WHY POINTS ON YOUR DRIVING RECORD MATTER (PART TWO): INSURANCE PREMIUMS
Insurance premiums can change based on your driving record
Insurance premiums can increase dramatically due to changes in your driving record. These increases are not limited to violations such as reckless driving and DWIs that result in many points being added to your record. Rather, a study by Insurance.com indicated that even minor moving violations such as not wearing a seat belt, improper passing, and speeding can substantially affect your premiums.
Here is Insurance.com‘s list of violations and the resulting increase in premiums:
- Reckless Driving – 22%
- DUI (First Offense) – 19%
- Driving without a license or permit – 18%
- Careless Driving – 16%
- Speeding (30 mph over the limit) – 15%
- Failure to stop – 15%
- Improper passing – 14%
- Tailgating – 13%
- Speeding (15-29 mph over) – 12%
- Speeding (1-14 mph over) – 11%
- Failure to yield – 9%
- No car insurance – 6%
- Seat belt infractions – 3%
Car accidents can also increase your insurance rates
This list does not include car accidents which can have a substantial impact on your insurance premiums. The best way to avoid these increases is to drive safely and legally. However, if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a collision or being cited for even a minor traffic violation, you should consult an attorney immediately. An experienced attorney may be able to beat the traffic violation or at least keep you from having points added to your record. If you have already been charged with one of the above violations or crimes, consult part one of this blog to see how you can potentially avoid getting points added. In either case, it’s always better to start addressing the points on your driving record before they build up.
Kirk Joyce is a general practice attorney in Northwest Arkansas with experience personal injury and car accident cases. If you would like to meet with him to discuss your case, please contact the Joyce Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
JoyceLaw Firm was founded in 2002 by Kirk Joyce. Each of the attorneys at the Joyce Law Firm focus in specific areas of law, including, but not limited to: personal injury, immigration, criminal defense, family law, and business law. Contact the Joyce Law Firm today at 479-442-5577. More about Joyce Law Firm
