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We all probably know that we could stand to be a little more conscientious behind the wheel. Still, we’re all human, and we all make mistakes. The unfortunate thing is that when we make driving mistakes, we might have to pay the price. Traffic citations are often frustrating penalties, not just because of the inconvenience, but also the cost burden they might cause you. At times, they could even cause your insurance rates to rise.
Let’s take a closer look at why citations could drive up your insurance rates, and what you can do to if this ever happens to you.
What is the Importance of a Traffic Ticket?
Some people think that tickets or other driving citations represent no more than a warning and a fine. On one hand, that’s exactly what they are. However, they are also going to become notations on your driving record, which is the permanent record of your driving history. Therefore, the ticket will reflect that you have committed infractions in the past. As a result, it could impact your insurance future.
If you get a ticket while driving, then you have a traceable record to reflect that you have broken the law. Therefore, when you go to renew your auto insurance policy, your agent will see that you have committed this infraction. As a result, they will have to note it on your policy, and this will indicate to the insurer that you have a higher driving risk compared to another driver who has never gotten a ticket.
As a result, you might see your auto insurance rates increase. The greater your risk to the insurer, the greater your chances of having to file a claim on your policy. After all, by getting the ticket, you have already proven that you aren’t the safest driver. What’s to say that your next ticket will not be related to a car wreck that leads to a huge claim on your insurance. As a result, your insurer will likely have to raise your rates to cover this additional risk.
What to do About Higher Rates
If you get a ticket, then don’t worry. It isn’t the end of the world. Even though it might increase your auto insurance rates, you’ll likely find that you can keep your benefits affordable. A few things to keep in mind are:
- Let your agent compare the policies within their network to see if a different plan now offers you more affordability.
- Ask if you have maximized the discounts on your current plan. If you can qualify for new discounts, then you might save money.
- Consider increasing your policy deductible. However, never increase it so much that you won’t be able to pay it in the event of a claim.
The good news is that most tickets will only remain on your driving record for a certain number of years, and they eventually might become moot points from your insurer’s standpoint. Therefore, if you get a ticket, the best thing you can do for your insurance purposes is to not get another one.
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