North Carolina insurance rates are set by the North Carolina Rate Bureau (NCRB). All insurance companies approved to provide automobile liability insurance in North Carolina are required to be members of the NCRB. Out of the NCRB was developed the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) which classifies drivers based on their histories and convictions for violations.
This Plan created a system of points (different from Drivers License Points which are used by the NC Division of Motor Vehicles) that the insurance companies can use to assess surcharges to the owners insurance costs. SDIP points are applied to a policy for not more then or less then three policy years. This three year period is known as the “Experience Period”
For points to be assessed they must occur during the ‘experience period’ which is defined as three years immediately preceding the date of application or the preparation of the renewal of the insured’s policy.
There are many variables to set when determining whether an individual’s insurance rates will increase. These variables include the severity of the Charlotte traffic ticket, the individuals prior record, and the action the individual takes to handle the current ticket.
There are many misconceptions regarding Mecklenburg traffic tickets. For example, a popular misconception is that simply paying the fine for a Charlotte speeding ticket going less then 10 miles over the speed limit will save the individual from further problems with their insurance. However, if the same individual had received at least one moving violation during the experience period then one insurance point will applied to their insurance. One insurance point equals a 25% surcharge on their insurance.
Some of the most common phone calls our Charlotte traffic ticket lawyers receive deal with:
A Charlotte speeding ticket of more then 10 miles over the posted speed, where the legal limit was 55mph, but less then 76mph would result in two points.
A Charlotte reckless driving charge would result in four points.
Driving under a revoked or suspended license would result in eight points.
Below is a graph which outlines the point system in North Carolina as well as the surcharges per point:
| Points | Surcharge (%) | Points | Surcharge (%) |
| 1 | 25 | 7 | 160 |
| 2 | 45 | 8 | 190 |
| 3 | 60 | 9 | 225 |
| 4 | 80 | 10 | 260 |
| 5 | 105 | 11 | 300 |
| 6 | 130 | 12 | 340 |
The surcharge will be applied to the insurance premium you are currently paying.
