Driving Records and Auto Insurance Rates

Automobile insurance is vital if you drive a vehicle, in fact a certain level of liability car insurance is likely required in the state the car is registered. Auto insurance is also a great place to save money. Because it comes in so many types and levels of coverage you have the ability to choose exactly what type and how much auto insurance to carry on your vehicle.

One of the easiest ways to save money with car insurance is to keep your driving record clean. You should particularly try to avoid moving violations such as speeding, reckless driving and most importantly, driving while under the influence (DUI) or its even heavier cousin, driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Keep in mind many auto insurance providers will increase your rate after only one or two tickets, even tickets that seem minor to you.

Here are three traffic violations that will affect your auto insurance rate:

Speeding, as most everyone knows, is driving faster than the posted limit. The higher you get caught driving over the limit, the higher your fine. And if you are in a school or construction zone the penalty will be even more expensive for you. Speeding falls under the next group – reckless driving – because after a speeding ticket your auto insurance provider will consider you a high-risk driver. Although it can happen after one ticket, two speeding tickets almost guarantee your car insurance rate will go up. It’s not too likely, but your insurance provider could even drop your policy for speeding tickets.

Reckless driving includes a large group of traffic violations, including speeding. The more extreme edge of reckless driving turns into aggressive driving with violations like tailgating, unnecessary lane changes or weaving in traffic, and road rage behavior such as making obscene gestures, flashing headlights and honking horns. Reckless driving violations can increase your auto insurance rate and can even get your policy canceled.

DUI/DWI heads the list of moving violations that will affect your car insurance rate. If when driving under the influence you caused a wreck or hit someone your insurance rate is the least of your concerns, but if your DUI/DWI only resulted in an arrest and a ticket expect some dramatic changes in your auto insurance. You’ll be considered a high risk driver and in most states you’ll have to provide the department of motor vehicles with a SR-22 proof of insurance certificate. Of course all this happens after you pay your fines, serve any time in jail and get your license back after any suspension and then only if your car insurance provider doesn’t drop your policy for the violation.

Did You Know? As little as one or two traffic tickets can raise your auto insurance rate.

Takeaways:

1. Speeding is considered reckless driving and puts you in a high risk driver category with your insurance provider
2. Road rage is both dangerous and can raise your car insurance rate if it results in a ticket
3. Driving under the influence can be devastating in many ways and will leave a lasting imprint on your driving record and ability to obtain auto insurance

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