3 Tips for Saving on Your Policy by Not Becoming a High-Risk Driver
If you are looking at buying insurance for the first time, or if you have found that your auto insurance has gone up, those numbers can be a bit scary. We all need auto insurance, but if you are classified as a high-risk driver by the insurance companies that assess risk, things get pretty tough. While you cannot change circumstances like your age or your past driving record, you will find that there are steps you can take to prevent being listed as a high-risk driver and seeing your premiums go up. Consider what these three tips can do for you.
Take a Driving Course
There are two instances when it is good to take a driving class. The first is before you get your license. Even if your area does not make driver’s education a requirement, you will find that taking the class can lower your rates significantly. One demographic that is hit the hardest when people start talking about insurance rates is that of teenage boys. If you take a driving course, you will find that you can drop your rates by at least a little.
The second time to take a driving class is when you are close to being labeled a high-risk driver or when you have already been listed as such. Taking a driving class shows that you are invested in changing your driving habits and that you are willing to do the work to lower your rates. This is a thing that many insurance companies will use to determine their rates, so a driving class along with a period with zero citations, can make a huge difference to your rates.
Slow Down
Some people think that any citations at all will raise their insurance, but only moving citations do this. Parking tickets typically do not count against you, but things like tickets for speeding, reckless driving of any sort, and for running a red light will count against you. If you want to make sure that your insurance rates stay low, do not make a habit of assuming that simply paying the fine for a speeding ticket will make it go away. This is something that can make a significant difference to your insurance rates, so pay attention to your odometer and knock off the speed. Be aware when you are driving, and adhere to your local laws regarding cell phones and headsets.
Dealing with Major Violations
A major violation like a DUI or DWI is something that can affect the cost of your insurance for at least five years. The best answer is, of course, to avoid getting one of these charges. When it comes to a major violation, your best response is simply to wait it out for three years. However, after three years, you should shop for a new insurance policy that does not have a major violation penalty. If the violation is at least three years in the past, it should not affect the new policy or it should only affect it slightly.
If you are interested in staying away from the high-risk driver category, follow these steps. Careful driving requires vigilance, but the extra effort will pay off in the long run.
About the Author: Rick Carter is a freelance insurance and finance researcher. He’s interested most in helping protect consumer rights and providing the best money saving tips.
Category: Car Insurance
