4 Ways to Recover from a Moving Violation

If you are normally a safe driver but unusual circumstances led to a moving traffic violation, there are steps you can take to offset its effect on your car insurance rates. The tips given here assume that you aren't a chronically bad driver, but instead have a good record that is marred by a single incident. If the violation is recent, check with your insurance carrier to find out how your rates will be affected. While the following suggestions can reduce your rates, some will incur a different kind of cost.

Increase Your Deductibles

Increasing your deductible means that more of the expenses associated with an accident will come out of your pocket before your auto insurance policy kicks in. Very substantial rate reductions can be achieved by increasing your deductible. It is a good idea to set aside money that covers these deductibles in a savings account.

Reduce Your Driving Mileage

The fewer miles you drive each year, the lower your insurance premium. One way to dramatically reduce your annual mileage is to use mass transit for your daily commute to work. The longer your commute, the greater the mileage reduction that is possible. A side benefit is that you will also save money on gas and car maintenance.

Install a Telematics Device on Your Car

Some insurers offer "pay as you drive" programs, where your driving is remotely monitored through the use of a sensor installed in your car. Safe driving habits recorded through these devices will be rewarded over time. If your moving violation truly was a fluke, then the telematics device will be your friend. How do these devices sense safe driving habits? This is partly done by sensing how hard you accelerate and brake, and possibly by sensing G forces caused by hard turns.

Install an Anti-Theft Device

Contact your insurance carrier to inquire about whether they lower premiums when an anti-theft device is installed on a car. If they do, ask about which devices result in the greatest premium drop. Make sure that the savings in premium reduction offsets the cost of the device over a reasonable amount of time. If car theft is a real possibility where you live or work, then the device is a good investment in its own right.

Remember that after you have used these tips to offset a moving violation penalty, there's little more that can be done to offset future violations. The only long term strategy to keeping your car insurance rates low is a consistent record of safe driving over your lifetime.

Get a quote today. Call Reliable Insurance Managers at (713) 227-7283 for more information on Katy auto insurance.