All other things being equal, a driver with a bad record is always going to pay more for auto insurance than a safer driver who is the same age, with the same car, the same credit score, and the same level of coverage. Car insurance providers need to calculate the risk that they're taking on when they bind coverage, and moving violations are a definite red flag for them.
That said, there are some things you can do to offset the increased rates you're paying.
- Take A Defensive Driving Course. In some states, completing a defensive driving course will get you a mandatory discount (often around five percent), no matter who you're buying your car insurance from. And many insurers offer such discounts regardless of state law. Contact your agent and find out if this is an option. Even if it's not, a defensive driving course still looks good on your record.
- Calculate Your Car's Value. Generally, you want to buy more than just liability insurance. But here’s a good rule of thumb: If your car's value doesn't exceed the cost of ten insurance payments, then there's not much point protecting it with collision and comprehensive.
- Drive Less. People who spend less time behind the wheel typically pay a lot less on their premiums than those who put twenty miles on the odometer a day. Carpooling and public transit can go a long way toward bringing your rates down.
- Raise Your Deductible. A higher deductible = lower premiums. You don't want to bump your deductible so high that you couldn't comfortably pay it in the event of an accident. But raising it a reasonable amount can get you a deal on your monthly payments.
- Drive Something Safer. If you've been meaning to trade your car in, maybe now's the time. You'd be surprised the discounts you can get for basic safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes.
Fortunately, anything a driver with a clean record can do to keep their rates low, you can do the same. You're going to be regarded as high-risk until those points are off your record. But in the meantime, you have plenty of options to offset the higher premiums.
