Are you able to tell the difference between a high-risk driver and one that is safe? Your opinion may be a little different than your car insurance provider’s. What does your insurance provider have to say about you driving record?
What makes a high-risk driver?
Everyone should be concerned about high-risk drivers. High risk drivers are people who drive at 70 mph in 35 mph, have extreme road rage, drink before driving, or who have a tendency of falling asleep at 65 mph. These drivers are more dangerous than those who have never exceeded the speed limit. However, for car insurance companies, it’s not only about their risk to other drivers. It’s also about how they risk their insurer.
Car insurance companies exist to cover drivers who are involved in accidents. Seriously, would we be paying our insurance premiums without them? However, insurers are not philanthropists. Insurers are in business to make money. It’s not a good business practice to pay out more for insurance claims than you earn through premiums each year. They must assess all drivers carefully before issuing policies and do everything they can to tilt the balance in their favor.
These are high-risk drivers:
a) Are inexperienced and young. (Young and inexperienced teens will be judged with the same tape measure.
b) Convicted of multiple traffic violations.
c) You have already been involved in an accident within the past five years.
d) Drive a fancy car that encourages them to be a bit crazy.
e) You have been convicted for a DUI or DWI.
How do you know if you’re a high-risk driver?
You’ll probably have a good idea of how your insurance company views you if you read the above list. You can find out where you stand on the scale of bad, good and ugly by visiting your local DMV to ask how many points your license has.
DMV points are a key component of car insurance companies. They help them assess how much risk you pose to the vehicle. Points can be earned for driving safely for at least five years and for successfully completing a driver education course or driver improvement program. Points are lost if you are convicted of traffic violations or DUI/DWI.
Negative points can be added to your license. This happens all the time. To find out where your license is located, check with the DMV.
How to Modify Spots on the Naughty or Nice List
Relax if you are sick of paying outrageously high premiums on your auto insurance. You’re in good company! It is easier than you think to improve your driving record and get back into the game.
It’s not as easy as paying a few small fines to clean up your driving record or put points back on your licence. Most traffic violations are removed from your driving record within five years. This is why car insurance companies offer a five-year good driver discount. You don’t have to keep your nose clean for that long.
You can sign up (voluntarily) to take a driver-improvement course. Although this won’t be helpful if you were ordered by the court to do one following a conviction, it can help you if you aren’t. You can complete driver improvement classes online or in most counties.
High-risk driving is not fun for anyone, but you can make a good record and get the coverage you deserve. No questions asked.