How Long Does Your Driving Record Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates?

If you have ever received a speeding ticket or any other type of traffic violation, this ticket or charge will remain on your record for at least two or three years, depending on the charge and your state. When you have any type of ticket on your driving record, it could affect your insurance rates. Here are several things you should know about traffic violations and your auto insurance.

Minor tickets do not affect insurance a lot

The first thing to understand is that there are differences in the types of tickets and charges you can get while driving. For example, receiving a no-seatbelt charge will go on your record, but it most likely will not affect your auto insurance rates. A speeding ticket, for example, will also go on your record, and it may cause your insurance rates to go up a little.

If you receive a major charge, such as a DUI, it will affect your insurance rates a lot. DUIs and DWIs are considered major driving offenses, and they will result in major consequences. Not only will your insurance go up if you receive an offense like this, but you could also risk losing your driving privileges, and you could rack up a lot of extra expenses for legal costs.

Tickets will fall off your record in time

Any type of ticket you receive, including DUIs, will eventually fall off your driving record, but it will take time. You should expect it to take at least two or three years for this to happen, but it could take even longer if you experienced a major traffic offense. During this time, you may pay higher rates on your insurance premiums.

There are things you can do

While it is not easy to get a ticket removed from your record, there are some things you can do that may help you save money on your auto insurance. One thing to consider is the deferral program. If you get a speeding ticket and are offered the deferral program, you should take advantage of this. With this, you will pay a fee and have to avoid driving offenses for the next year. If you can do this, the ticket will be dropped off your record.

Secondly, you could take a driver's education course. Most insurance companies provide discounts for drivers who complete these courses, and many states allow you to get your points removed from your driver's license if you complete a course like this.

If you feel like you are paying too much for your insurance due to a ticket on your record, contact an auto insurance company such as Allstar Insurance to find out what you can do to save some money.