by Chimpuriche Chihunrumnanya
Is it possible to get affordable auto insurance rates with moving violations on your driving record? Even though it becomes harder, you can still enjoy better rates than you’re paying at the moment. These tips should help…
1. Know that you’re NOT alone. Even though this should NOT be an excuse for recklessness, we all are capable of moving violations. Yes, even the best of drivers make mistakes or allow their emotions to dictate to them sometimes.
Having the right perspective makes it easier for you to deal with the situation. If you can deal with it then you can avoid it reoccurrence.
2. If you are sure that you were wrongfully charged, take steps to seek redress. That’s what traffic courts are there for. And if you do get a reversal, make sure your rates are lowered to reflect this.
3. You should pay high rates that result from your moving violations for as long as they remain on your driving records. However, once they are removed from your records, you should get a slash in rate (This should be at the end of three years — Some states keep theirs for up to five years). But painfully, some folks keep paying these high rates long after they’ve been removed from their records.
If you fall into this category, call your agent right away. You are overdue for a downward review of your rate. On the other hand, you can apply to another insurer who has better rates for you.
4. If you agree to take traffic school your moving violation can be dismissed. This is available in some states and only for some types of moving violations.
5. Although all auto insurers specialize in auto insurance, different companies are more specialized in certain profiles than others. If you get insurers who focus on high risk drivers, you may get better rates as they have a better understanding of your profile.
Insurers are always adjusting rates. Furthermore, they all do NOT have exactly the same rate quotes for similar profiles. Therefore, you’ll save a lot if you take out some time to get and compare quotes from a wide range of insurance companies.
