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Driving is one of the fundamental skills that lead to more freedom and flexibility in life. A car is the transportation mode that has become an essential need for many Americans. Despite the convenience and comfort it provides, owning and driving a car comes with significant responsibilities. One of the most crucial responsibilities is driving safely and responsibly. Driving history matters to auto insurance companies. Read on to know how your driving record affects your auto insurance rates in the US.
What is a driving record?
A driving record is a document that shows a driver’s history of traffic violations, accidents, and tickets. The record is based on the driver’s history over the last few years. It is kept by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV records every incident that occurs while driving, and the data is used by insurance companies to determine a driver’s risk to insure.
How does it affect your auto insurance rates?
Auto insurance companies use a driver’s driving record to calculate the risk of insuring them. Statistically, drivers with a poor driving record are more likely to get into accidents, and therefore, they are considered a higher risk to insure. As a result, they pay higher insurance premiums.
If a driver has a clean driving record with no accidents, traffic violations, or tickets, their auto insurance rates are lower than a driver with a poor driving record. When a driver has a tarnished driving record, car insurance companies perceive them as high-risk drivers, and they will pay more on their auto insurance rates.
DMV determines the length of time it takes for drivers to leave a ticket or an accident off their record. Depending on the state, it can take up to three or five years to have an accident or ticket removed from a driving record. It’s critical to keep a clean driving record since it plays a substantial role in determining your insurance rates.
Types of incidents that affect auto insurance rates
There are essential types of incidents that auto insurance companies consider when calculating auto insurance rates. Insurance rates are significantly affected by how often and for what reason you file a claim. Below are the types of incidents that affect your insurance rates.
1. Accidents
A driver who is involved in an accident is seen as a higher risk by insurance companies. Auto insurance rates increase after a driver causes an accident, except it is determined that the other driver is at fault.
2. Traffic violations
Traffic violations such as speeding or running a red light are also factors that affect auto insurance rates. Drivers that make several traffic violations are seen as high risk, which results in increased auto insurance premium rates.
3. DUI
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a severe violation that can lead to increased auto insurance rates or even a loss of coverage, depending on the driver’s insurance company policy. In some cases, DUI may result in drivers being denied coverage by some insurance companies.
In conclusion, a driver’s driving record can significantly impact auto insurance rates. It’s always best to maintain a clean driving record, obey traffic laws, and drive safely to keep insurance rates down. You can also work on replacing driving points by taking a course, obeying all traffic laws and driving safely. By doing so, drivers can enjoy lower premium auto insurance rates and greater savings in the long run.
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