Yes, your car insurance rates will increase if you get points on your driver’s license, but only after a certain number of points. Each state has a different number of points that can be added on to a driver’s license before the points affect car insurance rates.

The following article will give additional information as to how points are added to a license and how they can be removed.

Read on to learn more about driver’s license points and car insurance rates and then to find the very best car insurance rates for your situation just enter your zip code into the free car insurance comparison tool at the top of this page!

How are points added to a driver’s license?

The purpose of the driver’s license point system is to easily keep track of driving violations and to allow those violations to have consequences. In addition to paying a ticket or possibly spending time in jail, receiving points on your driver’s license can eventually increase your car insurance rates. Basically stated, driving is a privilege not a right and if driving laws are continuously broken, there are consequences.

Points are added to your license every time you have a moving violation. The fewer the violations, the fewer the points. For example, having expired tags on your car or going through a yellow light will typically only add 1 point or less to your license depending on in which state you receive the violation. A more serious violation such as a DWI or driving recklessly will add more points to your license.

In addition to points, other consequences will result if an accumulation of points occurs rapidly. Though it does vary from state to state, most states follow a similar procedure. In most states, if you receive 12 points in one year, you will have a 30 day suspension of your driver’s license. If you add 18 points over a year and a half period, you will receive a 90 day suspension of your driver’s license. Adding 24 or more points in a three year period will result in loss of your license for one year or more.

Even though all violations receive points, only certain ones affect your car insurance premium rates. Serious violations such as DWIs, leaving the scene of an accident, or excessive speeding will increase your insurance. Things like parking tickets or rolling through a stop sign will give you points but will typically not increase your car insurance rates. The most important factor is the time period over which you receive points. The longer you go between points, the less likely it is to affect your car insurance rates.

How can I remove points from my driver’s license?

You may be wondering how to remove points from your driver’s license so that your insurance rates won’t increase. There are ways to decrease points on your license. The first thing that you can do is attend a defensive driving or safety driving course. You may opt to do this on your own or it may be required by the court.

Most cities have free or inexpensive courses through the sheriff’s department or local community centers. Some are even available online. Taking one of these classes can take up to four points off of your license. However, you can only do this once in five years so you shouldn’t rely on it as the only way to remove points from your license.

Points can also be removed from your license if you go to court instead of paying your ticket and plead not guilty. If you are found to be not guilty, or the proper paperwork is not available from the law enforcement agency that gave you the ticket, the points will be removed.

In some states, there are two additional options for removing points from your license. The first one is called Prayer for Judgment Continued. This is when the court finds you guilty of the charge but allows you to go without punishment. This is only available to one person in every family once every three years and is only for certain violations. The other option available in some states is the option to take and pass a written test concerning the law you violated which will result in two points being removed.

If you are looking for car insurance, or if your rates have been raised due to points and you want to find another company, you can use an online comparison tool. This will give you the option of seeing what several different car insurance companies have to offer you side by side with rates and quotes included. Enter your zip to start now!