Suppose you are attempting to better your auto insurance rates and do not have a great driving record. In this situation you should research online car insurance rates based on your current driving record and find companies who help customers get a second change.
When you write your car insurance check every month you are probably wondering what in the world you can do to reduce your car insurance rates. It may seem to you that every year your rate goes up and sometimes this is true through no fault of your own; some insurance companies just raise their rates to keep up with inflation so that they can pay their own bills.
However, there are many factors involving your driving record that determine your car insurance rates. Many of us have some knowledge of what these factors are and their effect on car insurance rates, but it is important to review this data to be sure you thoroughly understand your situation.
Moving Violations and Auto Insurance Rates
Typically, those of us who have one minor traffic ticket listed on our DMV driving record will not pay much higher auto insurance rates. If you run a stop sign or if you are caught speeding but only 5 miles over the speed limit, you may incur a minimal increase in your insurance rates. However, if you receive many moving violations and the violations are serious in nature, your insurance rates will skyrocket.
For example, if you are stopped for speeding and issued a citation the insurance provider will research how many miles per hour you were over the limit; 10 miles or less, between 11 and 15, or 16 and higher. As a general rule, the driver who was speeding at 16 or more will have higher insurance rates than a driver who was only speeding less than 10 miles over the limit. Additionally, if you are issued such a ticket once over a three year period, your rates will be less than someone who has been issued multiple tickets.
Major moving violations also will affect your auto insurance rates in a big way. DWI or DUI will increase your rate usually by at least 10%, and sometimes 25% or more. Now imagine what your auto insurance rates will be like if you have a DUI and a few tickets as well!
Time Spent Behind the Wheel
Additional factors that affect your car insurance rates are the amount of time you spend behind the wheel as well as the reasons for driving. The amount of time behind the wheel increases the likelihood that you will be in an accident. Traveling a long distance to get to and from work will cause you to pay a higher premium than the person who works from home or drives a short distance to work. You may not be able to change the location of your job, but you can consider using your car less by carpooling or even choosing an alternate form of transportation to get to work.
In addition, if you choose to use your car in conjunction with your business your auto insurance rates will be adjusted. Insurance companies take this into consideration because of the additional risk involved and the possibility of having to settle a future claim. With auto insurance rates on the rise and there to stay, it is best to try all means necessary to reduce your online car insurance rates as low as possible.
