Our Independent, Massachusetts Insurance Agency gets many questions about driving records and how accidents and moving violations affect insurance rates.
Motor vehicle violations and at-fault accidents are called surchargeable events.
If you have been licensed for, at least, 6 years and have no surchargeable events then you are a state-best: “99” driver.
When you first get your license you are a neutral “0” point driver. After 5 years clean driving experience you receive a credit and become a “98” driver.
For a minor (less than $2,000 paid out combined damage) at-fault accident, drivers are surcharged 3 points.
For a major (more than $2,000 paid out combined damage) at-fault accident, drivers are surcharged 4 points.
For the first motor vehicle violation (includes inspection sticker violations), the state will not surcharge you — HOWEVER — if you are a “99” or “98” driver, you lose your credits and become a “0” driver. For each additional motor vehicle violations drivers are surcharged 2 points.
Each surcharge point increases your MA auto insurance by, approximately, 5%.
The best way to save money on insurance? Drive Safely & keep your driving record perfect!