The Most Common Driving Violations That Can Make You Pay More on Car Insurance

Car insurance costs can vary a lot from one person to another. Usually, car insurance rates are determined after analyzing the vehicle type, the driver’s location, age, gender, and driving record. You can keep the insurance costs under control if you maintain a clean driving record. However, even the smallest traffic violation can make your premiums rise for a period that is up to three years. You can also try to shop online car insurance quotes and see if you can find a better deal.

If you want to keep the insurance costs affordable, then you should avoid the following traffic violations:

  • Using the phone while driving. Using the phone while you are behind the wheel is a bad idea. This behavior is not only dangerous but also pricey. If you get caught using your phone while driving, you will be penalized with a hefty fine. Besides that, your insurer will increase your premiums. Drivers caught talking or texting on their mobile phones while driving, will likely pay around $290 more on their yearly insurance costs.
  • Speeding. This is one of the leading causes of car crashes in the US. The penalties for speeding range from hefty fines to license suspension, and even jail time in some occasions. Also, your insurer will not be pleased if you got caught speeding. On average, the annual insurance premium can increase by $341 for drivers caught speeding.
  • Driving under influence. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is very dangerous for yourself and for everyone that is nearby. The punishments for a DUI conviction are very severe and quite often drunk drivers will end up in jail. Your insurance premium can rise with as much as $1,086 a year. Depending on the state you live, your premiums will remain high for a period that is between three to ten years.
  • At-fault collision. Causing an accident can have different repercussions depending on the circumstances. In most cases, if you get caught causing an accident, your annual insurance costs will rise about $627 a year, on average.
  • Not at-fault in an accident. Although it seems unfair, your premiums can increase even if you are not at-fault in a car accident. Your insurer will bump your annual insurance costs by almost $100 if you file a claim for damage or injury.
  • Driving without a seatbelt. One of the most common traffic violations committed by drivers is driving without a seatbelt. Although the penalties for driving without a seatbelt are not that harsh, the ticket for this traffic violation will affect the costs of insurance immediately after your insurer finds out. Your insurance provider will add around $60 on your annual insurance premium if you received a ticket for driving without a seatbelt.
  • Running a red light. Failing to stop at a red light is a serious traffic violation. You will likely receive points on your license in most states. Your insurance costs will also be higher. On average, a ticket for running a red light can increases the annual insurance premium by $330.

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