15 Traffic Tickets that Raise Car Insurance Rates

A clean record will help you get the lowest rates available, but sometimes things happen and you get a ticket or get into an accident.

But what can you do?

We are going to explain violations, both felony and misdemeanor, along with traffic infractions to see just how much your rate will be affected.

Ready to start looking for cheaper rates now? Enter your ZIP code here to use our free online quote tool to start getting car insurance quotes today.

How does your driving record affect auto insurance?

Insurance companies rate car insurance by several different factors. Age is a commonly known factor; the younger the driver, the more costly the insurance will be.

Another factor that can affect your car insurance is your driving record.

The sinking feeling of seeing the blue lights in your rearview mirror lasts longer than just the write up of the ticket. The violation can stay on your driving record for years.

We will explain what your driving record is, what factors impact it, and how long these violations stay on it.

What is my driving record?

Your driving record is also commonly referred to as your motor vehicle report or MVR. Your MVR contains the following information:

• Identifying information (name, address, etc.)
• License number (including status and expiration)
• Points, DUIs, fines, suspensions, and revocations
• Traffic violations and convictions
• Accidents

It does not include information for non-moving violations or criminal history of non-moving convictions.

What factors impact my driving record?

Any moving violations or convictions will impact your record. Speeding tickets, accidents, and driving under the influence are all charges that will be listed on your driving record.

License suspensions and revocations will also be listed and impact your driving record.

Read More: Will a seat belt ticket affect car insurance rates?

How long do these factors remain on my driving record?

Your violations stay on your record depending on your particular state laws. For the most part, the more severe the violation, the longer it will stay on your record.

In some states, like Virginia, serious violations can stay on your record permanently. In a state like Florida, violations stay on for about three years and then fall off your record. If you live in Montana, your record can be seen by insurance companies and local law enforcement for your entire lifetime.

You can check with your local department of vehicles to verify how long your violations will stay on your driving record.

Why do insurance companies check my driving record?

Your driving record is a very important factor in determining your car insurance rate. Insurance companies check your driving record so they can rate what type of risk you are.

It is very important for companies to check driving records. If you have a ticket or other violation on your record, checking your driving record after so many years could actually benefit you as well.

Read more: Does a negligent driving ticket affect car insurance rates?

Each insurance company has its own regulations and guidelines regarding checking your driving rates. As a rule of thumb, most companies check once a year at renewal. Rates can change drastically due to your driving record. Below is information obtained from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Find your state below and see the rate difference between a clean record, a speeding ticket, one accident, or driving under the influence.

Rates by state and driving record

In most states, a DUI conviction will bring the highest rate increase to your insurance premium.

How can I check my driving record?

There are three different ways you can check your driving record:

• DMV
• Insurance Agent
• Third-party vendor

Going to the DMV and requesting your official driving record is the most accurate way to obtain your record. You can request your MVR in person or through the mail.

Your insurance agent will also have access to your MVR. Some agents can give you an unofficial copy of your driving record, but not all can.

Third-party online vendors are also an option, but they tend to more expensive and less reliable.

What options are available if I have a bad driving record?

What do you do if you are looking at your driving record and cringing at the lengthy pages of charges and convictions?

Well, you are not out of luck. If you are looking for insurance and have been denied, there are state assigned pools you can join. The state assigned pool risk is much higher than a normal market policy, but they can’t deny you due to your driving record.

You can also go to your state’s department of insurance website and get a list of private insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers. You can also do things to make your driving record better, such as take a defensive driver’s course and be more diligent about your driving habits. Follow traffic signs and speed limits and NEVER drink or drive.

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The Top 15 Driving Offenses and Car Insurance Rates

We are going to take a look at the top 11 traffic violations that can show up on your motor vehicle report and affect your car insurance.

First up, let’s look at one of the most costly and dangerous offenses.

#1 How does a DUI/DWI charge change your insurance rates?

If you are convicted of driving under the influence charge, you could be facing a high legal bill, loss of insurance, and possibly a loss of license.

Once convicted, a DUI charge could stay on your driving record for at least seven years, if not longer. As long as the charge is on your record, your insurance company can rate you as a higher risk due to the charge.

