What Is a Clean Driving Record?
A clean driving record generally means an absence of recent tickets, at-fault accidents, or traffic convictions that can affect your car insurance rate.
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Written byLindsay Frankel
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Lindsay FrankelInsurance Writer
5+ years in auto insurance and personal finance writing
Featured in top personal finance publications
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Edited byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
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Reviewed byDaniel Roccato
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Daniel RoccatoAdvisor
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
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Quick Facts
Drivers with a clean record pay $30 per month less, on average, for car insurance than drivers with an incident on their record, according to Insurify data.
Insurance companies typically look back three to five years when assessing your driving record, but this varies by company and state law.
Your driving history isn’t the only factor affecting your premium. Insurers also consider your age, location, the car you drive, and coverage choices.
What counts as a clean driving record?
A clean driving record means you have no moving violations, at-fault accidents, or driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. Some insurers also consider your claims history.
Depending on the insurance company and your state’s laws, an accident could affect your driving record for insurance purposes — even if you weren’t at fault.
In most cases, parking tickets and other non-moving violations won’t disqualify you from a clean record. But some U.S. states may suspend your license if you fail to pay your parking tickets. Insurers view a suspended license as a red flag and may raise your rates.
What constitutes a clean driving record varies by state and car insurance company. For example, some auto insurers might forgive minor infractions. And depending on your insurer and where you live, only the past three to five years of your driving history may count.
Clean record vs. good driver
Auto insurance companies set their own criteria for how you can earn a good driver discount. You’ll typically need a clean driving record in your state and may also need to meet additional requirements, such as being a long-standing customer or completing a defensive driving course.
Types of violations that affect your record
Minor moving violations: Speeding, ignoring traffic signals, failure to signal, and failure to yield are all examples of minor infractions that can affect your driving record.[1]
Major moving violations: Major violations include driving under the influence (DUI), distracted driving, driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance, reckless driving, and excessive speeding.
Mechanical violations: Broken headlights, brake lights, mirrors, or seat belts can lead to citations that may affect your driving record — and sometimes your insurance rate. They typically don’t add points to your driver’s license.[2]
At-fault accidents and claims: Car accidents, including hit-and-run accidents, at-fault accidents, and no-fault accidents in some states, also affect your driving record. If your insurer pays a claim, this may disqualify you from certain discounts, although this is illegal in some states.
Point systems vary by state, and each state determines its own penalties for traffic violations.
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How a clean driving record affects your car insurance rates
Drivers with a clean record spend an average of $30 less on their monthly car insurance premiums than drivers with a violation or at-fault accident, according to Insurify data. Because car insurance companies expect to pay less for future claims when policyholders have a history of safe driving, they reward them with lower premiums.
Insurers also consider other risk factors, such as your age, credit history, vehicle, and ZIP code, though each insurance company weighs them differently.[3]
The table below shows how your driving record influences your monthly car insurance premiums, according to Insurify data.
Driver Profile  | Average Monthly Quote | % Change vs. Clean Record |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $142 | 0% |
| One speeding ticket | $184 | +30% |
| One at-fault accident | $190 | +34% |
| One DUI | $205 | +44% |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
Cheapest car insurance with a clean driving record
The cheapest car insurance company for drivers with a clean record is Country Financial, with an average monthly premium of $42 for liability-only coverage.
The table below shows auto insurers offering the cheapest coverage to drivers without violations, according to Insurify data.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Clean Drivers |
|---|---|
| Country Financial | $42 |
| Auto-Owners | $45 |
| USAA | $51 |
| NJM | $52 |
| State Farm | $53 |
| Erie | $68 |
| Allstate | $72 |
| Mile Auto | $74 |
| GEICO | $79 |
| American Family | $80 |
| Progressive | $80 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $81 |
| Safeco | $84 |
| The General | $85 |
| National General | $86 |
| Direct Auto | $90 |
| Mercury | $92 |
| Nationwide | $93 |
| Dairyland | $96 |
| GAINSCO | $96 |
| Travelers | $96 |
| Bristol West | $104 |
| Elephant | $105 |
| Farmers | $105 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $108 |
| Root | $109 |
| Anchor | $114 |
| Chubb | $116 |
| Clearcover | $121 |
| Plymouth Rock | $125 |
| Liberty Mutual | $128 |
| 21st Century | $130 |
| Shelter | $130 |
| The Hartford | $136 |
| Insurify Car | $138 |
| State Auto | $149 |
| CSAA | $155 |
| Hugo | $183 |
| Amica | $242 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How long do violations stay on your driving record?
