WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderDon't overpay for auto insurance if you've had tickets

Don't overpay for auto insurance if you've had tickets

Provided by

When shopping for car insurance, you'll be asked: "Have you had any moving violations (tickets) in the last 3 years?" If the answer is "yes," don't worry — you're not alone. But the good news is that traffic tickets aren't a financial death sentence.

In fact, a first-time offender may be let off the hook entirely. "A single traffic ticket won't always lead to a dramatic increase in a driver's rate, and an insurer may excuse a driver who's never been cited before," explained Paula Gold, Vice President of Plymouth Rock Assurance, a Boston-based auto insurer.

If a first-time offender is nailed with a higher premium, it's usually just a modest increase. It's when the tickets begin to pile up that the real trouble starts — especially if there's a DUI or other major violation tossed in.

"Multiple violations raise an automatic red flag for insurance companies, and with each new infraction can come hundreds or even thousands in premium increases," Gold said. "Insurers won't give leniency to a driver who was driving drunk, illegally parked in a handicapped spot or has several tickets within a year's time."

Making matters worse, some insurance companies won't automatically lower rates when an old ticket disappears, leaving many drivers to continue to pay higher premiums for infractions that have since fallen off their record.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for drivers to lower premiums following a ticket.

"For starters, consider increasing your deductible or bundling several policies with one provider. Also, don't be afraid to ask for discounts — being a safe driver can help, as can having low annual mileage," she explained. "This will not only help reverse some of the damage done by a single ticket, but it can also save a significant amount of money over the long term."

If you've tried these tips and still pay too much for car insurance, consider shopping for a new policy. Not all insurers view tickets in the same way, and you could save a fortune with a company that won't punish you for an imperfect driving record.

The article is provided by InsWeb Corp. Compare car insurance quotes for free with InsWeb.com and see how much you might save even with a ticket on your record.