Below we will compare rates in California,  Florida, and South Carolina for a driver with a clean record vs. a driver with multiple DUI convictions in a short period of time. The driver:

• Is a single, 45- year-old male with no recent moves.
• He owns a Honda Accord EX 4-door sedan and drives 12K-15K miles per year.
• He’s been insured with the same company for 3 years (bodily injury limits $100K-$300K).
• He has a Bachelors Degree and is employed as a customer service rep.

Driver Rate Changes with DUI

As you can see, some companies no longer offer quotes to drivers with multiple convictions. California and Florida have a higher increase in premium after a DUI conviction.

Though the classification may vary from state-to-state — Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or Operating Under the Influence (OUI) — it’ all means the same thing. See the table below for more information on BAC limits, classifications, and penalties in your state.
DUI/DWI state laws

Find your state below to see state-specific DUI/DWI laws.
Links to State DUI Laws

#2 What is a reckless driving charge?

Each state may differ slightly on the laws of reckless driving. For the most part, states define reckless driving as the willful operation of a vehicle in a state that is endangering to others.

In most states, a reckless driving conviction is considered a misdemeanor. If there are severe injuries or fatalities, some states bump the conviction up to a felony. Any time you are charged with a reckless driving charge, you have the possibility of losing your license.

States also have a wet-reckless charge. This usually involves a driver that either had a low amount of alcohol in their system or they had a plea bargain to lower a driving under the influence charge.

#3 What is the difference between careless driving vs. reckless driving?

Reckless driving is a criminal offense, while careless driving is a civil citation. Convictions of either charge will still result in points being put on your driving record, but a careless driving charge will carry a lesser consequence.

#4 How will a speeding ticket affect my car insurance rates?

Most speeding tickets are considered traffic infractions. This means they are not as bad as a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Most traffic infractions are strict liability offenses. This means there does not need to be intent to be convicted of the charge. Posting of the designated speed limit and still speeding is enough intent for a traffic infraction.

We looked at the same individual as above, in the same three states, to compare speeding and how much it will affect your insurance rates. The

Driver Rate Change with Speeding revised-2020-01-14

Florida had the smallest increase, followed by South Carolina.

#5 Is Cell Phone Use, Texting While Driving, and Distracted Driving illegal when driving?

Everyone seems to have access to cell phones. Whether they’re walking down the street or into a restaurant, most people have their cell phones out and are usually looking at them. But what about if you are driving?

States have taken note of the danger of driving while distracted with a cell phone. There are 21 states that have banned any hand-held use while driving and have made this a primary offense. This means a law enforcement officer can pull you over and ticket you solely for the use of your hand-held device.

This includes not only talking on your hand-held device but also texting. That is why 48 states have banned texting while driving.

The analysis of experimental studies show using a cell phone will result in slower reaction times, increased lane deviation, and an increased length of time the driver looks away from the road.

“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that fatalities from distraction-affected crashes increased by nearly 9% from 2014 to 2015.”

You can find a listing of all state laws regarding distracted driving here.

Find your state on the below table to see how many tickets are issued for texting.

Tickets issued for texting

Remember our 45-year-old driver in California, Florida, and South Carolina from earlier? Let’s see how the rates compare when you add a cell phone ticket to your record.

Increase_in_Rates_With_Cell_Phone_Ticket-2020-01-15.csv

Florida rates were affected the least by a distracted driving ticket.

#6 What is an operating a vehicle in a race charge?

You may wonder what the difference is between speeding and racing. The biggest difference is the aspect of competition. Racing involves at least two drivers typically running side by side.

Racing is typically a misdemeanor in most states, but if death is caused due to racing, you could face a charge of vehicular manslaughter.

#7 What are other moving violations that can affect my car insurance rates?

Speeding, racing, and driving under the influence are not the only moving violations.

The following charges are also considered moving violations on your driving record.

• Improper/Illegal Pass
• Improper Turn
• Failure to Yield
• Following Too Closely

#8 Can mechanical violations affect my car insurance rate?

In all states, there are laws regarding properly installed mechanical equipment. If you operate a vehicle on state roadways you must have your car in good working order. This means you must have working brakes, headlights, and a properly installed windshield.

If anything is not properly working on your vehicle, you could get a mechanical violation. In some cases, if you can get the issue fixed before your court date, your violation could be dismissed.

#9 How does driving without insurance change my car insurance rates?

