Getting a ticket or being involved in an accident can feel stressful, especially when you realize it could raise your auto insurance rates. Fortunately, having a less-than-perfect driving record doesn’t mean you’re doomed to overly expensive insurance forever. There are still plenty of ways to lower your costs and save on auto insurance, even if your driving history isn’t spotless.
Why Driving Records Affect Auto Insurance Rates
Insurance companies use driving records to predict how likely you are to make a claim. If you’ve gotten tickets, been in accidents, or filed previous claims, insurers may see you as a higher-risk driver. This increased risk is the main reason for a hike in your premiums. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with high rates for life. Most companies reassess your risk over time, especially if you avoid new violations and claims.
Insurers use categories—like preferred, standard, and high-risk—to group drivers based on their history. Most people occasionally make mistakes. If your recent history is less than ideal, don’t panic. There are ways to move back to lower-cost tiers over time by being proactive now.
Practical Strategies to Save Your Auto Insurance Costs
If you’re facing higher premiums due to traffic tickets or accidents, try these helpful approaches to bring your rates down:
Reevaluate Your Coverage
Review your policy to see if you carry optional extras, like roadside assistance or mechanical breakdown coverage, which may not matter as much if your budget is tight. Consider raising your deductible—the amount you pay before insurance kicks in—since a higher deductible usually means lower premiums.
Ask About Discounts
You might qualify for discounts you aren’t aware of, such as paying your premium in full upfront, signing up for paperless billing, or bundling your auto coverage with renters or homeowners insurance. Some insurers also offer discounts for group memberships, such as unions, alumni associations, or professional organizations.
Consider Usage-Based Insurance
If you currently practice safe driving habits, a usage-based insurance program may help. With these, a small device or app monitors your driving behavior, tracking things like speed, mileage, and braking. Consistently safe drivers often earn discounts, even if their driving record had previous issues.
Shop Around and Compare Rates
Not all insurance companies treat violations and accidents the same way. Rates and available discounts change, so compare quotes from several providers before your renewal. Switching companies can sometimes yield better rates, especially if you’re an “early bird” who shops before your current policy expires.
Limit Claims When You Can
Try to avoid making small claims if you can cover them yourself. Not filing smaller claims can help your record look better over time and reduce future premium increases.
Protect Your Vehicle
Installing anti-theft devices or vehicle recovery systems could qualify you for additional discounts under your comprehensive coverage.
Rebuilding Your Record and Your Rate
Insurance companies usually don’t expect perfection—most drivers will file a claim at some point in their lives. Remember, time is on your side. Most tickets or accidents only impact your insurance for three to five years. If you focus on building better driving habits today, you’ll likely see your rates drop in the future.
Contact AIS to Save on Auto Insurance
Having a less-than-perfect driving record doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying high auto insurance rates forever. Taking a defensive driving course, reviewing your policy, seeking discounts, and comparing quotes are all smart moves that can help you save, even if you’ve made mistakes in the past. If you’re ready to find the best value for your coverage, call AIS at (888) 772-4247 for a personalized quote and helpful guidance from our specialists.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