Traffic violations typically stay on your driving record for three to five years. Insurance look-back periods vary by auto insurance company, by the type and severity of the violation, and by individual state laws.
Some states, like Florida, allow you to take a driver education course to avoid points on your record and, in some cases, a premium increase.[4]
It’s a good idea to check your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) website for specific guidelines. While fender benders and speeding tickets remain on your record for just a few years, serious violations can stay on your driving record much longer.
In California, for example, a DUI or hit-and-run conviction stays on your record for up to 10 years.
What happens when a violation drops off?
Once a violation falls off your driving record or the insurance company’s look-back period — typically between three and five years — your premium may decrease at your next policy renewal. Your insurer will likely remove the surcharge for the violation, and you may become eligible for a good driver or safe driver discount.
Many state DMV websites allow you to order a copy of your driving record online, and some let you check your driver’s license status free of charge. Once a violation drops off your record, you may want to compare car insurance quotes.
Each auto insurance company prices policies differently, and some weigh driving history more heavily than others.
Safe driver discounts and rewards for a clean driving record
When you maintain a clean driving record, auto insurance companies reward you with both lower base rates and stackable car insurance discounts. Savings aren’t always automatic, so it’s wise to ask your insurance agent if you’re eligible for discounts.
The table below shows some examples of typical savings.
Discount | What It Rewards | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Safe driver/good driver discount | No violations, accidents, or claims for three to five years | 10%–30% |
| Accident-free discount | No accidents or claims for three to five years | 10%–22% |
| Violation-free discount | No traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, for three to five years | Varies |
| Defensive driving course | Completing a state-approved defensive driving course | 5%–10% |
| Telematics/usage-based | Avoiding risky driving behavior, like rapid acceleration and hard braking | 5%– 40% |
In California, insurers must offer a good driver discount. If you have no DUIs, no at-fault accidents, and no more than one violation point in the past three years, your insurance company must discount your premium by 20%.
Defensive driving course discounts
Many states also require insurers to offer discounts to drivers who complete a defensive driving, mature driver, or driver improvement course. In other states, insurance companies offer defensive driving discounts voluntarily.
Each state approves specific driving courses you can complete to earn a discount.
For example, the AARP Smart Driver course is a common option in many states. This four-hour online course costs about $30.
Best car insurance companies for drivers with a clean record
To choose the best auto insurance companies for drivers with a clean record, we looked at the cheapest rates for drivers with clean records, based on Insurify’s quote data. We also looked at weighted Insurify Quality (IQ) Scores, which take into account each insurer’s customer satisfaction, financial strength, and claims handling.
Here are our top picks.
Auto-Owners: Best for cheap premiums
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $45/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $87/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 347 verified driver reviews and ratings
Auto-Owners's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 150 Auto-Owners reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Nebraska on April 12, 2026
Not a local company anymore. I haven’t had a claim for years, and my insurance keeps going up.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Florida on April 4, 2026
Uneventful.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Missouri on March 22, 2026
Good, but I've never had a claim with them on this vehicle, and the rate has more than doubled. That's the reason for finding a cheaper policy.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest average premiums for drivers with a clean record. If you’ve had no at-fault claims or major violations for three years, you can add accident forgiveness to your policy, which can prevent your rate from increasing after your first at-fault accident.
Plus, the company holds an AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior).
Pros
Cheap premiums for drivers with clean records
Above-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating
Several stackable payment discounts
Cons
Available in only 26 states
No telematics program
No additional good driver discount
State Farm: Best for discounts
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $53/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $106/mo |
4.1
Best choiceBased on 19,127 verified driver reviews and ratings
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 7,710 State Farm reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Florida on June 28, 2026
After submitting a payment for my State Farm auto insurance over a month before it was due, I received a new statement saying they switched my policy to stacked insurance. What?? This also raised my premium by $143.64. State Farm gave some questionable excuse that they had to update their policies and by "state law" they had to change from unstacked to stacked insurance. I only have one vehicle and one policy with State Farm. Why would I want stacked insurance? I missed the second or third page notice that required me to decline stacked insurance. I believe it is against the law to sell a product without a definite "positive" response that you want that product. I finally was able to correct and remove the stacked provision in my policy. It left a bad taste for State Farm. I am not sure they have my best interests.
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on June 28, 2026
I like State Farm and my insurance plan, but my monthly payment is way too high for insurance, and I want to cut the cost in half.
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on June 27, 2026
I've been with State Farm for over 50 years. They have priced themselves out of reach for me.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
State Farm offers cheap premiums to clean-record drivers for both full-coverage and liability-only insurance. It also offers a good driver discount to new customers who’ve had no moving violations or at-fault accidents for three years.
