Auto Insurance Discount: Do You Have A Good Driving History?

According to statistics from 2017, there was a 1 in 103 chance that you’d get in a severe car accident that was fatal, and about 20-50 million were injured or disabled from car accidents. The numbers are staggering, and they go to show how many are distracted on the road. Maybe you haven’t been in been in a severe car accident, but maybe you have been in a minor fender bender.

Whatever it may be, if you have to file a claim, you can bet that your premium prices will go up (unless you have accident forgiveness, which is discussed in prior posts). An at-fault wreck or a traffic violation will stay on your driving history record for 3-5 years.

What if you have a clean driving record? Well, your insurance company will reward you with a discount for being a reliable driver. Having a clean driving record tells insurance companies that you don’t pose as much of a threat as someone who has a history of accidents and tickets. And if your insurance company isn’t rewarding you for your clean driving record, it may be time to shop around for new insurance.

Being a good driver with a clean record can potentially save you hundreds of dollars a year. Are you considered a good driver? Here’s some tips on how to keep your discount:

• Follow the rules of the road at all times so you won’t have to worry about traffic violations.
• Consider taking a defensive driver course to help protect against at-fault accidents.
• Don’t driver between 3am and midnight, if you can help it. The deadliest three-hour periods on American roadways are between midnight and 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of those fatal crashes, 66% involve alcohol-impaired driving.
• Avoid congestion. When stuck in traffic, the likelihood of fender benders are much higher. If you know any back roads, take them.
• Drive less. The less you drive, the less likely you are to get in an accident. If you can, take public transportation or ride a bike if possible. Plus, you can get a low mileage discount when you drive fewer than 7,500 miles in a year.
• Some insurance companies offer minor violation and accident forgiveness. When you buy accident forgiveness, the surcharges of traffic violations and at-fault accidents is waived.

So what if you don’t have a good driving record? Well, all you can do is be patient and try your best to be a good driver and go accident/violation free. It takes about 5 years to get at-fault accidents and traffic violations off of your driving record. All you can really do is continue to be a defensive driver, take courses to show your insurance that you’re dedicated to being a safe driver, and wait until time knocks those things off of your record.

Some insurers offer discounts up to 20% off of your premium for being a good and reliable driver. Have you talked to your insurance about this discount yet? There’s no reason to overpay for auto insurance. We recommend shopping for auto insurance rates twice a year. Below we have a tool to make sure you’re getting the best price on your auto insurance. It pays to have a clean driving history.

Quick Money Savings Tip For Safe Drivers

There are dozens of auto insurers – Which one will give you the best rate?

Step 1) Choose your vehicle make below.
Step 2) On the next page, complete the 4 minute questionnaire, and you'll have the opportunity compare the best rates in your area.
Step 3) Keep more money and possibly save hundreds!