Reader’s Question:
I had a couple of traffic violations for the past 3 months. Would these violations affect my car insurance policy rates? Are there any ways of getting discount car insurance? I’m renewing my policy next month.
Andrew,
Des Moines, IA
Traffic violations could definitely affect your car insurance policy rate because it is one of the risk factors that car insurance companies look at when deciding what rate is applicable for you. Car insurance companies assign points to each traffic violation that you commit. Typically, they assign 2 points if the violation is minor, 3 points if it’s major, and 6 points if it’s serious (such as DUI). These assigned points are used, along with other points you get from other factors (i.e. age, gender, place where you live, marital status, etc.), to determine your insurance policy rate.
Since you are about to renew your policy, I suggest you continue it with your current car insurance company that can offer you discount car insurance. Some companies offer bundle discounts if you can avail more than one product from them. These products include car, homeowner’s, or life insurance. There are also some companies that offer multiple car discounts. This type of discount is given to those who insure more than one car under one policy. Another discount car insurance that you could also ask for is the one given to those who take defensive driving course. This is usually available for young drivers and senior drivers.
It’s best to ask various car insurance company to make sure that you get the best deal for your car insurance policy.
