Will my insurance be affected by an MIP if it was dismissed?

I was given a citation (MIP charge) for underage drinking, but I wasn't driving. I got a lawyer to go to court to get it dismissed, took a drug education class, and paid for the expungement. It might take up to six months for it to be off my record, though. I don't have my license yet but want to get it soon. Will this MIP affect my insurance rate when I get my license, or affect the process of getting insurance?

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra!

Fortunately, a MIP (Minor in Possession) is a non-moving violation, which does not impact your insurance rates. It shouldn't make things more difficult or come into play when you get your license and want to purchase car insurance. However, when it comes to the cost of auto insurance, age is an important rating factor. If you're around 18 to 20 years old you can expect your premium to be quite pricier than those paid by older folks. This is based on risk factors that all insurance companies analyze — typically, younger drivers just pay more than more experienced drivers because they pose a higher risk to insurance companies for filing a claim.

You might qualify for insurance discounts depending on your situation. For example, if you're going to school and keep your grades at a certain level, you might be able to get a good student discount. If you're living on your own and have renters or homeowners insurance you could qualify for a bundling discount.

If possible, I recommend getting insurance under your parents' policy, because it will likely be the best way for you to save money at this point. Many different factors go into calculating your rate, but The Zebra can do the shopping for you and get quotes from several companies at once. You can also give us a call at 888-807-3823. Good luck and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.