--- title: "North Carolina Insurance Points: How the Safe Driver Incentive Plan Raises Your Premium, How Long Points Last and What to Ask Your Agent" description: "North Carolina SDIP insurance points add a 55% rate increase at 2 points, 70% at 3 and 90% at 4. See how long points last, the 2025 changes and what to ask." url: "https://riskado.com/north-carolina-insurance-points/" lang: "en" published: "2025-10-19" modified: "2025-10-19" tags: ["insurance-points","safe-driver-incentive-plan","north-carolina-auto-insurance","driving-record","auto-rates"] image: "https://riskado.com/og/default.jpg" alternates: es: "https://riskado.com/es/puntos-de-seguro-en-carolina-del-norte.md" --- # North Carolina Insurance Points: How the Safe Driver Incentive Plan Raises Your Premium, How Long Points Last and What to Ask Your Agent Riskado Oct 19, 2025 ยท 9 min read ![Taillights of a car on a rain-wet two-lane road at dusk](https://riskado.com/blog/north-carolina-insurance-points/featured.jpg) North Carolina insurance points are Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) points, charged on private passenger auto policies after certain traffic convictions and [at-fault accidents](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/at-fault-accident/). They're separate from the [license](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/insurance-license/) points NCDMV keeps on your driving record. Two SDIP points carry a 55% rate increase, three points 70% and four points 90%, according to the [North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/auto-and-vehicle-insurance/safe-driver-incentive-plan). The surcharge is calculated [coverage](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/coverage/) by coverage, so your dollar increase depends on your [policy](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/policy/). Most surcharges last three policy years, but certain convictions of four or more points on or after July 1, 2025 last five. The event, its date and your renewal notice decide the result. ### Key takeaways - **What they are**SDIP points charged on private passenger auto policies after certain convictions and at-fault accidents. - **Separate system**Insurance points are separate from the license points NCDMV keeps on your driving record. - **Rate increase**55% for 2 points, 70% for 3 points and 90% for 4 points, calculated coverage by coverage. - **How long**Most surcharges last three policy years; certain convictions of four or more points on or after July 1, 2025 last five. ## Will a ticket or accident raise your North Carolina premium? Usually, yes, if it's a qualifying moving violation conviction or an at-fault accident inside the experience period. [G.S. 58-36-65 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_58/GS_58-36-65.html) authorizes the classification plan and the SDIP, and [G.S. 58-36-75 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_58/GS_58-36-75.html) addresses at-fault accidents and moving violations. The North Carolina Rate Bureau files the plan's rules and schedules, and the Commissioner of Insurance reviews and approves them. SDIP rate increase by points Hover or tap a row to highlight it. | SDIP points | Listed rate increase | | --- | --- | | 2 | 55% | | 3 | 70% | | 4 | 90% | Those percentages aren't a dollar estimate. The surcharge is calculated separately for bodily injury, property damage, [medical payments](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/medical-payments-coverage/), [comprehensive and collision](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/full-coverage/) coverage on each eligible vehicle, according to the [Rate Bureau's rate order calculation exhibit (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncrb.org/Portals/5/ncrf/circular%20letters/2025/RF-25-5%20Revision%20to%20the%20Personal%20Auto%20Manual%20%20Non-Fleet%20Rate%20Order%20Calculation%20Exhibit.pdf?ver=xtkqnxVhQcNdcETJ03OmEA%3D%3D). The SDIP factor applies to the base premium for each coverage, and the manual has its own rules for households with more than one car. To see what your points cost in dollars, ask your insurer for the coverage-by-coverage rating. ## How many insurance points does a ticket or accident carry? The [NCDOI's SDIP chart (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/auto-and-vehicle-insurance/safe-driver-incentive-plan) assigns points by event: North Carolina SDIP point chart Hover or tap a row to highlight it. | SDIP points | Convictions and at-fault accidents | | --- | --- | | 1 | Other moving violations; speeding 10 mph or less over a limit under 55 mph; at-fault accident with total property damage of $2,300 or less | | 2 | Illegal passing; following too closely; driving on the wrong side of the road; speeding more than 10 mph over the limit at a total speed over 55 mph and under 76 mph; speeding 10 mph or less over a limit of 55 mph or higher; at-fault accident with property damage over $2,300 and under $3,850 | | 3 | At-fault accident with death or total bodily injury over $1,800; at-fault accident with total property damage of $3,850 or more | | 4 | Reckless driving; hit-and-run with property damage only; passing a