Your Driving Behavior
Your driving behavior — including your record and claims history — is one of the most influential factors insurance companies use to set your car insurance premium. This page explains what insurers look at, how it affects your rate, and what you can do to stay in control of your costs.
Your Driving Behavior: History on the Road
When insurance companies determine your premium, they’re not just looking at the car you drive — they’re also looking closely at you. Your behavior behind the wheel and your history with claims are major indicators of future risk. Here’s how each affects your rate:
- Obey posted speed limits
- Avoid distracted driving (texting, eating, etc.)
- Never drive under the influence
- Leave plenty of space between vehicles
- Consider usage-based insurance if you drive safely
- Think twice before filing small claims
Driving Record
Your driving record is one of the most important factors in calculating your car insurance premium.
If your record is clean, meaning no recent tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI charges, most insurers will reward you with lower rates. However, if you’ve had any of the following in recent years, you’ll likely pay more:
- Speeding tickets
- At-fault collisions
- Reckless or distracted driving charges
- DUI or DWI violations
Violations typically stay on your record for 3 to 5 years, depending on your state, and insurers use that information to assess how risky you are to insure. If you’re shopping around for lower rates after a violation, it helps to compare quotes and understand how each insurer weighs these factors differently.
Tip: A clean record can also help you qualify for “safe driver” discounts from many insurers.
A driver with a recent speeding ticket might see their rate jump by 20% or more. But if they go three full years without another violation, many companies will gradually reduce that surcharge, or even drop it completely.
Claims History
While car insurance is designed to help you recover from financial loss, filing too many claims, especially over a short period, can work against you.
Even if an accident wasn’t your fault, insurers look at patterns of behavior. A driver who files multiple claims in two or three years may be considered higher risk than someone who hasn’t filed a claim in five.
That’s why many drivers choose to pay for minor repairs, like small dents or cracked mirrors, out of pocket instead of filing a claim — especially when the repair cost is close to their deductible.
Keep in mind:
- Claim history typically stays on your record for five to seven years.
- Both at-fault and not-at-fault claims can affect future premiums.
- Insurers may also factor in the type of claims — frequent comprehensive or collision claims can still raise concern.
Bottom Line
If you want to keep your insurance costs low, two of the best things you can do are:
- Maintain a clean driving record.
- Be cautious about when to file a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions about Driving Behaviors
How much does a speeding ticket affect my insurance rate?
A single speeding ticket can raise your premium by 15% to 30%, depending on how fast you were going and your insurance company’s guidelines. The rate increase usually lasts for three years.
Will my rate go up after a not-at-fault accident?
It depends on the insurer. Some companies don’t raise rates for not-at-fault claims, but others might if you’ve had multiple recent claims or live in a no-fault state. It’s still a good idea to ask your insurer how they handle these situations.
How long do accidents stay on my driving record?
Most accidents remain on your driving record for 3 to 5 years. However, some insurance companies may consider claims or violations for longer depending on their underwriting rules.
Should I always file a claim after an accident?
Not always. If the damage is minor and the cost is close to your deductible, many drivers choose to pay out of pocket to avoid a possible rate increase. Always check with your insurer and consider how a claim might impact your premium.
Do insurance companies check my driving record every year?
Most insurers check your driving record when you apply for a policy and again at renewal. If a new violation shows up before your renewal period, it could still impact your current policy if the company reviews mid-term.
Does a clean driving record guarantee the lowest rates?
A clean driving record helps significantly, but your rate also depends on other factors like your age, location, vehicle, and insurance history. It’s one piece of the larger puzzle.
Can usage-based insurance help if I’m a safe driver?
Yes. Some insurers offer programs that track your driving habits through an app or device. If you drive safely — avoiding hard braking, speeding, and late-night driving — you may qualify for lower rates.
Looking for more ways to cut your costs? Head back to the full guide on factors that affect your car insurance premium.