What is the Difference between in NJ DMV Points and NJ Insurance Points?

 
There is a related system of points that are assessed by NJ automobile or NJ Car insurance companies doing business in New Jersey. These points, known as insurance points or insurance eligibility points are generally the same as those imposed for motor vehicle violations. However several of the most serious violations that do not result in the assessment of motor vehicle points, will result in NJ insurance eligibility points.

For example, a drunk driving violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4 50(a) DUI is not a point offense for motor vehicle purposes. However, this violation will result in the assessment of 9 insurance points.
Insurance points are used by insurance carriers to determine the level of premiums that an insured must pay for liability coverage. A total of 7 or fewer points will determine the tier of coverage for which an insured may qualify when purchasing insurance in the NJ voluntary market. An accumulation of more than 7 insurance points will disqualify the insured from purchasing insurance in the voluntary market. However, such an insured may attempt to purchase insurance on an assigned risk basis through the New Jersey Automobile Insurance Plan (N.J.P.A.I.P), although the premiums for even basic, minimal coverage will be more expensive than the rates available in the voluntary market.
The schedule of authorized insurance eligibility points is published in N.J.A.C. 11:3 34 is as follows:
Schedule of NJ Car - Automobile Insurance Eligibility Points subject to change at any time. Consult you NJ Insurance Agent or NJPAIP Certified Producer for current points information.


Why are rates different for different cars, even if the cars cost the same?

- Each at fault accident 5

- Failure to verify insurance involved in an automobile accident 2

- For each full year of a court imposed driver's license suspension 3

- Involved in a fatal accident 4


Traffic Tickets
Motor Vehicle Points - Will They Be Assessed Against You?

With certain motor vehicle tickets, if you plead guilty or are convicted of certain motor vehicle offenses, DMV or the Division of Motor Vehicles will assess points against your driver's license. These points can range anywhere from two (2) points for each offense all the way up to eight (8) points. Some examples of common point assessments include the following:
Careless Driving (2 points)
Failure to signal (2 points) Failure to yield to pedestrian in a cross-walk (2 points) Improper passing (4 points) Improper passing of school bus (5 points) Improper passing of a frozen dessert truck (5 points) Improper turn (3 points) Leaving the scene of an accident with personal injuries (8 points) Racing on a highway (5 points) Reckless Driving (5 points) Speeding (anywhere from 2 points to 5 points, depending upon your speed) Tailgating (5 points)
Q.: What are the ramifications of accumulating motor vehicle points?

A.: First off, losing your driver's privileges. If you accumulate 12 or more points, the Division of Motor Vehicles will suspend your driving privileges for at least thirty (30) days if not more.

Q: How can one reduce the amount of points on their driver's license?

A: Any time you are given a ticket for a motor vehicle offense, simply do not simply do not pay it, consult with an attorney because the penalties and points involved in a guilty plea and/or finding of a guilty plea could have a negative as well as financial impact on your driver's privileges.
There are generally three (3) ways to reduce your motor vehicle points:
1) Based upon the mere passage of time. For every year that a driver can go without receiving a new violation, you will receive a three (3) point credit;
2) A driver may also receive a two (2) point credit by completing an authorized defensive driving course; and
3) You can receive a three (3) point credit if you successfully complete a driver improvement course.