Texas Auto Insurance Reduction
When you receive a Texas traffic ticket, you may not think of all the repercussions. For example, if you do not take an online Texas defensive driving course, you will receive negative points on your driving record and your auto insurance is therefore subject to rise at the discretion of your Texas auto insurance provider. The amount that your auto insurance increases will differ depending on the type of violation, your auto insurance company provider, the amount of points you received from your traffic citation, and more. For instance, if you received a speeding ticket for exceeding the posted speed limit by 15 miles per hour, but your neighbor received a speeding ticket for exceeding the posted speed limit by only five (5) miles per hour, your Texas auto insurance premium may be increased more than your neighbor's. Also, if you receive a red light ticket that resulted in a car collision, your auto insurance will be increased more than that of a speeding citation.
There is no clear answer as to how much your Texas auto insurance will increase if points reach your driving record (anywhere from 25%–400% according to the Law Offices of Owsley & Associates). What is known is that if you complete a Texas defensive driving course, you will be able to stop points from reaching your driving record and keep your auto insurance premiums from skyrocketing.
Certain auto insurance companies increase your rates for the next three (3) years if you receive negative points on your driving record. Other auto insurance providers may only apply a surcharge for the first year and remove it if you are careful and do not receive another citation. Some insurance providers also take into account the amount of time you have been with their company. If you are a loyal customer and have no previous tickets they may choose not to raise your rates at all.
If you have already received points on your driver's record and would like to keep your insurance premium low, you can do so by taking a defensive driving course. In order to qualify for a defensive driving insurance discount, you may not have previously taken the course within the past three (3) years. You will be able to take an online Texas defensive driving program regardless if you have received a Texas traffic citation or not. Taking the course for a defensive driving insurance discount is available for all insured drivers in the State of Texas. By taking a driver safety course to lower your insurance premium, you could receive up to 10% off of your auto insurance rates.
How to Avoid Auto Insurance Increases
If you are a driver that is concerned about your auto insurance rising in price, it is very simple to avoid your insurance from increasing. Obey all traffic laws. This means, always follow the posted speed limit, be aware of your surroundings (including a change in the environment and a change in traffic signs), never drive drowsy or under the influence, and be the best all around defensive driver that you can be.
Accidents and mistakes happen. If you have a traffic citation and are concerned about the impact your ticket will have on your auto insurance rates, it is suggested that you do not plead guilty. Keep in mind that you will still need to sign your ticket when you receive it. This is not pleading guilty, only paying your fine will be pleading guilty. Wait until your assigned court date to speak to the judge about your traffic citation. On the other hand, if you do plead guilty, elect to take a defensive driving program. By doing so, you will still be able to keep your driving record clean and will be eligible to receive a defensive driving insurance discount. Always know your rights when it comes to receiving a defensive driving insurance discount or your auto insurance. Click Here for more information on the Texas Consumer Bill of Rights.