It pays to avoid being a high-risk driver. People with spotless driving records generally receive lower insurance premiums. Meanwhile, drivers with a poor driving record usually pay significantly higher premiums.
What does a poor driving history consist of? It can include traffic violations, speeding tickets, reckless driving, and DUI and DWI convictions. These violations aren’t the same because some are worse and more destructive than others. Insurance companies also acknowledge this, which is why insurance premiums will spike if your record contains too many violations or a DUI.
The Implications of Being a High-Risk Driver
Statistics show that the nationwide average for full auto coverage is approximately $1,485. However, that figure applies to drivers with clean driving records. As you accrue more driving violations, your insurance premium rises. Drivers responsible for accidents generally pay a 38 percent higher premium.
Insurance providers also consider speeding tickets a major red flag of being a high-risk driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding causes one-third of all crash fatalities in the United States. As a result, a speeding ticket can cause high-risk drivers to pay 23 percent more in premiums.
Statistics reveal that crashes resulting from drinking and driving in the U.S. kill 28 people daily and cause roughly $44 billion in damages annually. As a result, drivers with a DUI or DWI conviction pay 88 percent higher premiums. So most insurance providers consider DUIs the riskiest driving behavior, and rightly so.
Getting an SR-22 or FR-44 Insurance Certificate
A license suspension causes significant problems. In addition to paying higher premiums, risky driving behaviors outlined above can cause drivers to lose their licenses. Most states require drivers to get SR-22 insurance to reinstate their license after violations like DUIs, multiple speeding tickets, or at-fault accidents.
In Florida and Virginia, drivers need an FR-44 certificate after a DUI license reinstatement; the SR-22 certificate is for non-alcohol-related license reinstatement.
How to Not Be a High-Risk Driver
Here’s how you can avoid being a high-risk driver:
Refrain from Speeding
The adage ‘speeding kills’ holds validity. Getting multiple speeding tickets will affect your insurance premiums. In addition, speeding also puts others at risk of injury and death. Refrain from speeding if you want to avoid becoming a high-risk driver.
Never Drink and Drive
Drinking and driving is a serious violation that can affect insurance premiums. However, more importantly, it can also result in hefty fines and possible jail time. Driving inebriated endangers people’s lives. As a result, always refrain from drinking and driving. Each state has a BAC limit that drivers must know. You can find BAC calculators online that can help you estimate how many drinks will make you reach the limit. Ideally, it’s best if you refrain from driving when planning to drink. Instead, use public transportation, cabs, ride-hailing applications, or assign a designated driver.
Be a Defensive Driver
It’s crucial to follow the proper driving principles to avoid causing accidents. For instance, always use the indicator when switching lanes. Likewise, don’t overtake vehicles haphazardly. Always keep your eyes on the road – not on your electronic devices – while driving.
What to Do if You’re a High-Risk Driver
Being a high-risk driver requires FR-44 or SR-22 insurance to drive legally.
Are you searching for SR-22 or FR-44 insurance in Florida or Virginia? UltraCar Insurance has you covered. We’re a leading SR-22 provider in 34 states and FR-44 Insurance provider Florida and Virginia. In addition, we provide Non Owner SR22 Insurance Florida and Non Owner FR-44 Insurance Florida. Please explore our website to learn more. Or, start an online quote with us today!
This article was last updated on November 5th, 2022 by UltraCar Insurance
