Your driving record can have a big impact on the cost of your insurance premiums, so it is important to keep an eye on your speed and avoid high risk behaviors such as driving while you are intoxicated.
After all, everyone has to have an insurance policy in order to legally drive their vehicle, and a bad driving record can make it extremely cost prohibitive to remain compliant with this law.
There are some things that you need to know in order to keep your insurance premiums affordable.
How is the Price of My Premium Calculated?
Your insurance provider takes several factors into account when they decide what your premium is going to be. For example, drivers who are under the age of 25 always pay a higher rate than older individuals who have a similar driving record. Most providers will use your credit score as another determining factor, and the cost of the health insurance that is included in the policy will also have a big impact. Additionally, the total number of claims that you have made can drive your premiums up or down when it is time to renew.
Four Ways that Your Driving Record can Impact Your Premium
Although there are other considerations aside from your driving record, you can greatly increase or reduce your automobile insurance rate by avoiding tickets and steering clear of several other related issues.
1. DWI Conviction – Any driver who is convicted of a DWI is going to see their premium skyrocket. After all, driving while you are drunk greatly increases your odds of getting into an accident, and your insurance company needs to take steps to mitigate their potential losses. Therefore, if you are arrested for a DWI, it may be crucial to hire a lawyer like the ones found at www.nj-dmv-dwi.com to help you beat the charges.
2. Reckless Driving Ticket – There is a big difference between a minor speeding ticket and a reckless driving citation, and you will see this reflected on your insurance bill. Keep this in mind whenever you feel tempted to drive at an excessively high speed. After all, getting somewhere quickly is never worth paying for a large fine and increasing your insurance rates.
3. Multiple Tickets – Even if each of your traffic citations is for a minor offense, your insurance company is likely to charge a higher premium if you rack up several tickets in a relatively short period of time.
4. Being Found at Fault in an Accident – If you are ticketed after a traffic accident, you can definitely expect your rates to increase. Keep in mind that every insurance company exists with the intention of making money, and anyone who files a claim reduces their profit margin.
It is always a good idea to contact an attorney to help you after you receive a traffic citation because they can have such a big impact on the cost of your insurance. After all, whether you are arrested for a DWI in New Jersey or merely receive a speeding ticket while you are on vacation, it is always important to protect your driving record to keep your insurance rates low.
| Written on 10/5/2013 by Giovanna O’Neal. Giovanna O’Neal is a mommy blogger who shares helpful rules as a reminder of how to keep unnecessary auto insurance cost low. Her research discovered that, for anyone who needs help facing traffic issues in New Jersey, the team at www.nj-dmv-dwi.com is a law firm experienced in handling DWI defense. |
Photo Credit: Fairfax County
