5 Tips For Buying Auto Insurance When You Have A Bad Driving Record

10 April 2017
 Categories: Insurance, Blog


Whether you have gotten several speeding tickets or have at-fault accidents on your driving record, finding affordable auto insurance when you have a bad driving record can be a challenge. Luckily, paying huge premiums is not absolutely necessary. Use the following tips to find auto insurance coverage that won't break the bank when you driving record has several blemishes:

Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course

While you may have had some problems driving in the past, you can help make up for them by enrolling in a reputable defensive driving course. If you successfully complete the course, an insurance company may give you a discount on your premiums. Contact a few different insurance companies before buying a policy to see which ones participate in this type of discount program.

Think About What Kind of Car You are Driving

If your driving record is bad, driving a brand-new expensive car is going to result in very high auto insurance premiums. Driving an older vehicle that is not as valuable is a good idea while you're waiting for your driving record to improve. It is also a good idea to drive a vehicle that is highly rated for safety and is equipped with a variety of safety features.

Increase Your Deductible

One of the easiest ways to lower the cost of your monthly auto insurance premiums is by increasing your deductible. The higher your insurance deductible, the less you will have to pay in premiums. Just make sure that you put money away in a savings account so you have it available to cover the deductible if you need to make an auto insurance claim.

Monitor Your Driving Record

Moving infractions and car accidents don't stay on your driving record forever. Each state has their own laws, but most infractions are removed from a person's driving record after a few years. If your driving record is bad, make sure you monitor it so you can see when your infractions are taken off. When there is an improvement in your driving record, call your insurance company and ask them to give you a new quote.

Shop Around

Every insurance company uses their own formula to assess risk and set insurance rates. With a bad driving record, it is well worth your time to contact several different companies for auto insurance quotes. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find a policy that provides ample coverage but is not completely out of your budget.


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