stopped school bus; speeding over 75 mph where the limit is under 70 mph; speeding over 80 mph where the limit is 70 mph or higher; driving under age 21 after consuming alcohol or drugs | | 8 | Driving while your license or registration is revoked or suspended; aggressive driving | | 10 | Highway racing or knowingly lending a vehicle for it; speeding to elude arrest | | 12 | Manslaughter or negligent homicide; prearranged highway racing; hit-and-run with injury or death; driving while impaired and specified alcohol offenses; transporting illegal intoxicating liquor for sale | Property damage in the accident thresholds counts damage to all property, including your own car. If an at-fault accident and a moving violation conviction from the same accident both qualify, only the higher surcharge applies, under [G.S. 58-36-75 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_58/GS_58-36-75.html). ![Two cars stopped at an intersection after a minor fender-bender, seen from across the street](https://riskado.com/blog/north-carolina-insurance-points/accident.jpg) At-fault accident points depend on the total property damage and any bodily injury. ## How long do insurance points last in North Carolina? The standard experience period is the three years before you apply for coverage or before the insurer prepares your renewal. A standard surcharge lasts three policy years, according to the [NCDOI (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/auto-and-vehicle-insurance/safe-driver-incentive-plan). The rule changed on July 1, 2025. For convictions of four or more SDIP points on or after that date, other than speeding convictions, the experience period is five years before application or renewal, without counting any time before July 1, 2025, and the surcharge lasts five policy years, as the [NCDOI notice on the July 2025 changes (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdoi.gov/changes-rating-automobile-insurance-policies-effective-july-1-2025) explains. Convictions of four or more points before July 1, 2025 keep the three-year periods. ### How long an SDIP surcharge runs 1. Before July 1, 2025Convictions of four or more points use a three-year experience period and a three-year surcharge. 2. On or after July 1, 2025Convictions of four or more points, other than speeding, use a five-year experience period and a five-year surcharge. 3. All other convictionsA three-year experience period and a three-year surcharge. 4. Low-level speeding and PJCsThe lookback for the waiver rules is five years for events on or after July 1, 2025. ## When does the surcharge show up? The insurer applies SDIP points when you apply for a policy or when it prepares your renewal, using the convictions and at-fault accidents inside the experience period. For this purpose, a conviction includes a conviction under [G.S. 20-279.1 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-279.1.html) and an infraction under [G.S. 14-3.1 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_14/GS_14-3.1.html), as defined in [G.S. 58-36-75 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_58/GS_58-36-75.html). Give accurate answers when the insurer asks about your record, then read the renewal notice and the rating explanation that comes with it. If the insurer decides not to renew instead, it must mail notice at least 60 days before the policy ends for liability, medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage, according to the [NCDOI (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/auto-and-vehicle-insurance/losing-your-insurance). Ask your insurer how it notifies you of a new surcharge and when you should send a court disposition that changes the record. ![An opened envelope with folded papers on a wooden desk beside a cup of coffee](https://riskado.com/blog/north-carolina-insurance-points/renewal-notice.jpg) The insurer applies SDIP points when you apply or when it prepares your renewal. ## Are insurance points the same as DMV points? No. NCDMV assesses license points on your driving record, and insurance companies use a different point system to set rates, according to the [NCDMV (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/license-suspension/Pages/default.aspx). The same event can carry different values in each system. DMV license points and SDIP insurance points compared Hover or tap a row to highlight it. | Issue | DMV license points | SDIP insurance points | | --- | --- | --- | | Who assigns them | NCDMV, under the driver license point schedule | The insurer, under the plan filed by the Rate Bureau and approved by the Commissioner | | Main effect | Driver improvement clinics and license suspension | A premium surcharge | | Reckless driving | 4 points | 4 points | | Passing a stopped school bus | 5 points | 4 points | | Following too closely | 4 points | 2 points | | Where to see them | Your NCDMV driving record | Your renewal documents and the insurer's rating explanation | The DMV values come from the point schedule in [G.S. 20-16 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-16.html). On the license side, a driver with seven points on the 12-point scale can ask to attend a driver improvement clinic, and 