Don't be a Prisoner to Your Auto Insurance Company For
Traffic Tickets or Moving Violations:

When you shop for car insurance, one of the first questions you will be asked is: "Have you had any tickets in the last 3 years?" If the answer is 'yes,' you should take ease in knowing that you're not alone. In fact, you have a lot in common with millions of drivers: and you along with millions of drivers are subject to higher auto insurance rates as a result. Even if you accept accountability and rightfully deserved your tickets, don't be a held hostage by your insurance company. You have the right to shop around and avoid insurance rates that may seem unwarranted.

If You Already Have a Ticket or Tickets: You Can Still Find Ways to Save

For drivers that already pay for traffic tickets or moving violations in their current auto insurance policy, uncover significant savings by shopping around for a new policy. Although having numerous violations on your record can limit your assortment of insurance companies, don't believe that finding reasonably priced auto insurance is as threatening as appearing in traffic court and paying fines. There are companies out there that specialize in insuring high-risk drivers at reasonable prices. The only way to find these companies however is to compare multiple quotes from multiple companies.

Tickets Linger on Your Driving Record

Did you know that traffic violations stay on your record for three years in most states and as long as five in others? Interestingly, many drivers continue to pay high insurance rates for tickets that have since already fallen off their record. Don't expect insurance companies to keep up with your driving record and magically lower your rates when your tickets come off your record. They generally only check driving records when you first apply for an insurance policy, therefore; the responsibility from then on rests on you alone to maximize your savings.

Traffic School can Dismiss a Ticket

Depending on the nature of your violation, most states will allow you to go to traffic school in exchange for a discharge of the ticket. When you have the chance to do so, take it. Alternatively, if you feel that your moving violation is not warranted, and can be explained to a judge, challenge the ticket in traffic court. Many think that simply making the effort to appear in court can improve your chances of having your fines reduced, if not dismissed entirely. Keep in mind however, even though a fine may be reduced or eliminated by the court, a moving violation may still be added to your driving record.

Insurance companies statistically compare your moving violations to the likelihood of you filing an insurance claim in the future. At its simplest: if you have tickets, you're probably a riskier driver that will experience higher insurance rates. However, the same policy can vary by hundreds of dollars from insurer to insurer.

If you have any traffic tickets or moving violations on your driving record, it is in your best interest to shop around and see if you can find a more reasonable rate. You should compare auto insurance rates at least every six months, regardless of your driving record, as insurance companies are always adjusting rates.