Driver’s License Points vs. Insurance Points
The Importance of Insurance Points
Driver’s license points and insurance points both affect drivers but in different ways. Points on your driver’s record are state-imposed consequences for traffic violations, while insurance points directly impact Your Insurance Premiums you pay. Understanding how these systems work can help drivers like Barry, Zelda, Donald, and Tamera make informed decisions and avoid higher insurance costs.
What Are Driver’s License Points?
Driver’s License Points Explained
Driver’s license points, also called a “demerit point system” or “negligent operator point system,” are penalties added to your state driving record for motor vehicle violations. Every state has a unique system for assigning these points, and they usually result in consequences like attending traffic school or losing your driving privileges.
For example, in Arizona, accumulating eight points within a 12-month period could lead to mandatory traffic survival school or even a suspended license.
How To Check Driver’s License Points
How to Find Out Your Point Balance
To find the number of points on your license, you can check your driving record through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online portal or call their office. States like Michigan send you a notice when you accumulate a certain number of points, like a warning when you reach four or more points within two years.
What Happens When You Accumulate Points?
Consequences of License Points
Accumulating points can lead to a series of penalties depending on how many you have So watch your points . Some examples include:
No change if you have few points.
A requirement to attend traffic school.
Suspension of your driving privileges if points reach a certain threshold.
State Example: In North Carolina, if you reach 12 points within three years, your license could be suspended for 60 days.
What Are Insurance Points?
Understanding Insurance Points
Insurance points are assessed by your insurance company based on your driving record, so it’s important to have a clean record. These points are used to calculate how much of a risk you are to insure. The more points you have, the higher your premiums could be. Unlike license points, these points affect your wallet directly.
For example, if Zelda has a speeding ticket, she might receive an insurance surcharge that increases her premium by 10%. However, a DUI could raise Donald’s rates by up to 100%.
How Do Insurance Points Impact Premiums?
Effects of Insurance Points on Your Policy
When it’s time to renew your policy, the insurance company checks the driving record of all insured drivers. Points from moving violations or accidents, like Tamera’s parking lot fender-bender, could lead to a surcharge. Depending on the severity of the incident, the surcharge could last for two or three years.
List of States and Point Accumulation and State Links
Driver’s License Points Systems by State
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California
Points for Speeding: 2-5 | 2-6 | 3 | 3-8 | 1
Alabama DMV | Alaska DMV | Arizona DMV | Arkansas DMV | California DMV
Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia
Points for Speeding: 1-12 | 1 | 2-5 | 3-6 | 2-6
Colorado DMV | Connecticut DMV | Delaware DMV | Florida DMV | Georgia DMV
Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa
Points for Speeding: Varies | 3 | 5 | 2-6 | Varies
Hawaii DMV | Idaho DMV | Illinois DMV | Indiana DMV | Iowa DMV
Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland
Points for Speeding: Varies | 3-6 | Varies | 4-6 | 1-5
Kansas DMV | Kentucky DMV | Louisiana DMV | Maine DMV | Maryland DMV
Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri
Points for Speeding: Varies | 2-4 | Varies | Varies | 3
Massachusetts DMV | Michigan DMV | Minnesota DMV | Mississippi DMV | Missouri DMV
Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey
Points for Speeding: 3 | 1-3 | 1-5 | 3 | 2-5
Montana DMV | Nebraska DMV | Nevada DMV | New Hampshire DMV | New Jersey DMV
New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio
Points for Speeding: 3-6 | 3-11 | 3 | 3-10 | 2-4
New Mexico DMV | New York DMV | North Carolina DMV | North Dakota DMV | Ohio DMV
Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina
Points for Speeding: 1-10 | Varies | 2-5 | Varies | 2-6
Oklahoma DMV | Oregon DMV | Pennsylvania DMV | Rhode Island DMV | South Carolina DMV
South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont
Points for Speeding: Varies | 1-8 | Varies | 5-75 | Varies
South Dakota DMV | Tennessee DMV | Texas DMV | Utah DMV | Vermont DMV
Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
Points for Speeding: 3-6 | Varies | 3-6 | Varies | Varies
Virginia DMV | Washington DMV | West Virginia DMV | Wisconsin DMV | Wyoming DMV
Insurance Direct Rates (IDR) as a Solution
Comparing Rates with Insurance Direct Rates
If you find yourself facing increased premiums because of insurance points, you can use Insurance Direct Rates (IDR) to compare insurance quotes. IDR provides a platform where drivers can easily view competitive quotes, so they can learn more about insurance education to potentially save money.
Insurance Direct Rates can help drivers like Barry compare rates from various insurers and find policies that fit their budget, even if their points have caused premiums to rise.
Accident Forgiveness and Non-Moving Violations
Special Insurance Policies and Non-Moving Violations
Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness for drivers who have a clean record. For example, Zelda could avoid a premium increase if her insurer offers this feature after her minor accident.
It’s important to note that non-moving violations, such as dark window tints or an expired registration, may result in driver’s license points but won’t necessarily affect insurance points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Can You Remove Points From Your License?
In many states, enrolling in a driving improvement course can help remove or reduce points on your driving record. Barry might consider attending one of these classes to lower his total points and potentially reduce his insurance premium.
When Do Driver’s License Points Expire?
Typically, points expire after a certain time, usually around 36 months. However, serious violations like DUIs could stay on your record for up to 11 years, as in Virginia.
How Many Points Lead to a License Suspension?
Each state sets its own limit. In some cases, accumulating points could lead to suspension for several months or even indefinitely, depending on the severity of the violations.
Conclusion
Driver’s license points and insurance points serve as consequences for unsafe driving. While license points are meant to improve behavior or remove dangerous drivers from the road, insurance points are used by insurers to assess risk and determine premiums.
Drivers like Barry, Zelda, Donald, and Tamera can benefit from Insurance Direct Rates by comparing insurance quotes to find the best rates despite their point history. Always be aware of how your driving record impacts your insurance, and take proactive steps like defensive driving courses to lower your points and premiums.
For more information on state point systems, Contact Your State’s Department Of Motor Vehicles or Insurance Direct Rates for helpful resources and insurance-saving tips.