All states have a financial responsibility requirement. Even in a state like New Hampshire that does not require insurance, you still must have the ability to cover the loss if you are in an accident.

If you are charged with driving without insurance, it is much more than just finding insurance the next day. You could lose your license, have your car impounded, and face much higher insurance rates being labeled as a high-risk operator.

Take a look at the below information from Insurance Information Institute.

Uninsured percentage by states

Florida tops the list with the most uninsured drivers on the road.

#10 What can happen if I drive with a suspended or revoked license?

Just like having insurance or financial responsibility, you also need a valid driver’s license to legally drive on the roads.

Take a look at the below chart from criminaldefenselawyer.com to see how your state penalizes drivers for driving with a suspended license.

Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License by State

State	Fines	License Suspension	License Points	Jail Time	Traffic School
Alabama	$100-$500	Possible extension on license suspension.	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	Possible jail sentence of not more than 180 days; immediate vehicle impoundment.	No, but judge and case specific circumstances allow for traffic school as means of dismissing ticket
Alaska	$500-$1,000	Suspension possible.	10 points, premiums on insurance will probably increase or policy might be terminated.	10 days in prison, possible forfeiture of vehicle.	Yes, more than 6 points in a year for provision license holders. Traffic school can be used once annually to reduce overall point total
Arizona	$300-$500	Additional suspension possible.	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	At least 48 hours in jail, possible forfeiture of vehicle.	Not required, but voluntary attendance will dismiss ticket and avoid being placed on driving record
Arkansas	Up to $500	License revocation on case specific basis	Violation may increase premiums on insurance or result in policy being cancelled.	2-6 months in prison.	Case specific, but potentially required
California	$300-$1,000	License suspension reinstatement automatically requires administrative hearing	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	Up to 6 months in prison, possible forfeiture of vehicle.	Yes, case specific, but one offense per 18 months may be masked from public view if completing traffic school
Colorado	$50-$500	Possible extension on license suspension.	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	5 days to 6 months in jail.	Yes, case specific, but will not dismiss points from record
Connecticut	First offense $150-$200, subsequent offense $200-$600	Additional suspension possible.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	Up to 1 year imprisonment.	May be required by clerk, dismissal of fines or points possible through clerk approved traffic school arrangement
Delaware	First offense $500-$1,000, subsequent offense $1,000-$4,000	Suspension may be lengthened.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	First offense 30 days to 6 months in jail, subsequent offense 60 days to 1 year.	Yes, case specific and required, may be used to reduce overall point count
Florida	First offence $500, second offense $1,000, subsequent offense $5,000	Possible extension on license suspension.	Violation may increase premiums on insurance or result in policy being cancelled.	First offense up to 1 years, subsequent offense up to 5 years.	Yes, and basic driver improvement courses are option for dismissing points
Georgia	Up to $1,000-$2,500	Accumulation of fifteen (15) points in two years results in suspension	Violation may increase premiums on insurance or result in policy being cancelled.	First offense 2 days to 12 months, subsequent offense 10 days to 1 year.	Yes, and potentially used for one violation reduction every five (5) years
Hawaii	Case specific, for DUI related suspension $250-$2,000.	Case specific, in third offense license is permanently revoked.	Point system not applicable in state, insurance rates will likely increase or policy may be cancelled.	For suspension due to a DUI: first offense 3-30 days in jail, second offense 30 days, subsequent offense within five years is 1 year in jail.	Yes, may be mandated in event of serious offenses
Idaho	First offense $500, second offense $1,000, subsequent offense $3,000.	License suspended for additional 6 months.	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	2 days to 6 months in jail.	Yes, once every three (3) years, drivers may reduce point total by three points
Illinois	Up to $2,500	Suspension may be lengthened.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	Possible jail sentence and community service requirements, possible forfeiture of vehicle.	Yes, required for some offenses, can be used as means of dismissing points in lieu of license suspension
