When it comes to car insurance, you want to make sure that you are staying up to date on what your policy covers, what it doesn’t, and how much it costs you. From new drivers to experienced road-trippers, car insurance is one of the most important things you can have as a driver and an owner of a vehicle.

 

Of course, even the safest drivers can get involved in an accident, get pulled over because of a faulty headlight, or be involved in a variety of other minor or major infractions that will show up on your driving record. Unfortunately, some of these car infractions could influence how much you will pay for car insurance. Here is information on car infractions that could influence your car insurance rates.

 

Car Insurance Rates

Your car insurance policy is influenced by several factors. These factors include:

 

• Where you live
• Your gender
• Your age
• Your driving history
• The make and model of your car
• If you use your car for personal use, business use, or both
• How much you drive
• The insurance coverage you want
• The car insurance company you work with

 

Some areas are considered riskier for car insurance companies, and therefore policies could differ in cost depending on where you live. Additionally, young men might find that their policies are more expensive because of the high rate of accidents that occur involving men between the ages of 16-30. These factors can all influence how much you pay per month and per year for a car insurance policy.

 

How Infractions Can Cost You

Accidents happen, but some infractions are more detrimental than others when it comes to increasing your car insurance rates. Car insurance companies can use your driving record to assess your driving history and your level of insurance risk.

 

Moving violations that have been cleared from your driving record typically won’t affect your car insurance rates. Many companies look at a three-year driving history, while other infractions, like a DUI conviction, will stay on your record for much longer.

 

Don’t fret if you have had a car infraction, though. If you have a clean driving record and have been driving for a while, a moving violation might not affect your car insurance premiums as much as you think. Increases in rates occur if a driver is inexperienced and has a moving violation, or if there are multiple violations in a short period.

 

Other ‘correctable’ violations likely won’t affect your car insurance rates, so long as you take care of them. These violations could include issues with vehicle maintenance, illegal modifications, not being able to provide proof of insurance, or license and registration problems. A ticket could be issued for these violations, but if the fine is paid or you attend your court appearance, this infraction wouldn’t appear on your permanent driving record.

 

Major car infractions like a hit and run, DUI, or DWI can result in jail time, fines, and a suspended or revoked license, all of which can impact future car insurance premium rates.

 

Car Infractions and Car Insurance

 If you’ve had your license suspended or revoked, your car insurance rate will increase. In North Carolina,there are insurance options for people who have been permitted to drive to and from work, despite having a suspended license. There are also insurance options for people who have had a DUI or DWI. Both insurance options will have much higher premiums than regular car insurance because the insurance company has deemed these drivers riskier to insure as a result of their driving history.

 

Drivers with these infractions on their record might find it difficult to find a car insurance policy once their license has been reinstated. These policies will be more expensive, as drivers with major infractions on their driving record are riskier to insure. However, there are insurance options for people with infractions, just as there are for people with clean driving histories.

 

To learn more about car insurance rates and the options for a less than stellar driving history, contact the professionals with ProtetiveAgency.com at (877) 739-9367. Our licensed, friendly insurance team will be happy to answer any questions you have.