Speeding is very common, but get enough speeding tickets and you'll end up with points on your record that increase your insurance rates. Same goes for if you get ticketed for excessive speeding or speeding in a school zone.
Other actions that are considered reckless driving can result in points. For example, running a red light. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is another way to get points on your record.
A DUI or DWI (driving under influence/driving while intoxicated) is a very serious violation and will definitely cause your insurance rates to go up. Most likely you’ll be automatically classified as a high-risk driver.
How You Can Avoid Getting Points
Making sure you have a good driving record is important if you want to avoid paying high insurance rates. Below are four things you can do to minimize the risk of getting a moving violation that puts points on your driving record.
Drive Safe Every Time You’re Behind the Wheel
The most obvious thing you should do is drive as safely as possible so you can avoid traffic violations. That means following all of the road rules and eliminating distractions while you’re driving.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Another thing drivers need to do is to make sure your vehicle is in good condition because even something like a broken taillight can count as a violation.
Sign Up for a Defensive Driving Course
If you already have a ticket that put points on your driving record, you can reove those points by taking a traffic school or defensive driving course online.
I Drive Safely offers more such courses than any other provider. Our state-approved courses are a great way to keep points on your driving record from affecting your insurance rate.
Be Extra Precautious After a Moving Violation
If you have points on your license it’s important to maintain a violation-free driving record moving forward. Do this for a certain amount of years and the points will come off. So make sure you drive within the speed limit, don’t driving under the influence and comply with the driving rules in your state.
Even if you already have points in your driving record, it isn't the end of the world. By ensuring that you drive safely, check your vehicle, shop around for a better deal and take the correct actions to take points off your record, you should be able to keep your insurance rates as low as possible.
In the meantime, check with other insurance companies to see if you can try to get a lower rate. Simply enter your ZIP code above, and you will see a number of insurance providers who are ready to give you a quote and help save you money.
*This article on updated on 11/23/2020.
