The Importance of Your Driving History
Shopping for car insurance can give you sticker shock.While reducing coverage and raising deductibles can reduce your premiums, your driving record is one aspect of your bill that only you can control. When your auto insurance premiums are calculated, your driving record is taken into consideration.Good drivers pay less in premiums that poor drivers. This is because bad drivers are more at risk of filing an insurance claim than good drivers.And, while all drivers bear the finiancial burden of bad drivers, the bad drivers themselves pay the most.Though you won’t see much of a difference in premiums from a single accident, you will see a difference if you’re a repeat offender.
Your insurance company will get a copy of your driving record before they provide insurance to you.They may also periodically run a copy on existing clients.So, whether youíve been with the same agent for years, or youíre planning on changing car insurance policies in the near future, you could be in for a shock once the insurance company finds out about the speeding tickets youíve received recently.Tickets and other moving violations can cost you lots of money, both in fines and in insurance premiums.
Traffic violations put “points” on your driving record, which causes insurance premiums to rise.Your driver’s license can even be revoked from too many points,or if violations are severe.And, if you’re convicted of drunk driving or at fault in an accident, you may really see serious consequences on your insurance bill.
But, keep in mind that blemishes on your driving record donít stay forever.Start now, and your premiums will go down over time.Start by vowing not to speed.Leave on time and obey all other traffic laws. Many times we violate traffic laws simply because we’re running late. Most violations will be off your driving record within 3 years of the offense.You should then start to see premiums reduced.Be certain your driving record is accurate, and be sure your insurance company checks it once points have cleared.
Car insurance is an unavoidable expense.But, we can work with our insurance companies to get suitable and affordable coverage.But, your driving record is important too.But a clean driving record will save you money and help you stay safe, too.
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