You can also save up to 30% with Drive Safe & Save, State Farm’s usage-based program.
Pros
Favorable J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings across regions
AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior)
Defensive driving course discount
Cons
Few optional coverages
High rates for drivers with poor credit
No advertised payment discounts
Allstate: Best for usage-based insurance
| User Reviews | 3.8 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.9 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $72/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $146/mo |
3.8
A solid optionBased on 11,303 verified driver reviews and ratings
Allstate's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.7 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.3 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about Allstate
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service and efficient claims processing, but many find the rates too high and experience unexpected price increases. Some also report poor communication from agents.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 4,517 Allstate reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Texas on June 28, 2026
Competitive pricing and very good customer service.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Florida on June 28, 2026
Follow-up is poor. Lower costs are not offered or given as an option unless you ask for it. I will definitely start shopping for alternate coverage with different companies.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Nevada on June 27, 2026
They have the lowest rates.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
636
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.02
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A-
Why we picked this company
Allstate’s premiums for drivers with a clean record aren’t as competitive as those of other companies on our list. But if you stay off your cell phone in the car and avoid speeding, sudden braking, and late-night driving, you could earn extra savings with Allstate’s Drivewise program.
The company’s usage-based program receives high marks from J.D. Power for customer satisfaction.
Pros
Accident forgiveness available
AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior)
24/7 live chat support
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating
Fewer discount opportunities than competitors
Higher premiums than competitors
How to maintain a clean driving record
Obey traffic laws. Adhering to speed limits, stopping at red lights and stop signs, and avoiding driving under the influence can help prevent accidents and citations on your driving record.
Don’t ignore minor violations. Make sure to pay all traffic tickets on time. Minor violations can lead to license suspensions and points on your record if you ignore them indefinitely.
Attend traffic school. Depending on your age, you may be eligible to take a defensive driving course, driver education course, or other safety course. Completing the course might help you save money on car insurance, and it can also help you keep your driving record clean by teaching you safe driving skills.
Regularly shop around for car insurance. Insurance companies may have differing definitions of a clean driving record. If it’s been three years since your last accident or violation, it’s a good time to compare quotes. You might get a better deal elsewhere. Just make sure to switch car insurance companies correctly to avoid a lapse in coverage.
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How to check your driving record
In most states, you can check your driving record online through your state’s DMV. You can request an attested/certified copy with a signature if you need it for official purposes, although an unattested copy for personal use is typically cheaper.
Follow these steps to check your driving record:
Create an account with your state DMV website.
Fill out the request form with your personal information and signature.
Upload a copy of your driver’s license.
Submit your credit card information for payment processing.
View and print your driving record, or request a copy via email or mail.
Some states allow you to request your driving record by mail or in person at your local DMV office. You may also be able to request a free driver’s license check, which allows you to view points on your record online while bypassing any fees.
Clean driving record FAQs
For more information on how a clean driving record affects your car insurance rates, check out the answers to frequently asked questions below.
How long does it take to get a clean driving record after a ticket?
Traffic tickets typically stay on your driving record for three to five years, so it can take that long before insurers consider you to have a clean driving record. The timeline depends on your state and the type and severity of the violation.
Does a parking ticket count against a clean driving record?
No. Non-moving violations, such as parking tickets, don’t affect your driving record. But if you don’t pay your parking tickets, the state could end up suspending your license, which counts against a clean driving record.
How much can you save on car insurance with a clean driving record?
While savings vary by insurer and the type and number of violations, you could save up to 25% on car insurance with a clean record, according to Insurify data.
What’s the difference between a safe driver discount and accident forgiveness?
You can earn a safe driver discount through your insurer by maintaining a clean driving record. Accident forgiveness is a policy feature or benefit that prevents your insurer from increasing your premium after a car accident.
Some insurers provide accident forgiveness as a perk if you’ve been with them for a period of time. Others offer it as an endorsement, or add-on.
Do not-at-fault accidents affect a clean driving record?
It depends on your state’s laws. In some states, a not-at-fault accident can still disqualify you from a clean driving record discount, and it may raise your insurance premium with some auto insurers.
Sources
- Nolo. "Moving Traffic Violations vs. Nonmoving Violations."
- FindLaw. "Mechanical Violations."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Why Are My Insurance Premiums Increasing?."
- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "What is Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) and how do I find the approved listing of BDI course providers?."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Lindsay FrankelInsurance Writer
5+ years in auto insurance and personal finance writing
Featured in top personal finance publications
Featured in
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
Daniel RoccatoAdvisor
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego