Driver's notes that increase your auto insurance premium

Transportation is one of the most important expenses for a typical American. This is not surprising considering that the average automobile premium can range from $ 1,660 per annum in New England to about $ 1,220 in the southwestern United States.

Auto insurance rates vary greatly from one person to the next, but are usually determined by the type of vehicle, the driver's location, age, gender and record of the car. conduct. Some of these factors are uncontrollable for the individual – young people and women tend to be considered riskier drivers, regardless of where they fall on other brands.

For almost everyone, the easiest way to control the cost of their auto insurance is to keep a good driving record. Your automobile insurance premium ultimately reflects the risk you present to the insurance company: the more accidents or traffic violations you have, the more risks you have to insure and the more your monthly payment will be high.

In its latest report on the state of auto insurance, the insurance comparison website Zebra presented the driving violations having the most impact on your insurance premium. Zebra notes that each state sanctions driving violations differently, but your insurance premium will almost always increase up to three years after your insurer becomes aware of your offense or claim after an accident.

Below you will find some common contraventions to avoid if you want your insurance rate to remain affordable, according to Zebra's badysis.

1. SMS and driving

The general use of the cell phone can increase your annual premium by 19%, or about $ 288 on average. That's about $ 864 over three years. SMS driving, in particular, can increase your annual premium by a little more – $ 290, on average, or $ 870 over three years.

2. the speed

Speeding tickets are expensive in themselves, but the penalty does not stop there. A single speed ticket can increase your annual insurance premium by $ 341, or just over $ 1,000 over three years.

3. Driving under the influence

Driving with alcohol or drugs in your system is a bad call on many levels. Not only are your chances of getting hurt or hurting others are considerably higher, but your insurance premium can increase by as much as 74%, or $ 1,086 a year, if you are convicted of driving while intoxicated. The three-year sentence is approximately $ 3,260.

4. Collision occurred

If you are declared responsible for an accident, your annual insurance premium could increase by 42%. That's about $ 617 a year on average, or $ 1,800 over the typical three-year penalty period.

5. Non-responsible collision

Even if you are the innocent party in an accident, your premium will still cost you if you file a claim for damage or injury. The average annual increase in premiums for this incident amounts to nearly $ 100, reaching $ 293 over three years.

6. No seatbelt

Although the penalty for driving without a seatbelt is not the heaviest you may encounter, it is unwelcome. Expect to add about $ 60 a year to your insurance premium for a seat-belt ticket, for a total of about $ 173 over the next three years.

7. turn on a red light

Do not stop at a red light with a nearby camera may result in an unexpected ticket in the mail, as well as an increase in your monthly insurance payment. A red ticket can increase your premium by 22%, or about $ 330, on average. The penalty is approximately $ 1,000 over three years.

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