Comments on: MA Driving History in CA?

Question: MA Driving History in CA?

morallybass — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:56:24 -0800

MA Driving History for CA auto insurance?

I'm preparing a move to the west coast. When I get a new auto insurance policy in CA, will my Massachusetts driving history be available to my insurer?

By: ejaned8

ejaned8 — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:17:29 -0800

I'm not sure, but I know that... most states allow you to request a copy of your driver's history abstract. It's usually easiest to do in person, though generally you can mail in the request after you move. You might want to get a copy of it. (Also handy if you lose/get your license stolen.)

By: digiFramph

digiFramph — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:30:11 -0800

When an insurer verifies quoted coverage they run an MVR (motor vehicle report). This is a national database and will show records of any violations or accidents you have had. Most companies will only look at the last 39 months.

By: sephira

sephira — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:32:51 -0800

IAAFIA. Yes, when you get quoted, they will see your previous licenses (and ask you for them as well, so be truthful - I've spoken with many an embarrassed person who said no previous licenses only to pull one up with the six DUIs they didn't tell me about) and pull the report.

This is usually done within minutes, while you are on the phone or the day of buying your policy, and it includes both MVR (motor vehicle reports) and CLUE (accidents and claims and the like). Usually they look at the previous five years, but only penalize you for the last three years. Sometimes it lists items older than that, but they are considered "dropped". You do not have to request a copy of these documents to give to your new insurer, but if you want to know what is on it you might want to request one from the DMV.

By: autojack

autojack — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:24:50 -0800

Yes, your MA record will be available. Mine was, and I got a point for a moving violation I had in MA.

BTW, I highly recommend Mercury Insurance in CA. I had Geico, and my coverage was around $1200/6 months. Then I got in an accident where I was at fault, and they just dropped me straight up, no argument. I switched to Mercury, and even with the _addition_ of an at-fault accident on my record, the same coverages for the same car were only $850/6 months.

By: k8t

k8t — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:51:47 -0800

Yes. My Vermont record transfered to CA.