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How do car insurance companies check your background when you apply for coverage?

I had a traffic violation five years ago. Will insurance companies find out about it when they check my background?

avatar
Emily Richey · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“When you ask for a
car insurance
quote, you typically submit your driver’s license and Social Security number. With this information, companies can access your driving history and anything in your public record, including accidents, claims, and violations.
Insurance companies will definitely be able to see your traffic violation, and there’s really no way to hide it from them. But the good news is that insurers generally only look at the last three to five years when calculating your premium. Since your violation is five years old, it may not have an impact on your rate.”
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