How can agents pull motor vehicle records (MVRs)?
Ensure your driver histories are complete and accurate when submitting a quote.
Last Updated 2/5/2026
Starting on January 26, 2024, we will no longer verify MVR information during our policy-quoting process. Instead, we will rely on the driver history information agents provide at the “quote submission” stage. This information will be validated using the MVR when binding the policy.
How does this affect the quote submission process?
The accuracy and completeness of the driver history information you submit during the quoting process are now more critical than ever. Incorrect or incomplete information may lead to increased underwriting review time or impact our ability to bind the policy and provide coverage.
What should I do to ensure accuracy during submission?
Double-check all the driver-history details you input during the quoting process for accuracy and completeness, ensuring all necessary information is included and up-to-date. This diligence is crucial to prevent potential delays and issues during the binding stage.
What happens if the submitted information needs to be more accurate or complete?
If the driver history data submitted is found to be inaccurate or incomplete at the time of binding, delays due to increased underwriting review my result. In some cases, it may also affect our ability to bind the policy at all and provide coverage to your clients. In these cases, you may be required to start the submission process from the beginning.
Where can I get MVR information directly?
How Can Agents Pull Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs)?
Overview
Agents need accurate Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) to verify driver histories before submitting insurance applications. Cover Whale offers multiple options for obtaining MVRs.
Option 1: Purchase MVRs Directly Through Cover Whale (Recommended)
You can now purchase MVRs directly from the Cover Whale platform. This is the fastest and most convenient option—the MVR results are immediately available in your submission and emailed to you.
How to Purchase MVRs
1. Navigate to your submission's Drivers tab
2. Select the driver(s) you want to purchase MVRs for using the checkboxes
3. Click the "Purchase MVR" button
4. Review the pricing (varies by driver's license state—see Pricing below)
5. Complete payment via credit card or ACH through Stripe
6. Once payment is confirmed, the MVR is automatically ordered
7. View and download the MVR report directly from the Drivers tab, the PDF is also emailed to you.
Pricing
MVR pricing is based on the driver's license state (the state that issued the driver's license). Each state's DMV has different fees for motor vehicle record requests.
- Pricing is displayed before you confirm the purchase
- A single submission may have drivers licensed in different states, each with different prices
- You can purchase MVRs for multiple drivers in one transaction
Availability
- MVR purchase is available on editable submissions only
- Not available on bound policies or read-only submissions
- The "Purchase MVR" button appears for drivers who don't already have an MVR on file
Benefits of Purchasing Through Cover Whale
- Instant visibility: View MVR results and PDF reports directly in the platform
- Streamlined workflow: No need to leave the platform or manage separate accounts
Note: MVRs from external providers must be uploaded to the submission's Files tab and must be less than 30 days old to be valid.
Important Reminders
- Accuracy is critical: Ensure driver history information matches the MVR. Discrepancies may cause underwriting delays or prevent policy binding.
- MVR age requirement: All MVRs must be dated within the previous 30 days.
- Verification at bind time: Cover Whale validates driver history during the bind request process. Purchasing an MVR in advance helps you identify and resolve issues before binding and ensure pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if the MVR fetch fails after I pay?
A: If the MVR cannot be retrieved from the DMV after payment, you will receive a refund or the system will automatically retry.
Q: Can I purchase an MVR for a driver on someone else's submission?
A: No, you can only purchase MVRs for submissions you have access to.