How to Get Rid of Insurance Points

Insurance points are assessments assigned to a driver’s record, typically by state motor vehicle departments or directly by insurance companies, following certain driving infractions. These points serve as a metric to evaluate a driver’s risk level based on their driving history. Some states use a unified point system, while others maintain separate “driver’s license points” (leading to license suspension) and “insurance points” (influencing auto insurance premiums). Accumulating these points generally signals a higher risk to insurers, which can lead to increased insurance rates. Understanding how these points accrue and how they might be addressed is important.

Identifying Insurance Points on Your Record

Insurance points are typically accrued from various traffic violations and at-fault accidents, signaling a driver’s risk profile. Common infractions include speeding, reckless driving, running a red light or stop sign, and at-fault collisions. More severe violations, such as driving under the influence or hit-and-run incidents, usually result in a higher number of points. These points are recorded on your official driving record, which insurance companies review to assess risk and determine policy premiums.

Accessing your official driving record is the first step to understanding the points on it. This record is maintained by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an equivalent state agency. Many state DMVs offer online portals where you can view or request a copy, often for a small fee ranging from approximately $2 to $20. You can also obtain your record in person at a DMV office or by submitting a request via mail.

When requesting your driving record, you will generally need to provide personal identification, such as your driver’s license number or date of birth. Request an official or certified copy for formal purposes, as some online services may only provide an unofficial summary. Once you have your record, review it for specific details, including the total number of points, violation dates, and infraction types. This official document is what insurance providers primarily rely upon.

Actions to Reduce or Remove Points

Defensive Driving Courses

Completing a state-approved defensive driving or traffic school course can be an effective way to reduce points on your driving record. These courses refresh driving knowledge and promote safer habits, which can also lead to insurance premium reductions. Many state motor vehicle departments or judicial systems approve specific courses, which may be offered online or in traditional classroom settings. The typical duration for these courses is about four to eight hours.

After completing an approved course, you will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate generally needs to be submitted to the relevant authority, such as the DMV or the court, to ensure the point reduction is applied to your record. The course provider may electronically report your completion directly to the DMV, or you might be responsible for submitting the certificate yourself. There are usually limitations on how frequently you can utilize a defensive driving course for point reduction, often set at once every 18 to 24 months.

The number of points that can be reduced varies by jurisdiction. Beyond point reduction, completing these courses can also qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance premiums, typically ranging from 5% to 15%. Confirm with your insurance provider whether they offer such discounts and if they recognize the specific course you plan to take.

Appealing Citations

Appealing the underlying traffic violation that led to the points is another avenue for removal. This process involves formally challenging the conviction in court, asserting a legal error or insufficient evidence. The initial step involves filing a Notice of Appeal with the appropriate court within a specified timeframe, often ranging from 10 to 30 days from the date of conviction. Missing this deadline can result in forfeiture of your right to appeal.

During the appeal process, you cannot introduce new evidence or witnesses; the appellate court reviews evidence and legal arguments from the original trial. You must articulate why the original judgment contained a legal mistake that affected the outcome. Gathering all relevant documentation from the initial citation and trial is important for building your case. While specific procedures vary, the process often involves preparing a written brief and attending a hearing.

Point Expiration

Points assigned to a driving record do not remain indefinitely; they typically expire or “fall off” after a certain period. This duration varies widely depending on the state and the severity of the violation. For minor infractions, points may remain on your record for a few years, while more serious offenses can stay on a driving record for a longer duration.

Monitoring your driving record periodically confirms when points have been removed. This can usually be done through your state’s DMV website or by requesting an updated copy. Some states may also reduce or remove points sooner if a driver maintains a clean record for a continuous period. Understanding these expiration timelines allows drivers to anticipate when their record may improve and potentially lead to lower insurance premiums.

Correcting Record Errors

Discovering inaccuracies on your official driving record can be concerning, but a process exists to dispute and correct these errors. Such errors might include dismissed violations, those attributed to the wrong driver, or incorrect recordings. The first step is to obtain an official copy of your driving record to identify the specific incorrect entries.

Once errors are identified, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. Most DMVs have specific procedures and forms for disputing record inaccuracies. You will need to submit a formal request for correction, along with supporting documentation that proves the information on your record is false. This documentation could include court orders, police reports, receipts, or other official records that contradict the erroneous entry.

Be clear and concise in your explanation of the error and provide all relevant information to support your claim. Following up with the DMV to ensure the correction has been processed is a necessary step. Correcting these inaccuracies ensures your driving history accurately reflects your record, which is important for maintaining driving privileges and preventing unwarranted increases in insurance premiums.