12 points within three years can lead to a suspension. Eight points within three years after reinstatement can lead to another suspension. Point-system suspensions last 60 days for a first suspension, six months for a second and one year for a third or later one, according to the [NCDMV (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/license-suspension/Pages/default.aspx). ![Close view of a car speedometer needle at highway speed](https://riskado.com/blog/north-carolina-insurance-points/speedometer.jpg) The same ticket can carry different values as a DMV license point and an SDIP insurance point. ## Can you still get insured with points? Yes. Points raise the price, but they don't by themselves mean no insurer will cover you. The [North Carolina Reinsurance Facility](https://riskado.com/north-carolina-reinsurance-facility/) pools insurance risks that can't get coverage by ordinary methods, according to the [Facility (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncrb.org/ncrf/About-NCRF). An insurer can cede an eligible risk it chooses not to keep to the Facility. The Facility accepts bodily injury and property damage liability, medical payments, uninsured motorist and combined uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages. Collision and comprehensive, the physical damage coverages, aren't eligible for cession. If your policy is ceded, the insurer must tell you that it was ceded, that Facility rates apply, the reason or reasons for the cession, that the specific reasons will be provided on your written request and that you can seek insurance from other insurers who may choose not to cede the policy, according to the [Facility's 2025 rate filing (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncrb.org/Portals/5/Rate%20Filings/2025/2025%20CA%20Ratefiling%204-1-25.pdf?ver=Vx_HtDda0ZvDasaZ5N8kAA%3D%3D). Compare the renewal premium, the SDIP points, the coverages and the Facility notice side by side. ![A sedan parked under a carport beside a quiet residential street](https://riskado.com/blog/north-carolina-insurance-points/reinsurance.jpg) Points raise the price, and the Reinsurance Facility exists for risks that can't get coverage by ordinary methods. ## Can a PJC, a clinic or an amended charge change the result? Some can, under specific rules. Each one depends on the dates and your household's record. - **Prayer for judgment continued (PJC):** A PJC for a moving violation carries no SDIP points or surcharge unless the owner, the principal operator or any licensed driver in the household has another PJC for a moving violation within the lookback. The lookback is five years for a PJC granted on or after July 1, 2025 and three years for one granted earlier, according to the [NCDOI (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/auto-and-vehicle-insurance/safe-driver-incentive-plan). - **Low-level speeding:** Speeding 10 mph or less over the posted limit, outside a school zone, carries no SDIP points unless the same driver has another moving violation conviction within the lookback. The lookback is five years for convictions on or after July 1, 2025 and three years for earlier ones. - **Minor accidents:** An at-fault accident carries no SDIP points if it caused property damage only, the damage was $2,300 or less, no moving violation conviction came with it and no licensed driver in the household had a conviction or at-fault accident in the experience period. An insurer may require you to have been insured with it for six consecutive months. - **Diagnostic medical costs:** No insurance points apply for bodily injury if you can prove the medical costs were only for diagnostic purposes. - **Dismissed or amended charges:** The final conviction or infraction decides the SDIP classification, and [G.S. 58-36-75 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_58/GS_58-36-75.html) has specific protections for some dismissed impaired-driving charges. Send the insurer the final court and DMV disposition and ask for a rating review. - **Driver improvement clinics:** A clinic deducts three points from your NCDMV driving record, and you can attend once every five years, according to the [NCDMV (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/license-suspension/Pages/default.aspx). Those are license points. Reinstating a license also cancels previous license points. Insurance points follow the SDIP rules, so ask your insurer how a clinic or reinstatement affects your rating. ## How do you check your record and challenge a surcharge? Order your official driving record online, by mail or in person through the [NCDMV (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/records-reports/Pages/driving-records.aspx). Mail requests use the Official Driving Record Request Form, DL-DPPA-1. Get the court's final disposition too, since an amended or dismissed charge can change the classification. To ask for a surcharge review, request these in writing from your insurer or agent: - The conviction or accident used, and the date used. - The SDIP point value assigned. - The experience period and surcharge period applied. - The coverages and vehicles that were surcharged. - The rating calculation or