Indiana	Up to $500	Possible extension on license suspension.	8 points	Up to 60 days in jail.	Yes, driver safety program required in case specific situations and in lieu of point total nearing suspension levels
Iowa	$250-$1,000	License suspension possibly lengthened.	None, violation will probably increase insurance premium rates though or policy might be cancelled.	Possible jail time required.	Yes, courts may require driver improvement program
Kansas	At least $100	Possible extension on license suspension.	No point system in state, violation will likely raise insurance premiums rates if policy is not terminated.	At least 5 days in jail.	Yes, may be required, and may be done every three (3) years to garner better insurance premiums
Kentucky	Up to $250	Additional suspension possible.	Violation may increase premiums on insurance or result in policy being cancelled.	First offense up to 90 days in jail and license suspended for additional 6 months, second offense 90 days to 1 years and possible one year license additional license suspension, subsequent offense 1-5 years in jail and up to two year additional license suspension.	Yes, can elect to attend once per year if eligible to dismiss violation for given offense causing attendance
Louisiana	$500	1 year additional suspension.	No point system, reported to PDPS, insurance rates will probably increase.	Up to 6 months in prison and 1 year additional license suspension.	Yes, may be required, and can be used to suspend conviction of violation
Maine	$250-$500, DUI related is $600	For suspension due to DUI: 1 to 3 additional years license suspension.	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	For suspension due to a DUI: 7 days in jail.	Yes, may be mandated, can be used to dismiss three (3) demerit points per one (1) year period
Maryland	Up to $500	Possible extension on license suspension.	3-12 points, insurance premiums will probably increase or policy might be cancelled.	2 months in jail.	None
Massachusetts	$500-$1,000	Possible additional suspension on license of 60 day for first offense and 1 year for second offense.	Violation may increase premiums on insurance or result in policy being cancelled.	First offense up to 10 days in prison, subsequent offense 60 days to 1 year.	Yes, required if driver accumulates five (5) surchargeable events in three (3) years
Michigan	$500-$1,000, may be more if injury or death were caused while driving with license suspended.	Additional suspension possible.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	First offense up to 93 days in jail, second offense up to 1 year.	Yes, potentially mandated
Minnesota	Up to $1,000	Suspension may be lengthened.	None, violations may increase insurance premium rates though	Possible jail time required.	Yes, courts may require driver improvement course in lieu of or on top of existing offenses
Mississippi	$200-$500	Possible additional 6 months suspension on license.	No point system in state, premiums on insurance will probably rise.	48 hours to 6 months in jail.	Yes, potentially mandated, but can be used to dismiss offenses
Missouri	Up to $1,000	Additional suspension possible.	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	Either 48 hours in jail or community service required.	Yes, either mandated or voluntarily undergone to reduce point total
Montana	Up to $500	License possibly suspended for additional 1 year.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	2 days to 6 months in jail.	Yes, potentially mandated as sanction, but will not reduce or dismiss points
Nebraska	Up to $500	First offense additional suspension for 1 year, subsequent offense additional suspension for 2 years.	Violation may increase premiums on insurance or result in policy being cancelled.	Possible jail time required.	Yes, possibly mandated as sanction, but also, can be used to remove 2 points every five (5) years
Nevada	$500-$1,000	Additional suspension possible.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	First offense 30 days to 6 months in jail, subsequent offense up to 1 year.	Yes, potentially required, but also, can be used once per one (1) year period to reduce points voluntarily
New Hampshire	$1,000	Additional 1 year suspension.	4 points, premiums on insurance will probably increase or policy might be terminated.	7 periods of 24 hours to be spent in jail within 6 months.	Yes, required in some instances and as possible means of reducing points
New Jersey	$1,000	Possible extension on license suspension.	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	30 days in jail.	Yes, case pending may be required, otherwise can be used to remove 2 points from record
New Mexico	Up to $1,000	Additional 1 year suspension.	Violation may increase premiums on insurance or result in policy being cancelled.	4 to 364 days in jail.	Yes, may be mandated or voluntarily undergone for points reduction
New York	$200-$500	License suspension possibly lengthened.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	At least 30 days in jail.	Yes, potentially required in specific cases, and may be used to remove up to 4 points in some cases
