Your driving history plays a major role in how much you pay for insurance. Learn how insurers assess your risk and what you can do to improve your rates — even if you’ve had a few bumps in the road.
Insurance companies assess your driving record to predict how likely you are to file a claim. Speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, DUI charges, and even minor violations like running a red light can increase your perceived risk — and your premium. The more recent and severe the offense, the more it will impact your rate.
Drivers with clean records typically qualify for the lowest rates. Insurance providers view them as less risky, and some even offer safe-driver discounts or accident-free bonuses that can save you hundreds per year.
Most traffic violations stay on your driving record for 3–5 years, but serious offenses like DUIs may linger longer. The good news? Once these marks expire, your premium may decrease — especially if you've kept a clean slate since.
While you can’t change the past, you can take steps to offset the impact. Consider:
