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The Point System – Why Minor Traffic Violations Can Have a Major Effect on Your Insurance Premium
by
Laura Ginn
Did you know that simply being pulled over for one traffic violation can have an adverse effect on your insurance premium? In most U.S. states, receiving so much as a minor speeding ticket can result in an increase in your premium.
The Traffic Violation Point System
Most states have implemented a point system to deal with traffic violations. Under the point system, every traffic violation is assigned a certain number of points based upon the severity of the infringement. Minor offenses are given one or two points, while severe offenses receive five, six, or seven. For example, speeding 15 miles per hour above the speed limit on a highway might be a two point violation, while speeding in a school zone might warrant five or six points because of the increased risk involved. An alternative point system attaches only one or two points to each offense. Under both systems, the specific point values of each offense vary from state to state.
When a driver is pulled over for a traffic offense, the police officer will add the point value of the driver s violation to his record. Every driver has a record attached to his license with a point value. Drivers with no violations have a zero, while especially reckless (or especially unlucky) drivers will have high point values.
Usually, points are good things to have. In the game of driving, however, you ll want to avoid them. Every state that uses a point system also has a point threshold in place beyond which the driver s license is automatically suspended or revoked. This point threshold is typically either four points in one year (if the state uses the one or two point system) or around 12 to 16 points within a period of three years. As with specific point values, point thresholds vary from state to state, but it s typically the case that two to three severe offenses or four to seven minor offenses will result in suspension or revocation.
The Effect Of Traffic Violation Points On Your Insurance Premium
You might be thinking that having a point or two on your license is no big deal. After all, until you reach your state s point threshold, the authorities can t take your license, right?
This is true. However, you ll still want to avoid having even one or two points on your license because of the financial penalties that are attached.
When you re pulled over and ticketed, your auto insurance company receives a notice detailing your offense and the points that have been added to your license. In response, the insurance company will almost invariably bump up your premium. This increase is typically very minor after receiving one or two points, but as the points add up, a modest increase can turn into a major spike. In extreme cases, your insurance provider may cancel your policy altogether.
How To Avoid Receiving Points On Your License And Keep Your Insurance Premium Low
Avoiding the ill effects of the traffic violation point system is simple: don t break the rules of the road. Don t run lights, don t pass illegally, don t be needlessly aggressive and don t speed (especially in residential areas and school zones.) It s all too easy to write off one or two tickets, and some drivers might not even mind paying slightly more per month for the privilege of driving carelessly. If you re an especially bad driver, however, those tickets and the points that come with them will quickly add up until you find yourself sitting at home without insurance and, possibly, without a license.
So be smart and drive safely. It s good for both your health and your pocketbook.
Whether you are looking for
new driver car insurance
or over 50 s car insurance, keep in mind that any previous points on your license will make a difference to the cost of your policy. If you are a new driver, Laura recommends trying to drive as carefully as possible to avoid problems in the future.
Article Source:
ArticleRich.com