North Carolina	$500-$2,500	Additional license suspension for first offense 1 year, second offense is 2 years, on third offense license is permanently revoked.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	Possible jail time required.	Yes, driver improvement clinics may be mandated, and can be used once every five (5) years for 3 point reduction
North Dakota	$250-$1,000	Suspension may be lengthened.	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	4 days in prison, license plate may be impounded.	Yes, and driver may elect to undergo driver improvement course once annually to reduce by 2 points
Ohio	Up to $1,000	Possible extension on license suspension.	6 points, premiums on insurance will likely increase or policy might be cancelled.	License plate may be impounded.	Yes, remedial driving instruction may be legally required to reinstate driving privileges
Oklahoma	$100-$500	Possible extension on license suspension.	Violation may increase premiums on insurance or result in policy being cancelled.	Up to 1 year imprisonment.	Yes, potentially mandated, but also can be used to reduce 2 points
Oregon	First offense at least $1,000, subsequent offense at least $2,000.	Additional license suspension.	No point system, premiums on insurance will probably increase.	Possible jail sentence.	Yes, if mandated, but not possible to reduce offense total
Pennsylvania	$200, if suspension was due to DUI: $1,000	License is suspended for additional 1 year.	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	For DUI related suspension: at least 90 days in jail.	Yes, if mandated as sanction, but not means of reducing violation or dismissing points
Rhode Island	First offense $250-$500, subsequent offense $350-$1,000.	Additional 1 years suspension on license.	No point system, premiums on insurance will probably increase.	First offense up to 30 days in jail, subsequent up to 1 year in jail.	Yes, if mandated by licensing authority
South Carolina	First offense $300, second is $600, subsequent is $1,000.	Suspension may be lengthened.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	First offense up to 30 days in jail, subsequent up to 60 days, subsequent 90 days to 6 months.	Yes, potentially mandated and means of removing 4 points
South Dakota	$200	Possible additional suspension time.	Violation may increase premiums on insurance or result in policy being cancelled.	30 days in jail, license is suspended for additional 1 year.	No
Tennessee	$500	Possible additional suspension time.	8 points, violation may increase insurance premiums or result in termination of policy.	Up to 6 months in prison.	Yes, may be mandated, and drivers may reduce points through course once every five (5) years
Texas	$250	Suspension is reinstated for amount of time originally sentenced.	Expect insurance premiums to increase or policy may be cancelled.	Possible jail time required.	Yes, potentially required, and may be used to dismiss violation
Utah	$750	Suspension may be lengthened.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	Up to 6 months in jail.	Yes, possibly court mandated, and if necessary, can be used once every three (3) years to remove 50 points
Vermont	Up to $5,000	Additional license suspension possible.	4 points, premiums on insurance will probably increase or policy might be terminated.	Up to 2 years in prison and community service time required.	Yes, possibly required as part of license reinstatement
Virginia	$1,000	License suspension may be lengthened.	6 points, premiums on insurance will likely increase or policy might be cancelled.	Vehicle may be impounded for 90 days.	Yes, driver improvement clinic may be required, and possibly used to offset 5 demerit points
Washington	Up to $500	Additional license suspension time required.	No point system, premiums on insurance will probably increase.	First offense is 10 days in jail, second offense is 90 days, subsequent offense is 180 days.	Yes, potentially required by court authority
Washington, D.C	Up to $1,000	Possible extension on license suspension.	4 points, premiums on insurance will probably increase or policy might be terminated.	Possible jail time required.	Yes, may be required, and can be used as means of reducing point total
West Virginia	$500	Possible extension on license suspension.	Insurance premiums will probably rise or policy can be cancelled.	Up to 6 months in prison.	Yes, drivers may be legally bound to attend, and attendance may reduce points as well
Wisconsin	First offense is $600, second offense is $1,000, subsequent offense is $2,000.	Possible additional suspension time.	6 points, premiums on insurance will likely increase or policy might be cancelled.	Second offense up to 6 months in jail, subsequent offense up to 9 months.	Yes, sometimes required, but voluntarily taken can reduce points by 3 every five (5) years
Wyoming	$750.00	Suspension may be lengthened.	No point system, premiums on insurance will probably increase.	Up to 6 months in jail.	No