explanation. - The process for correcting an inaccurate record. If the insurer doesn't resolve it, you can [file a complaint with the NCDOI (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdoi.gov/assistance-or-file-complaint) and attach the renewal notice, policy documents, letters from the insurer, your driving record and the final court disposition. The NCDOI can forward the complaint to the insurer, require a response, review compliance and require corrective action when it's appropriate. It doesn't act as your lawyer or decide disputed facts about fault. Before you rely on an agent, ask for the license number or National Producer Number and check it in the [North Carolina insurance license lookup (opens in a new tab)](https://sbs.naic.org/solar-external-lookup/?jurisdiction=NC). The [NCDOI's licensing page (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ncdoi.gov/licensees/insurance-producer-and-adjuster-licensing) covers agent licensing in North Carolina. ## Questions to ask your agent or insurer - Is this a DMV license point, an SDIP insurance point or both? - What exact conviction or accident did you use? - What SDIP point value applies? - Does the before or after July 1, 2025 rule apply? - Is the event inside a three-year or five-year experience period? - Will the surcharge last three or five policy years? - Which coverages and vehicles carry the surcharge? - Was my policy ceded to the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility, and what is the written reason? - What records should I send for a rating review? - How will a dismissed, amended or corrected court disposition be handled? - What is your written review or appeal procedure? [Riskado's directory](https://riskado.com/agencies/north-carolina/) lists insurance agencies across the US, including North Carolina, by city and by category. **Quiz: Check what you know about North Carolina insurance points** 1. What rate increase does the NCDOI's SDIP table list for 3 points? - 40% - 70% **(correct answer)** - 90% 2. How many SDIP points does reckless driving carry? - 2 points - 4 points **(correct answer)** - 8 points 3. How long does the surcharge last for a conviction of four or more points, other than speeding, on or after July 1, 2025? - Three policy years - Five policy years **(correct answer)** - One policy year 4. Which system can suspend a North Carolina driver license? - DMV license points **(correct answer)** - SDIP insurance points - Both equally 5. What pools risks that can't get coverage by ordinary methods? - The North Carolina Rate Bureau - The North Carolina Reinsurance Facility **(correct answer)** - NCDMV ## Frequently asked questions ### How much do 3 insurance points raise my rates in North Carolina? The NCDOI's SDIP table lists a 70% rate increase for three points. Three points apply to an at-fault accident with death or total bodily injury over $1,800, or with total property damage of $3,850 or more. The dollar amount depends on the base premium for each coverage on your policy. ### Will 2 points make my insurance go up? Yes, if they're charged. Two SDIP points carry a 55% rate increase on the NCDOI table, for events such as following too closely, illegal passing or certain speeding convictions over 55 mph. A low-level speeding conviction may carry no points if the waiver conditions are met. ### Do I need to tell my insurance company about a ticket? The insurer applies SDIP points from your record when you apply or when it prepares your renewal. Answer the insurer's questions about your record accurately, and ask your agent when to send a final court disposition that changes the charge. ### Do DMV points and insurance points go away at the same time? No. They're separate systems with their own periods and removal rules. A clinic or a license reinstatement affects your NCDMV record, while the SDIP surcharge period runs three or five policy years from the rules above. ## Before your next renewal Write down the date and type of each conviction or accident, check your NCDMV driving record and the court's final disposition, and match them to the SDIP chart and the July 1, 2025 rules. Then read the renewal notice line by line and ask your agent for the written rating explanation before you decide [whether to stay or shop](https://riskado.com/how-to-switch-car-insurance/). ### Key terms Tap a term to see what it means. **Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP).** North Carolina's insurance-rating plan that charges points for certain convictions and at-fault accidents. ## More articles - [Average Cost of Car Insurance in Washington, DC: What Drivers Pay and What Drives Your Quote](https://riskado.com/average-cost-of-car-insurance-in-dc/): DC drivers spent an average of $1,501.94 per insured car in 2022, about $125 a month, per the NAIC. See what the averages include and what moves a DC quote. - [Average Cost of Car Insurance in Connecticut: Why Quotes Range So Widely and What Drives Yours](https://riskado.com/average-cost-of-car-insurance-in-connecticut/): Connecticut's 2023 combined average premium for personal auto was $1,508.21 a year, per the NAIC. 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