Why Massachusetts police love the numbers 98 and 99

I was fine. I was a “99” for a long time. My Massachusetts Safe Driving Insurance Plan rating was top notch until November when I hit some black ice and hit a tree. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt, but now I’m paying for it.

When someone applies for auto insurance in Massachusetts, their premium (how much their annual bill will be) is based on your history or surchargeable incidents. Traffic violations like speeding and driving under the influence, as well as car accidents, all affect your performance rating.

In Massachusetts, performance ratings of 98 and 99 are considered excellent. You have a rating of 99 if you have been a driver for more than 6 years.

I have seen insurance (comprehensive) as cheap as $1,200 per year, but also as expensive as $6,000!

In Massachusetts, there are two types of car accidents that affect your rating.

• A minor self-inflicted accident results in a damage payment of more than $1000 and up to $5000 for damage to another person’s property, collision, limited collision or personal injury to others. (Three points are added)

• A bad accident results in a damage payment of more than $5,000 for damage to another person’s property, collision, limited collision, or personal injury to others. (Four points are added)

• Minor violation of traffic regulations (2 points) These include civil violations such as speeding or ignoring traffic lights, as well as minor offenses such as driving without a license.
• Serious violation of traffic regulations (5 points) includes offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OUI), hit and run, or refusing to stop for a police officer.

Information from mass.gov

Six years. But there is good news…

Typically, your points remain valid for six years after you receive them, but you may be able to deduct points sooner… How? Avoid accruing new points for the next three years. The Clean in 3 Rule states that the value of your points can be reduced by 1 point for each surchargeable incident if:

1. 1. three or fewer crimes in the last five years,
   2. at least three years of driving experience and
   3. They haven’t scored any points in the last three years.