#11 Can I get a ticket for a seat belt infraction?

Every state, except New Hampshire, has seat belt laws in their state. Out of the 49 states with laws regarding seat restraints, 34 of them have primary laws. A primary law means that law enforcement officers can pull you over and ticket you for not wearing your seatbelt with no other cause (read our “Will a seat belt ticket affect car insurance rates?” for more information).

It is estimated seat belts saved 14,955 lives in 2017.

Felony Traffic Offenses

The last type of traffic offense we are going to cover is a felony traffic offense. The previously mentioned offenses are considered misdemeanor charges. Felony charges are much harsher violations and carry much steeper consequences.

Let’s start with vehicular manslaughter.

#12 What constitutes as vehicular homicide or manslaughter charge?

Vehicular manslaughter or homicide is a fatality as a result of the following:

• Negligent driving
• Driving under the Influence
• Violating a safety law or other statute
• Driving while sleepy or drowsy

Texting can also be a cause for vehicular manslaughter.

Vehicular manslaughter can consist of the fatality of not only a passenger in your car but also another driver, bystander, or pedestrian.

Vehicular manslaughter is a newer term used and some states do not have statutes defining the term. If you live in a state with non-specific vehicular manslaughter laws you could be charged with the below chargers:

• Negligent homicide
• Involuntary manslaughter
• Second-degree murder

Read more: Is it illegal to sleep in your car?

#13 Are there more consequences for multiple or repeat DUI convictions other than higher car insurance rates?

Repeat driving under the influence convictions can impose more serious penalties than a single offense. Repeat offenders usually have jail time, license suspensions, and monetary fines. Multiple convictions can also carry special plates you must have on your car and ignition interlock device.

Some states also require you be listed on the habitual offender list, which is a public list showing charges and convictions within a certain period of time.

#14 How serious is leaving the scene of an accident?

A hit and run is often considered a misdemeanor in most states. If death occurs due to the hit and run, all states consider this a felony. Punishment is also directly related to the severity of the injuries. Fleeing an accident that causes injuries is also considered a felony in most states.

Even if you are not the one to cause the accident, fleeing from the scene still makes you guilty of fleeing the scene. Having a felony charge on your record will also make it more likely that your insurance company will not renew coverage, making it harder to obtain insurance.

Penalties are rather strict when charged with fleeing the scene. Monetary fines can range up to $20,000 with the possibility of incarceration.

#15 Is fleeing law enforcement a felony?

Fleeing law enforcement can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the crime.

Misdemeanor charges often face up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and up to a year license suspension.

If injuries or fatalities occur while feeling the police, felony charges can be made against you. Felony charges can bring a $10,000 fine, years in state prison, car impoundment, and up to a year of license suspension.

Each state handles eluding a police officer differently. For instance, a felony eluding charge in Virginia can carry ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Read more: Does a cell phone ticket affect car insurance rates?

Can car insurance companies deny felons coverage?

So, if you have a felony on your record, can you still purchase insurance?

It may be tough. If you have current coverage and receive a felony charge, you could face denial of coverage at your next renewal. You can also experience a significant rate increase.

If you have been denied coverage or non-renewed, you can visit your state’s department of vehicle website to look at your state’s assigned risk pool. This is usually a last resort option as this is very expensive.

Read more: Compare Best Car Insurance Companies That Accept Felons

Ways to Save After a Traffic Conviction

If you do have a lengthy driving record, there are some ways you can lower your premium. Let’s take a look at some available options to save you money.

Credit-based Insurance Scores

Insurance companies use your credit to rate your insurance. While you could have a poor driving record, having a good credit score can help you get a better rate on your car insurance.

Raise Deductible

If you have full coverage car insurance, you could consider the option of raising your deductible. Raising your deductible will lower your car insurance premium. If you have a lienholder on your vehicle, you may not be able to raise your deductible. Lienholders require a minimum amount of coverage, including deductible amounts.

Keep a Clean Record

This may seem like an obvious way to save, but it is often the most overlooked. Obeying all traffic laws and state laws can significantly save you on higher car insurance premiums.

Discounts

All insurance companies have available discounts to help lower the cost of your car insurance premiums. Take a look at our table below showing some of the most commonly used discounts.

Discounts from companies

Defensive Driving Class

Lastly, you have the option of taking a defensive driving class. Sometimes, these classes are court-mandated and you do not have the option of taking the course. In some cases, taking this course is a voluntary option in lowering your car insurance premium.

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Bottom Line

Unfortunately, tickets and accidents happen, and they can drastically change your car insurance premium. If you have multiple charges on your record and you’re looking for new car insurance rates, you can start right now. Enter your ZIP code here to use our free comparison tool to start saving today.

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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.

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