When shopping for car insurance, one of the first things you'll be asked is: "Have you had any moving violations (tickets) in the last three years?" If the answer is "yes," don't worry, you're not alone. You have something in common with millions of drivers: you're subject to higher auto insurance rates. Even if you rightfully deserved your tickets, don't be a prisoner to high auto insurance rates.
You Can Still Find Ways to Save
For drivers already paying for moving violations on their current auto insurance policy, shopping around for a new policy could uncover significant savings. Although having multiple violations on your driving record can limit your selection of insurance companies, there are many that specialize in insuring so-called "high risk" drivers at reasonable prices. The only way to identify such companies though, is to compare multiple quotes from multiple companies.
Tickets Linger on Your Driving Record
In most states, traffic violations remain on your driving record for three years, and as long as five in others. Interestingly, many drivers continue to pay high insurance rates for infractions that have since fallen off their record. Take control of your insurance premiums by checking your policy. Contact your insurance provider if you think your rates don't reflect your driving record. They generally only check driving records when you first apply for a policy so the responsibility rests on you alone to maximize your savings.
Traffic Tickets and Your Auto Insurance Policy
Americans drive almost 3 trillion highway miles a year. In all this activity, moving violations will happen since everyone's capable of making poor driving decisions. The best way to keep your rates low is to try to keep tickets off your record. Although drivers typically experience modest increases in their insurance premiums from their first moving violation, premiums can skyrocket with additional infractions.
Traffic School Can Dismiss a Ticket
Depending on the nature of your violation, most states will allow you to take traffic school in exchange for a dismissal of the ticket. When you have the opportunity to do so, take it. Alternatively, if you feel that your moving violation is not warranted, and can be explained to a judge, challenge the ticket in traffic court. It is believed by many that simply making the effort to appear in traffic court can improve your likelihood of having your fines reduced, if not dismissed entirely. Keep in mind however, even though a fine may be reduced or eliminated by the court, a moving violation may still be added to your driving record.
Remember, the same insurance policy can vary by hundreds of dollars from company to company. So if you have any moving violations on your driving record, it is in your best interest to shop around and see if you can find a more reasonable rate. You should compare auto insurance rates at least every six months, regardless of your driving record, as insurance companies are always adjusting rates. The InsWeb auto insurance quote form on Ask Patty can help you find the right amount of auto insurance coverage at the right price. Click HERE to start the form and begin saving money on your auto insurance today!
Parking ticket photo courtesy of jzlomek at morguefile, piggy bank photo courtesy of mconnors at morguefile
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