How do "points" affect car insurance rates, and when do insurance companies check driving records?

In most states, the motor vehicles department has a "point" system, which is used to track accidents and violations that affect your driving record. Insurance companies will order a copy of your driving history once you have purchased a policy, in order to confirm the information that you provided on the application. Your company may also check your driving record when your policy is scheduled for renewal.

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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. And, you should know that only "moving violations" will affect your insurance rates. Parking tickets and other non-moving violations are not used by insurance companies.
If a review of your driving record uncovers negative information, there's a chance your insurance rates will increase. Insurers typically use their own "point" system to determine the amount of the increase (if any).

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