Were you convicted of a reckless driving charge in the past? If so, insurance rates are likely to shoot up in your case by as much as 30%, to in some cases over 50%. A reckless driving conviction is really a severe offense that will possibly yield elevated insurance costs for some time going forward. A variety of motorists have noticed their premiums grow up by 50 percent or more after only one charge. Other drivers have been shocked to find out their car insurance was canceled by their provider after one of these serious violations.
Insurance Premiums Are Likely to Increase If You Were Convicted of Reckless Driving
Lots of states in the United States are worried about overall safety. Several measures have been initiated throughout the country, including:
- Lowering speeds in congested areas
- Protecting bicyclists and pedestrians
- Reducing the number of drunk and intoxicated motorists on the road
- Minimizing reckless driving, by increasing penalties
- Boosting safety Measures
A number of these states in the US have formulated primary driver training courses. This includes driver safety, driver’s training and education, and important defensive driving strategies. Taking a certified driver safety class can make a person a better and safer driver, which reduces overall accidents and vehicular death rates. Anyone can find these lessons on the web, or take them in person at classes all over the U.S. You will receive individual teaching behind the wheel, from a certified driving teacher. He or she will even ride along with you, giving you one-on-one tips and advice at some classes. It’s important to know that this may be more expensive than taking a class online.
Helpful Tips for Overcoming Reckless Driving Charges
If you’re having a really tough and challenging time getting car insurance first month free coverage, you may decide to get legal advice. Using a qualified legal professional, you may discover precisely what your legal rights are. This includes if you are being discriminated against unfairly and what would’ve been a fair premium for you if you are overpaying for vehicle coverage.
Also, an attorney who may be skilled in reducing driving convictions might help you discuss the cost resulting from a lower offense. The attorney can, in some cases, get the charge removed from your record or help you plead to a lower charge which will reduce the cost of insuring your automobile in the future. The majority of charges that are applied to a motorist, in the aftermath of a reckless driving charge, are definitely determined by state law. So, your best bet is usually to deal locally. A good lawyer with strong representation will help solve your particular situation.
How Much will Reckless Driving Increase My Premium?
This is a question many people just don’t have the answer to. It also depends a lot on where you live. If you’re a reckless driver and live in Alabama, for example, you have two different classes to take to be able to improve your driving record. First is a 4-hour course, but to take it, you need to have no moving infractions on your record in the prior 5 years.
Nest, if you wish to further enhance your driver education, there is an optional 8-hr class on defensive driving you may want to consider. Your past 4-hr course is required, together with a clean record going forward. In some specific cases, you may be required to take the 8-hour course, as a way to clear a recent reckless driving incident. Check high-risk motorist rates in your area by entering your zip code. Compare online rate quotes in less than five minutes.
Programs Available in New York and New Jersey for High-Risk Drivers
Here’s another useful example of this. In New York, known affectionately as The Big Apple, there’s an encompassing program on hand called the “Point and Insurance Reduction Program”. If you are an insured driver who completes a certified accident prevention program, you might be qualified for a discount of up to four points off your license and save up to ten percent off your automobile insurance Premiums.
New Jersey is another state which includes programs available to further reduce the impact of driving citations on your driving record, including speeding and reckless driving. Taking an authorized defensive driving class can eliminate at most two points out of your driver’s license if you reside in the state. Contact a qualified insurance representative in your state to learn more of the options available to you.
Reducing Car Insurance Premiums After a Reckless Driving Charge
Step one, once you’ve been charged with reckless driving, is to consult the local DMV and discover what classes exist to improve your driving history and or reduce the reckless driving charge altogether. The next thing to do is find out just how a defensive driving program might help reduce your auto insurance costs. Have you been responsible for reckless driving in the past and have seen your premiums shoot way up? There is hope in reducing your premiums but you will have to do some work on your end. You need to take all the necessary options, including driving school, to make sure it does not end up on your driving record permanently.
Keep in mind that some insurance agencies really only want to do business with safe, low-risk motorists. Some companies do offer support for higher-risk drivers and have cheaper rates. This is why it’s so important to compare rates, especially if your insurer has canceled your policy or increased your rates dramatically. Start now by entering your zip code and you will be matched with the lowest rates based on your risk profile.