Question: I got a couple of speeding tickets a few years ago and had one very minor rear-end accident.
I got hammered by my insurance company because of it.
Now I’m wondering if I might qualify for lower rates. (I haven’t gotten any tickets since then.) Do insurance companies have access to my records and, if so, how far back do they go? — Jim, Tacoma
Answer: Yes, insurance companies do have access to your driving record through the Washington State Department of Licensing — as do attorneys, governmental agencies, employers, transit authorities, volunteer organizations and school districts.
The good news in your case is that insurers can request records only for the past three years. The DOL sends them all convictions, violations, crashes and failures to appear in court that occurred in that time, but not before.
Your attorney, law and justice agencies and other governmental agencies have access to your complete driving record, on which certain offenses — alcohol-related convictions, for example, and vehicular assault convictions — stay for life.
You can request your complete driving record from the DOL, too, if you’re curious about what’s on it.
It costs $13 but might be worth it. Doing it online is easiest. Get a credit card out and go to www.dol.wa.gov to get started.
Rob Carson: 253-597-8693
rob.carson@thenewstribune.com
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