Core Insights - Driving skills significantly impact car insurance rates, with careful drivers enjoying lower costs and fewer deductibles, while reckless driving leads to higher expenses [1][4] - Good drivers typically have no accidents or tickets, which insurance companies use to determine discounts [3][8] Insurance Evaluation Factors - Insurance companies assess various factors beyond driving history to set rates, including driving habits tracked through usage-based insurance (UBI) programs [4][6] - UBI programs charge lower rates for safe driving practices, contrasting with standard insurance that rewards clean driving records [6][7] Good Driver Habits - Seven key habits can help improve driving records and minimize accidents: wearing seat belts, driving sober and alert, avoiding distractions, respecting speed limits, maintaining safe following distances, using turn signals, and checking for vehicle recalls [5] - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 49% of passengers killed in accidents in 2023 were not wearing seat belts, highlighting the importance of this habit [5] Insurance Discounts - Progressive offers a 34% discount for drivers who remain accident- and ticket-free for three years [8] - State Farm provides discounts after three years without violations and up to 30% savings through its UBI program [9] - GEICO offers discounts up to 22% for drivers who maintain an accident-free record for one year [10] Clean Driving Record Definition - A clean driving record is defined as having no moving violations, at-fault accidents, or driving-related convictions [11]