A motor vehicle report (MVR) is an official document issued by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that summarizes your driving history. It includes details like your license status, traffic violations and accidents, and is often requested by insurance companies.
Knowing what’s in your MVR and how to access it can help you avoid inaccuracies that could raise your car insurance premium.
What is in a motor vehicle report?
A motor vehicle report (MVR) is a comprehensive document that includes everything from your personal information to your driving history over the last five to 10 years. It generally includes details such as your:
- Name.
- Date of birth.
- Driver license number, suspensions and points.
- Accidents.
- Traffic violations.
- DUI convictions.
Each state’s DMV issues and maintains MVRs — they’re not administered by a federal agency. MVRs are most often used by insurance companies, but can also be obtained by other organizations such as government agencies and law enforcement officers.
Essentially, an MVR states whether a person has a clean record. It may also include personally identifying information (PII) like your hair color, weight and height.
Actual accident reports and license suspensions are also listed in your MVR. In some states, the MVR includes the status of child support payments, which can impact driving privileges.
How to check your driving record
Drivers can request a copy of their MVR through their local driver services agency. You can request two types of MVRs:
Certified MVRs: These are typically used in legal matters or job interviews. To get a copy of your certified MVR from your DMV, submit a request online, by mail or in-person. You’ll typically pay a fee.
Uncertified MVRs: These are used more casually; insurers may use these to estimate your premium. You can request a digital copy from your DMV.
How to spot errors on your MVR
If you receive a copy of your MVR and find an error, such as a wrongfully attributed accident or violation, you can formally dispute it with your state’s DMV or insurance department.
The process varies by state, but when you file a dispute, you’ll likely need to provide your driver’s license and vehicle information. It can help to provide evidence that supports your claim.
Because the state has to research your case, it may take a while for your MVR to be updated.
How your MVR affects car insurance rates
Your driving record is a major factor that insurers use to determine your premium.
Here are the average monthly and annual rates that Jerry customers with a clean driving record have been quoted for full coverage.
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
|
|---|---|
| $255 | $3,059 |
Here are the average rates that Jerry customers with an accident on their record have been quoted for full coverage, according to Jerry’s quote data.
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
|
At-fault Accident on Record
|
|---|---|---|
| $269 | $3,226 | At Fault With Injury |
| $293 | $3,513 | At Fault With No Injury |
| $271 | $3,254 | Not At Fault |
Here are the average rates that Jerry customers with a violation on their record have been quoted for full coverage.
|
Violation Summary
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
|
|---|---|---|
| Careless Driving | $339 | $4,063 |
| Improper Passing | $303 | $3,632 |
| Racing/Drag Racing | $302 | $3,623 |
| Speeding over 15 | $293 | $3,519 |
| Suspension | $288 | $3,452 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $282 | $3,385 |
| Illegal Turn | $277 | $3,328 |
| Eluding Police | $272 | $3,263 |
| Open Container | $261 | $3,127 |
| Reckless Driving | $259 | $3,112 |
Your driving record is always being updated, so your premium could change when your policy is up for renewal.
A clean driving record will help you maintain the best rates possible. Your insurer may also offer rewards and discounts for good driving habits.
Your location, your gender, your credit history, and your coverage level also affect your insurance costs.
Learn more: How are car insurance rates calculated?
Get quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate for your given record.
How long can an MVR or violation affect my insurance rates?
Typically, violations on your MVR last between three and five years. This timeline can vary depending on your state. There are two types of driving records:
- Lifetime: The length of a lifetime record includes your entire lifetime of driving history.
- Standard: A standard record includes only the last five to 10 years of your driving history.
Some states maintain lifetime records and standard records, but most only keep standard records. Auto insurance companies regularly check your MVR when your policy is up for renewal, and any violations can influence your premium costs.
Who can view your MVR?
Others usually need your written consent to access your MVR thanks to the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). In most cases, the person requesting access has to identify themselves to you, explain why they want to access your MVR and get your permission.
However, government agencies, law enforcement, security, insurance companies and nonprofit motor vehicle market research organizations do not need permission to view your MVR. Employers and school admissions offices are examples of entities that need your permission to view your record.
Accessing an MVR is not the same as sharing your personal identifying information (PII). The DPPA prohibits requesters from disclosing your PII or contacting you after viewing your MVR.
How to maintain a clean driving record
The best way to keep a clean MVR is to practice safe driving habits. Avoid violations, accidents, and convictions that would blemish your record, such as speeding tickets or failure to stop citations. If you receive a ticket, make sure to pay it on time.
If you already have marks on your record, there are two steps you can take to help clear your history:
- Wait it out: Most violations naturally fall off your record after a period of time — usually three to five years — but severe violations may stay on for longer.
- Prove yourself: Some drivers may be eligible for a defensive driving class, which can erase points from their record. In states without a points system, drivers may be able to take a defensive driving course to have their fines reduced or a ticket dismissed.
FAQ
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How often do car insurance companies check your driving record?
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Are motor vehicle records public?
Megan Lee is an editor, writer, and SEO expert who specializes in insurance, personal finance, travel, and healthcare. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for several websites, including NerdWallet. When she`s not crafting her next piece of content, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to drink cortados, attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.
Annie is a writer and editor at Jerry and has more than a decade of experience writing and editing digital content. Before joining Jerry, she was an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet, where she covered loans. Previously, she worked at USAA and newspapers in Minnesota, North Dakota, California, and Texas. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota.
Methodology
Data included in this analysis comes from policies that Jerry has quoted within the last 18 months. Jerry services 48 states and offers a range of insurance companies to choose from.
