Know Your Driving Record History for 7 Years for Accurate Auto Insurance Rates

Ron Trumbo Insurance Editor

Make no mistake, your driving history affects how much you’ll pay for auto insurance, but different insurance companies specialize in different types of drivers. You’ll still find affordable insurance rates as long as you shop around, so don’t cave to the pressure of hiding any driving record blemishes. You want accurate quotes to compare from, and your quote may change when the car insurance company runs your driving record. Remember, auto insurance is a contract, and being dishonest can ultimately void such a contract when you really need it.

When you shop for insurance you’ll be asked about your driving record as well as the driving record of any drivers in your house. Depending on the state you live in, your driving record is referenced in your auto insurance rates for different periods of time: some states use your driving record for 7 years; some for 5 year, and some for only 3 years. InsuranceLoco recommends that you know your driving record for at least 7 years to help with the insurance quoting process.

If you have multiple blemishes on your driving record, InsuranceLoco recommends that you compare up to 7 insurance quotes, including a combination of major carriers and online direct carriers.

Know every event on your driving record, including the date (month and year).

Common driving record events include:

1. Minor driving record violations: speeding, running a stop sign, bad lane change.

2. Major driving record violations: excessive speeding, reckless driving, hit and run, racing.

3. DUI / DWI

4. Accidents where there was property damage only such as a fender-bender.

5. Accidents where someone was injured.

For additional information online: Insurance Information Institute