Does a criminal record affect auto insurance rates? (2024)
A criminal record may affect auto insurance rates if the violation relates to your driving record. For example, drivers with a DUI pay around 74% more for coverage. Below, we'll explain how does driving record and felony or misdemeanor can affect car insurance rates and how to find cheap car insurance for criminal convictions.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
So, does a criminal record affect car insurance? Your criminal record shouldn’t impact your auto insurance rates unless it was a violation related to driving, such as a DUI, reckless driving, or a moving violation.
However, it’s common for the best auto insurance companies, such as Geico, to run a credit and background check when applying. (Read More: Geico Auto Insurance Review)
If your wondering what affects car insurance rates and your criminal record caused car insurance rates to go up, you can always find cheap high-risk auto insurance by shopping around with the top providers. Enter your ZIP code above to find cheap car insurance for someone with a criminal record.
- Insurance companies do check criminal record and credit rating
- A criminal record only impacts rates if it involves your driving record
- Drivers with a DUI get charged over $200 monthly for auto insurance
Exploring the Impact of Criminal Records on Auto Insurance Rates
Do car insurance companies check criminal records? Yes, you should know that auto insurance companies do check police records. Several types of criminal background checks for car insurance companies can be done. An insurance company may choose to run a criminal county or federal criminal background check.
A company will also verify an applicant’s motor vehicle report and run a credit check. While you may consider this personal information and want limited use of your criminal record, insurance companies must determine how much of a risk you present as a driver. A credit check shows financial responsibility, and a motor vehicle report shows prior accidents and violations.
From a criminal record, an insurance company can review felony charges and serious situations involving driving under the influence. Criminal traffic offenses also impact the cost of auto insurance.Kalyn Johnson Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
A DUI charge on your record will create a significant rate hike, as evidenced by the following table of rates:
DUI Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Company
| Insurance Company | Clean Record | One DUI | Percent Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $160 | $270 | 69% |
| American Family | $117 | $194 | 66% |
| Farmers | $139 | $193 | 39% |
| Geico | $80 | $216 | 170% |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 | $313 | 79% |
| Nationwide | $115 | $237 | 106% |
| Progressive | $105 | $140 | 33% |
| State Farm | $86 | $112 | 30% |
| Travelers | $99 | $206 | 107% |
| USAA | $59 | $108 | 83% |
The greater your number of DUI violations, the higher your insurance rates climb. Find cheap auto insurance after a DUI by comparing rates, coverage options, and more.
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How Long a Criminal Record Impacts Car Insurance
For insurance company background checks, such as a Geico background check and State Farm background check, issues with DUIs, reckless driving, or hit-and-run charges will be brought to light.
If you are pondering, does a felony affect car insurance? It’s worth noting that felony convictions, such as DUIs, can endure for lengthy periods without the possibility of expunction or nondisclosure. Various classifications, spanning misdemeanors, unclassified offenses, felonies, or repeated infractions, may linger on a record from five years to a lifetime.
Read More: DUI Defined
Car insurance companies follow a standard look-back period on a driving record, which is generally between three to five years. Speeding tickets and other violations tend to roll off the record during this time, but criminal charges are discovered through the criminal background check on a car. Learn more about whether a speeding ticket affects auto insurance rates.
If you have served your sentence for a crime, you could petition to have your record expunged. Though the laws vary across the nation, the end result of an expungement is the court wiping your record clean.
Driving Record vs. Criminal Record
Though some traffic violations and charges drop off a driving record after three to five years of the occurrence, this isn’t the case with a criminal record. These stay for a lot longer, and charges that never resulted in conviction can be included.
How far back do insurance companies check for DUI? This question often arises when individuals are concerned about past driving infractions impacting their insurance rates. Similarly, another common query is: how long does reckless driving stay on your background check? Reckless driving convictions, along with other motoring offenses, can influence insurance premiums.
Read More: How Auto Insurance Companies Check Driving Records
Hence, it’s natural to wonder: how long do motoring convictions affect insurance? Or when does DUI stop affecting insurance? Understanding the duration and impact of these convictions is crucial for individuals seeking insurance coverage and navigating the complexities of their driving history.
