PRESS RELEASE: March 27, 2012 - Keeping a clean driving record means qualifying for the best insurance rate - which means saving a lot of money on premiums over time. Taking steps to protect and maintain a good driving record is the best way to keep car insurance rates down, but also means safer roads for all drivers. InsuranceHotline.com urges drivers to be aware of how tickets and accidents can impact a driver’s record as well as their insurance costs.
Tickets and at-fault accidents are the two most common types of marks against a driver’s record. While many drivers are concerned about insurance rates going up due to a speeding ticket or a fender bender, there are even more serious offences that can mar a driving record, raise insurance rates, and create unsafe conditions on the streets. Safe roads and clean driving records go hand in hand, so take a look at these tips from InsuranceHotline.com for maintaining both.
Drive Slowly and Cautiously
The majority of tickets are caused by drivers who are in a rush, distracted, or simply not paying attention. Drivers in a hurry or distracted by electronics are often behind such infractions as:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Running red lights
- Failure to signal
- Illegal turns
All of these seemingly minor tickets can count against a driver’s record and result in increased auto insurance rates. Multiple infractions on a driving record, even if they are all minor, can cause a large rate increase. Slowing down and paying attention to nothing but driving safely are the simplest ways to keep your driving record clean.
Never Drink and Drive
An impaired driving conviction is a serious one and has a strong negative impact a driver’s record. Not only that but it can make getting insurance difficult. Insurance rates are likely to increase, or in some cases, insurance companies may choose not to renew a driver with such a charge on their record. This is especially likely when there are other infractions as well. Thus, having a driving record that is already tarnished when a DUI occurs raises it to a new level of seriousness.
The impact on car insurance is only a small part of the potential result of driving impaired. A serious accident in which there are severe injuries or fatalities is an even more frightening consequence. A driver who is found to be impaired in such an accident will face serious legal consequences, may have any claims denied by the insurance company along with a major impact on insurance rates when driving privileges are reinstated.
The Value of a Clean Record
A driver who maintains a clean record for a long time will qualify for the best rates on insurance. It’s a simple equation for insurance companies: safe drivers are less likely to be involved in an accident. Thus drivers with clean records are a lower risk for the insurance company. Keep a clean record and the best possible insurance rates by:
- Adhering to posted speed limits
- Avoiding distractions such as cell phones while driving
- Paying attention to road signs and signals
- Always driving sober
Remember that once a driver’s record has a ticket or accident, any additional violations will add up to high insurance rates quickly. Driving carefully to avoid tickets and accidents is even more vital when there is already a mark against a driver’s record.
