Points on Your Record: The Tale of Two Different Points Systems
You see the flashing lights in your rearview mirror. Your heart sinks. You pull over, and a few minutes later, you’re holding a ticket. The first thought that pops into your head is probably, “Oh no… points on my license!”
It’s a common fear, but it’s also where a lot of confusion begins. When you get a ticket or have an accident, you’re actually dealing with two separate scoring/points systems. Think of it like having two different report cards: one for the principal’s office (the State of Michigan) and one for your parents (your insurance company).
They might be based on the same event, but they have very different rules and consequences. Let’s break it down.
Player One: The Secretary of State’s Report Card (License Points)
This is the “official” system. The points on your driver’s license are issued by the State of Michigan to track your behavior as a driver.
- Who gives them out? The State of Michigan, through the court system and the Secretary of State based on the citation you receive.
- What’s their purpose? To enforce the law and get unsafe drivers off the road. Their goal is public safety.
- What are the consequences? Rack up too many points, and you’ll face fines, driver responsibility fees, and eventually, the suspension of your license.
- How it works: Different violations carry different point values. For example, in Michigan, speeding 11-15 mph over the limit is 3 points. Disobeying a stop sign is also 3 points. These points stay on your record for a set period of time.
The Bottom Line: License points are all about your legal right and privilege to drive.
Player Two: Your Insurance Company’s Scoreboard (Insurance Points)
This is the system that hits you in the wallet. Insurance points are part of an internal rating system used by your insurance carrier to determine how much of a risk you are to insure.
- Who gives them out? Your insurance company.
- What’s their purpose? To predict the likelihood you’ll file a claim in the future. Their goal is to accurately price your insurance premium.
- What are the consequences? The more insurance points, the higher your premium will be.
- How it works: This is where it gets tricky. This system is not 1-to-1 with license points. A 3-point speeding ticket might result in a “minor violation” surcharge. An at-fault accident, even if you never get a ticket from the police, could result in insurance points on your insurance record, leading to a significant rate increase. Every company has its own formula for calculating the increased premium.
The Bottom Line: Insurance points are all about how much you pay for your coverage.
So, What Does This All Mean for You?
Understanding that these two systems are different empowers you. A ticket can impact both your legal record and your insurance rate, but not always in the same way. Conversely, an accident can spike your insurance rates without ever touching your official driving record.
Navigating the world of surcharges, tiers, and policy ratings can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. That’s where we come in!
If you’ve recently had a ticket or an accident and are worried about what it means for your rates, give us a call. We can review your policy, explain exactly how your record is impacting your premium, and make sure you’re still in the best possible position.
Ready for a policy check-up? Let’s talk! Call or text us at 517-351-9117.
Image credit: https://www.meme-arsenal.com/en/create/meme/7151646