Insurance With Criminal Record
What can insurance companies see on your driving record? Insurance companies typically have access to various details on your driving record, including:
- Traffic Violations: This includes speeding tickets, running red lights, failure to yield, and other moving violations.
- Accidents: Do car accidents show up on background checks? Yes. Insurance companies can see details of any accidents you’ve been involved in, including fault determination and the severity of the accident.
- License Status: They can verify whether your driver’s license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
- DUI/DWI Convictions: Does driving without insurance go on your criminal record? Any history of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated will be visible.
- License Points: Some states use a points system to track driving offenses, and insurance companies may consider the number of points on your license when determining rates.
- License Endorsements: Certain endorsements on your license, such as those for commercial driving or motorcycle operation, may affect your insurance rates.
These details help insurance companies assess your risk as a driver and determine your premiums accordingly.
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Other Auto Insurance Options for High-Risk Drivers
Some insurance companies specialize in offering car insurance to drivers who are considered high risk. Reading through car insurance company reviews will help you find the best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers and understand what you can get for your money, but you should expect to pay much more than the average insured.
Read More: High-Risk Auto Insurance
If your criminal or driving record has resulted in a license suspension, obtaining the type of auto insurance coverage can prove challenging. Does suspended license affect insurance? While driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal, most states mandate auto insurance for registered vehicles.
However, you might still be able to secure coverage by having an approved driver insure the vehicle. There are also car insurance companies that don’t ask for criminal convictions. This could be especially relevant when seeking out car insurance companies that accept felons.
Car Insurance for People With Convictions
Can you get car insurance with a criminal record? You can get car insurance with criminal record. However if you are thinking how does my criminal record affect eligibility? It may affect the cost and options available. Some insurers specialize in coverage for individuals with criminal records, but premiums may be higher.
Disclose your record truthfully to avoid policy issues, and consider working with an agent familiar with these challenges. Car insurance for felons can be challenging to obtain, but there are companies that specialize in providing coverage tailored to their needs.
Driving Without Insurance Misdemeanor
Is driving without insurance a criminal record? Yes, it is considered a serious offense in many jurisdictions and can result in legal consequences, including a criminal record. Penalties for driving without insurance vary depending on the laws of the specific state or country, but they often include fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time for repeat offenses or more severe violations.
Additionally, having a criminal record for driving without insurance can impact your ability to obtain car insurance in the future and may lead to higher premiums when you do obtain coverage. It’s crucial to ensure that you have the legally required insurance coverage before operating a vehicle to avoid these potential consequences.
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More About Auto Insurance With a Criminal Record
How does driving record affect insurance? You may not be able to do anything about your past driving record or your criminal history. However, with time, the situation could improve to where you are eligible for lower auto insurance premiums.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) November 23, 2023
Car insurance and criminal convictions intersect when insurers assess risk. Practicing safe driving habits, obeying all traffic laws, and avoiding criminal activity can help you avoid high insurance rates and lower your risk as a driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having a criminal record affect auto insurance rates?
Yes, having a criminal record can potentially affect your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining rates, and a criminal record is one such factor that might influence the premiums you pay.
Do car insurance companies check criminal record or can insurers check driving convictions?
Yes, auto insurance companies will check your criminal record and convictions when you apply for coverage since many offenses, such as DUIs and reckless driving, relate to your driving.
What types of criminal records can impact auto insurance rates?
Certain types of criminal records can impact auto insurance rates more than others. Offenses such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence), reckless driving, hit-and-run, or other serious traffic violations can significantly affect your insurance rates.
How does a criminal record affect auto insurance rates?
When you have a criminal record related to driving offenses, insurance companies perceive you as a higher risk. They believe that individuals with a history of criminal behavior behind the wheel are more likely to engage in risky driving practices, leading to an increased probability of accidents or claims. Consequently, insurers may charge higher premiums to offset this perceived risk.
Will my auto insurance rates be affected if my criminal record is unrelated to driving?
In general, if your criminal record is unrelated to driving, it may not directly impact your auto insurance rates. However, certain offenses like fraud or theft, which could reflect on your overall character and responsibility, might still be considered by insurance companies during the underwriting process. This evaluation could potentially affect your rates.
