Glossary

Motor vehicle report (MVR)

Your official state driving record, listing tickets, convictions, suspensions and license status, which insurers check to set your rate.

Also called: MVR, driving record, driver abstract, driver history report

A motor vehicle report (MVR) is a copy of your driving record from the state motor vehicle agency. It shows your license status and class, traffic convictions, points where the state uses a point system, suspensions and revocations, and often reported accidents. Insurers pull MVRs, usually through data vendors, during underwriting when you apply and often again at renewal or when a driver is added.

The insurer uses the MVR to classify each moving violation as a minor violation or major violation and to apply surcharges or remove discounts. It pairs the MVR with the CLUE report, which lists insurance claims rather than convictions. How far back the insurer looks varies, commonly three to five years, though serious offenses such as DUI can stay on a state record much longer. A ticket you paid shows up as a conviction; one dismissed after a defensive driving course often does not.

You can order your own MVR from your state's motor vehicle agency, usually for a small fee, and it is worth doing before you shop so quotes match your actual record. If the report contains an error, such as a ticket that belongs to someone else, ask the agency to correct it and tell your insurer. See points on your license and your insurance.

Last reviewed October 4, 2026

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Related terms

CLUE report A LexisNexis database report of past auto or home insurance claims, which insurers pull to price and accept policies. Moving violation A traffic offense committed while a vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or running a red light, that can add license points and raise premiums. Major violation A serious driving offense, such as DUI, reckless driving or driving with a suspended license, that brings large surcharges and can lead to nonrenewal. Minor violation A common traffic offense, such as most speeding tickets, running a stop sign or an illegal turn, that brings a smaller premium surcharge. Underwriting The process an insurer uses to decide whether to accept an applicant, on what terms, and in which pricing tier or company.

Related guides

Getting car insurance with a foreign or new license How to insure a car with a foreign license or international driving permit, why you are priced as a new driver, and how to lower the cost. Your CLUE report and motor vehicle record explained Insurers check your claims history (CLUE) and state driving record (MVR) before pricing a policy. What each holds, how to get them and fix errors. How a speeding ticket affects your car insurance When a speeding ticket raises your premium, how large and long-lasting the surcharge can be, state examples, and your options before you pay. How long accidents and tickets affect your rates Accidents and tickets run on three clocks: your state driving record, claims databases that keep up to seven years, and the insurer's look-back period. Points on your license and your insurance DMV license points and insurance surcharges are separate systems. How each works, with state examples, and what point reduction courses do and don't fix. What you need to get a car insurance quote A checklist of the driver, vehicle and policy details insurers ask for, the reports they check behind the scenes, and why accurate answers matter.