Reader’s Question:

I have several ticket under my driving record here in Rhode Island, would that jeopardize my auto insurance ratings or affect premiums? If so, what can I do about it?

Gordon

Providence, RI

Unless your driving history is really terrible, tickets and moving violations would not necessarily jeopardize your ability to get car insurance but it will have a significant on your ability to get cheaper rates. Your driving history is one of the first things that is referred to by auto insurance rating systems and this record will usually go as far back as three to five years. Even minor traffic violations, in quantity, would cause you to pay higher premiums there in Rhode Island.

There is no reason however, that you should be stuck paying high auto insurance rates. It will be a bit of a challenge at the beginning but we have to start somewhere, right? Here are a few suggestions to help you out:

• Start by enrolling on Accident prevention or Defensive Driving courses that will help you avoid getting into further trouble or accidents in the future. Accredited courses will also make you eligible to receive additional discounts on your premiums.
• Follow the rules when driving. Now is not the time to have another point against your license since this will lead to much higher increases.
• Try as much as possible not to file auto insurance claims unless absolutely necessary, more frequent claims will lead to an increase in your rates since the company may see you as being exposed to more accidents.
• Increase your deductibles to get a lower regular premiums.

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