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Car Insurance Learning Center  Learning Center  Auto Insurance Questions & Answers   Questions & Answers  Professional Answers   Auto Insurance Answers

How do points affect your insurance rates?

Each infraction such as moving violations, parking tickets, at-fault accidents, or driving under the influence, is assigned a certain point value. When you are found guilty of one of these infractions, the appropriate number of points is added to your driving record. The more points you have, the worse your record. Each insurance company has its own method of evaluating applicants, so the points on your driving record may or may not have a direct impact on the rates you pay for auto insurance.

A point system is simply the assignment of "points" or values to each infraction. Then, the rating system of the insurance company evaluates the "points" instead of each infraction. For example, a company may use this type of system:

Description

Points 1st Occurrence

Points 2nd Occurrence

Points Each Additional Occurrence

At-fault Accident

2

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3

2

Driving Under the Influence

1

2

3

No Charge Violation

0

0

0

Major Violation

4

4

4

Minor Violation

2

1

1

Not-at-fault Accident

0

0

0

Speeding

3

2

2

Comment Followup: Because each insurance company has a different (complex) rating algorithm there is no set dollar amount or rating point comparison that can be given. If you want to find the specifics for your insurance company, their rates are filed with the state's department of insurance. You can request a copy of those rating factors and how they affect the companies' specific rates. It is very complex and not for the faint of heart.

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Typically, you can expect the company rating algorithm to try to put an insurance point value on each infraction (regardless of the state driving record point system). Based upon that point value a different rating factor is use to either raise or lower the rate. Again, it is different for every company. Some companies rating algorithms are much more complex and some are simple.

One major violation can increase your rate by 26%. Then, most rating systems gradually lower the impact each year.

 

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Car Insurance Related I just got a speeding ticket. How much will it affect my auto insurance premium?
Car Insurance Related How many points does it take to make your auto insurance go up in the state of Maine? A friend just got a speeding ticket that's worth 4 points. How much will her insurance go up and for how long?
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Visitor Comments
For all you wanting to know price range, my car insurance went up $50 per month after I got 2 points.
Comment added: 12:57 PM Nov-22
i have a +1 on my driving record is that good
Comment added: 06:26 PM Sep-28
vague
Comment added: 12:17 PM Nov-11
Please give examples of each category of violation. For example, minor violations: improper lane change, rolling a stop, no drivers license, no insurance, etc.) Also, what does each point translate into as far as increase in insurance coverage? Are there any other ways outside of paying more money to an insurance company, that a point would negatively affect your driving record?
Comment added: 11:03 AM Feb-07
You should give some examples about the increase in the cost of the insurance for traffic violations.
Comment added: 03:53 AM Nov-14
how can i delete points from my florida driver license before the 3years requirement?
Comment added: 11:24 AM Sep-10
what are you meaning by point system?
Comment added: 01:55 PM Mar-31
Estimates for points, for example: 2 points = 10% increase 4 points = 25% increase 12 points = 40% increase etc., etc. Averages would be fine.
Comment added: 06:47 PM Mar-05
could you be more specific? any estimates (10,20 or 30% increase).....
Comment added: 09:25 PM Sep-29
Clear, concise and to the point....even a little humor.
Comment added: 10:10 AM Jul-25
any idea of geico rates
Comment added: 12:42 AM Jan-10
YOU SHOULD BREAK UP THE POINTS AND AROUND HOW MUCH YOUR CAR INSURANCE WILL GO UP
Comment added: 10:29 AM Sep-27
Question Details
This car insurance answer was last updated 12:01 PM Apr-02.
This Your License question was asked 02:22 PM March-24-2005.
Rated 6.41 out of 10 based on 51 votes.
Your License Category
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