2022 Ticket in 2026? NC Insurance Points Explained
โฑ๏ธ In a Hurry? Key Takeaways
- 3-Year Lookback: NC Insurance points stick for 3 years following the conviction date (or policy renewal).
- License vs. Insurance: DMV license points last longer but don't directly set your rateโInsurance (SDIP) points do.
- Renewal Matters: Points drop off at the next renewal after the 3-year mark, not the exact day.
Itโs 2026. Youโre cruising down I-77 near Jonesville or heading up Highway 268 toward Pilot Mountain, and you remember that speeding ticket from back in 2022. You paid the fine, but youโve been paying the "insurance tax" ever since.
Here at Bill Layne Insurance in Elkin, the most common question we get is: "When will my rate finally go down?"
The good news is, if youโve kept your nose clean since 2022, relief is here.
The "Experience Period" Rule
North Carolina uses the Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP). Under this state-regulated system, points are assigned to moving violations.
The "Experience Period" is three years. This usually begins on the date of your conviction (not the date you were pulled over), or the date your policy renews after that conviction.
Since we are now in 2026, a 2022 conviction is 4 years old. It should no longer be chargeable on your policy.
The Cost of a Heavy Foot
Why does it matter so much? Because SDIP points are expensive. Unlike many other states, NC mandates specific surcharges.
| Violation Type | Ins. Points | Rate Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 10mph or less* | 1 Point | +30% |
| Speeding >10mph over limit | 2 Points | +45% |
| Accident (At Fault) | 3 Points | +60% |
| Speeding >75mph | 4 Points | +80% |
| Clean Record (3+ Yrs) | 0 Points | 0% |
*Assuming not in a school zone and clean prior record.
๐ The "Elkin Advantage"
Living in Surry, Yadkin, or Wilkes counties puts you in "Territory" ratings that are generally lower than Charlotte or Raleigh. But points hit everyone the same.
Did you know? In NC, we have the "Prayer for Judgment Continued" (PJC). If you used a PJC for that 2022 ticket, your rates might never have gone up at all. However, you can generally only use one PJC per household every three years.
โ Sarah M., Dobson NC
How to Verify Your Points are Gone
Insurance companies usually automate this, but mistakes happen. Here is how to check:
- Check Your Renewal Declaration: Look for "SDIP Points: 0".
- Order Your MVR: You can request your driving record from the NC DMV website.
- Call Us: If you are in Elkin or Mount Airy, call 336-835-1993. We can run a "claims and activity report" to see what the carriers see.
๐งฎ Savings Estimator
Estimate your savings if points drop off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. NC insurance points stay on your policy for three years. Since 2026 is four years after 2022, the surcharge should be removed at your next policy renewal.
Not exactly. Insurance rates are set for the policy term (usually 6 months). If your 3-year mark hits in the middle of a term, the price won't drop until the policy renews.
No, they are completely different systems. DMV license points can lead to suspension. SDIP insurance points determine your rate. It is possible to have DMV points but no insurance points (e.g., using a PJC).
No. Insurance companies share data via reports like CLUE. However, if your 2022 ticket is now over 3 years old, a new company won't charge you for it in 2026 either.
That complicates things. While the speeding ticket points last 3 years, some major convictions or severe accidents can impact eligibility for certain "preferred" tiers for longer, though SDIP surcharges are strictly regulated at 3 years.
Absolutely. If you live in the Elkin, Jonesville, or Mount Airy area, give us a call. We can review your current policy to ensure you aren't paying for old mistakes.
๐ Authoritative Sources
- NC Department of Insurance (NCDOI) - Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance
- North Carolina Rate Bureau (NCRB) - Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) Manual
- NC DMV - Official Driver Handbook (2025-2026 Edition)
Stop Overpaying for Old Tickets
If your record is clean since 2022, you deserve a better rate. Let Bill Layne Insurance shop the market for you.
๐ Call 336-835-1993 ๐ป Get a Quote OnlineRead More from Bill Layne:
About Bill Layne
With 20+ years of experience serving the Yadkin Valley, Bill Layne helps neighbors in Elkin, Mount Airy, and beyond navigate the complexities of NC insurance laws. He specializes in finding the best value for local families.