What Is Considered a Safe Driving Record?

When was the last time you checked your driving record? If it's been a while, then it may be time to request a copy of your record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or similar authority. Specifically, a driving record (also known as a motor vehicle report or MVR) is a public record of your driving history. It includes things like your current license status, driving license endorsements, a history of traffic accidents you've been in, fees and citations, and more.

Why should you be up to date on your driving record? Not only does your driving record have a direct impact on your auto insurance rates, keeping a clean record also keeps you in good standing with your state's DMV. And of course, in the unlikely event that there are any mistakes on your record, you'll want to be able to dispute them right away.

By having a better understanding of what a "safe" driving record looks like, as well as tips for keeping your own record clean, you can work towards improving your own motor vehicle report today.

What Does a Safe or Clean Driving Record Look Like?

What constitutes a "safe" or "clean" driving record may vary from one entity to the next. For example, a car insurance company may only look back at the last few years of your driving history when calculating your risk and rates. Meanwhile, an employer may look further back (sometimes as far as seven years) to check for serious violations, such as DUIs.

In general, a clean driving record typically means:

No accidents
No moving violations
No driving-related criminal convictions
No points on your license

The Benefits of a Clean Driving Record

Having a clean driving record is always a good thing because it means you haven't been in any accidents and are generally safe behind the wheel. Likewise, a safe driving record reduces your risk of having your driving privileges revoked by your state's DMV for any reason. And of course, if you're applying for a job that requires driving, a good driving record should improve your eligibility, as many of those employers often run background checks to look for things like DUIs and other major violations when hiring.

On top of all this, there are some additional benefits of having a clean driving record—especially as it relates to your auto insurance.

Reduced Car Insurance Premiums

When you have a good driving record, you may also enjoy lower car insurance premiums. This is because auto insurance carriers calculate a policyholder's "risk" based on many factors when determining their auto insurance rate including their driving history. A driver with a lot of points, minor moving violations, and/or car accidents on their record is typically considered higher risk than a driver with a clean MVR. To offset that higher risk, these drivers pay higher car insurance rates.

When you have a clean record, you're typically calculated as a lower-risk driver and can, in turn, save more thus save money on your car insurance coverage.

Bonuses and Discounts

In addition to lower insurance premiums, lower deductibles, and more lenient accident forgiveness, policyholders with safe driving records may also be eligible for more bonuses and discounts. For example, many auto insurance companies offer a "good-driver" discount (or something similar) for those with clean driving records. This discount has the potential to save policyholders a decent amount of money (on top of the lower premiums that these drivers often enjoy already).

It is worth noting, however, that the specific criteria for receiving a safe-driver discount may vary from one insurance carrier to the next.

With Clearcover, your safe driving record is already factored in when we give you with your rate. Get a quick quote today.

Ways to Maintain a Clean and Safe Driving Record

Improving your driving record (or maintaining an impeccable one) starts with knowing where you stand, so be sure to follow your state's specific instructions for obtaining a copy of your MVR. Typically, you can do this through your DMV's website or by visiting your local DMV branch.

Once you have a copy of your record, you can figure out what you may need to work on. For example, if you have points on your license for excessive speeding or running a red light, then you know you need to focus on obeying traffic laws. Here are some other general tips you can keep in mind to improve or maintain your driving record:

1) Always Be Alert While Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed the lives of more than 3,100 Americans in 2020 alone. This staggering statistic means that distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in the United States by far.

To reduce your risk of getting into an accident, stay as alert and focused as possible while you're behind the wheel.

Eliminate potential sources of distraction by putting your phone in "do not disturb" mode while you're driving, and take time to adjust your climate controls, audio entertainment, and GPS settings before you hit the road. Check out our article on distracted driving on distracted driving for more tips on staying alert behind the wheel.

2) Obey All Traffic Laws

Reduce your risk of being pulled over and cited for infractions by obeying all traffic laws. This includes always driving at the posted speed limit, stopping completely at stop signs and red lights, and following all other posted road signs. Not only will this save you from costly fines and points on your license, but it will keep you safer behind the wheel as well.

3) Take a Defensive Driving Class

Even if you don't have any points or violations on your driving record, you may want to check with your insurance company to find out whether a discount is offered for policyholders who complete a defensive driving course. Some insurance carriers may provide a list of approved courses that policyholders can complete in exchange for a one-time or ongoing discount on their policy premium. This can be a great way to save some money while also picking up some useful defensive driving skills.

Clearcover offers discounts for proof Defensive Driving Class in select states (discounts vary by state). Reach out Clearcover customer service to see what discounts we offer in your state.

4) Keep Track of Your Points

Finally, stay on top of your driving record by checking it every other year or so. Obtaining a copy of your driving record should be relatively simple, quick, and inexpensive. Know how many points are on your license at all times, and be on the lookout for mistakes on your record. Mistakes are uncommon, but they can (and should) be disputed if you come across any.

Drive Safe and Save With Clearcover

At the end of the day, maintaining a safe driving record (and enjoying the savings that come along with it) starts with being safe and confident behind the wheel. And at Clearcover, we believe that real confidence starts with clear coverage. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote today!