Motor Vehicle Reports, Explained
A motor vehicle report is a comprehensive record of your time as a driver, either for a certain number of years or for your entire time as a licensed motorist.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Your motor vehicle report is a comprehensive record of your time as a driver either for an extended period or for as long as you’ve been licensed to drive—the report is maintained by your state’s DMV and contains information about any moving violations, traffic tickets, or car accidents, as well as your personal information.
Insurers check your motor vehicle report when
calculating your insurance premium
, which is all the more reason to ensure your MVR is spotless in order to get the best rate. However, even if your MVR is not perfect (and no one’s perfect, not even you, dear reader), that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great car insurance
policy at a great price—with Jerry
, you can do exactly that!Sign-up takes a scant 45 seconds, and then Jerry gets to work finding personalized quotes from more than 50 insurance companies for you to compare. Once you make your pick, Jerry does the rest, including signing you up for your new policy and canceling your old one!
To learn more about your motor vehicle report (which influences your insurance premium), keep reading!
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What is a motor vehicle report and what information is included in it?
Your motor vehicle report (MVR) is made up of a slew of information, most notably your personal information and all pertinent information about your driving history, including any moving violations, accidents,
license suspensions
, and more.Personal information
Your MVR contains the following information:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Driver’s license number
- License class
- Any restrictions on license
- Any endorsements
- Your age, height, and weight
Driving information
Your MVR will also note any vehicle-related incidents you’ve been involved in during your time as a driver, such as:
Points
Your MVR also tracks how many points are on your record if your state uses a
driver license points system
to track violations and infractions.Most states use a point system, but the number of points administered for a violation will likely differ from state to state.
Your MVR score refers to the total number of points on your record.
MORE: How much a distracted driving ticket costs you in the long run
How long do violations stay on your MVR?
How long a violation remains on your MVR depends on several factors, most importantly the severity of a violation.
Common violations, such as
speeding tickets
, tend to be removed from your record in roughly three to five years. More serious violations, including DUI or DWI convictions, and any at-fault accidents, can stay on your record for much longer.The state you live in also plays a role in how long a violation remains on your record—rules tend to differ by state.
Key Takeaway The length of time a violation remains on your driving record depends on its severity and your state laws.
Standard vs. lifetime records
Some states divide motor vehicle reports into two sections—standard reports and lifetime reports.
Standard reports are essentially a snapshot in time, say five to ten years (it depends on your state), and they include any violations, suspensions, accidents, etc. that occurred during that time.
Lifetime records are kept for as long as you have a history of being a driver in your state, including any violations, suspensions, or accidents in which you have been involved.
What is an MVR check?
An MVR check is when a potential employer requests to see your driving record during a job vetting process.
If you are applying for a job where you will be driving a company vehicle, expect the potential employer to look into your driving record. An employer will usually have access to the following information during an MVR check:
- Driver’s license info
- Driver’s license status
- Any moving violations
- Any accidents
How does my MVR impact my insurance rate?
More serious driving violations and/or accidents listed on your MVR will negatively affect your insurance rate, as opposed to a single speeding ticket, which would not have as great an effect.
A DUI or an at-fault accident on your MVR will significantly affect your insurance premium—prepare to pay a higher-than-average rate than a driver with a
clean driving record
.MORE: How do driver violation points affect your insurance rates?
How can I get a copy of my MVR?
You can request a copy of your MVR from your state’s DMV or Department of Transportation.
You will likely be charged a small fee for this service. Depending on the state you live in, you may be able to do this by mail or online, or failing that, make the request in person.
It is a good idea to check your MVR every few years—any discrepancy can possibly affect how much your insurance costs, so keep an eye on it in case there are any errors.
If you're looking for car insurance, getting your hands on a copy of your MVR might help you gauge how much your insurance will cost. If this is strictly for research purposes, you can request an “unofficial” MVR, which will cost you less.
If you need to provide an MVR for a court appearance or job application, you’ll have to apply for an official MVR.
Key Takeaway Check your state’s DMV website or Department of Transportation website to find the specific fees and requirements associated with ordering an MVR in your state.
How to find cheap car insurance
Whatever is on your motor vehicle report, a great car insurance policy is always within reach when you use
Jerry
!Sign-up takes 45 seconds, and then this
trustworthy insurance shopping super app
does all the heavy lifting for you—comparing top quotes from more than 50 insurance companies and helping you choose the best policy for your needs. Once you make your pick, Jerry will sign you up and cancel your old policy for you.Best of all, Jerry users save an average of $887 per year on car insurance!
“This was the coolest insurance company I’ve seen so far. They saved me $1,200 and their Ux is stellar. GoJerry!” —Carla W.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
FAQ
How much does an MVR report cost?
Again, this will vary by state, but typically a motor vehicle report will cost between $10 and $40. If you need a copy of your MVR for research purposes only, ask for an unofficial report, and it will cost less than an official copy.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