Can I still get auto insurance if I have a criminal record?
Yes, even with a criminal record, you can still obtain auto insurance coverage. However, you may face challenges in finding an insurance provider willing to offer you coverage, especially if your record includes severe driving offenses. Some insurers may decline your application or provide coverage at higher rates due to the perceived risk associated with your criminal record.
What is a criminal charge?
There is a difference between being charged with a crime and being convicted of a crime. These differences will also impact the cost of car insurance. If a criminal proceeding takes place, you can expect the following:
- To be charged with a crime
- To be arrested for the charges issued
- To face possible conviction from a jury or judge
A criminal record will show court hearings, even if you are charged but not convicted of DUI. Each company places a different weight on DUI charges and convictions. Still, the idea is that a previous situation involving risky driving behaviors can lead to you needing to purchase high-risk insurance.
What is a high-risk insurance rate?
Insurance companies assess a potential insured’s risk when processing an application. Those with higher risks are assumed to cost the insurance company more money than the average, safe driver. As a response to this risk, insurance is more costly for those who have engaged in irresponsible driving behaviors or have a record of instability.
For some individuals with several incidents on their criminal or driving records, an insurance company may deny coverage completely. These individuals could even be specifically listed on a policy as uninsured.
If you share a policy with a spouse, parent, or another individual, the rate may increase for the policyholder. In geographic regions with high crime rates, you could face a more expensive insurance rate because the insurer is trying to mitigate the general risks of the location despite your innocence or participation.
Does my husband’s criminal record affect me?
If your spouse is listed as a driver on your policy with various offenses, such as a DUI or reckless driving, it could impact your rates.
Does a misdemeanor affect car insurance?
Misdemeanors only impact your auto insurance rates if they’re related to your driving record. For example, reckless driving, driving without insurance, and your first DUI are all misdemeanors that can increase your rates.
What affects my car insurance rates?
So, what affects your car insurance rates? Convictions such as DUIs (Driving Under the Influence), reckless driving, hit-and-run offenses, and other serious traffic violations typically have a significant impact on car insurance rates.
Do criminal convictions affect car insurance and what convictions affect car insurance?
Yes. Criminal convictions unrelated to driving, such as felonies involving theft or fraud, may also affect car insurance premiums. It’s essential to disclose any convictions to your insurance provider as failure to do so could result in voided coverage or increased premiums later on.
Can insurance companies see if your license is suspended?
Yes, insurance companies typically have access to information regarding the status of your driver’s license, including whether it is suspended or revoked. They often check this information as part of their underwriting process to assess the level of risk associated with insuring you as a driver.
Can I get my insurance license with a felony?
So, can I get an insurance license with a felony? The eligibility to obtain an insurance license with a felony varies by jurisdiction and the nature of the felony. It’s advisable to check the specific licensing requirements in your area and seek guidance from legal professionals or licensing authorities if needed.
Additionally, there are companies that offers insurance for drivers with convictions.
Do I have to declare spent convictions to insurance companies?
The requirement on declaring criminal conviction for car insurance varies depending on jurisdiction and company policies. In some areas or for certain types of insurance, they may not need to be disclosed, while in others, you may still be required to do so. It’s crucial to review the specific requirements and seek guidance if unsure, as providing inaccurate information can lead to coverage issues.
What does conviction mean in car insurance?
Car insurance convictions typically refers to being found guilty of a traffic violation or a criminal offense related to driving, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving. Car insurance for those with criminal convictions impact your insurance premiums, eligibility for certain types of coverage, and even your ability to obtain insurance in some cases.
Why do insurance companies ask about criminal convictions?
Insurance companies ask about criminal convictions to assess the risk an applicant poses as a policyholder, helping determine appropriate premiums and coverage options.
Does my parents criminal record affect me?
Generally, your parents’ criminal record should not directly affect you, but there may be indirect impacts, such as financial or insurance-related consequences. However, when it comes to obtaining car insurance with a criminal conviction, the impact may be more direct, potentially affecting your eligibility for coverage and influencing your premiums.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.