How Texting and Driving Affects Auto Insurance Rates

Did you know your insurance premiums could go up if you receive a texting violation?

Your insurance company and state rules, among other things, will determine whether texting tickets raise your premiums significantly, a little, or not at all.

For the most part, insurance providers view texting violations in the same light as a minor traffic ticket if you live in a state that considers texting while driving an offense.

However, there is a considerable variation in how each company handles tickets.

A single ticket may not affect your premium rates, depending on the company. Some may conclude that you are no longer eligible for a good driver discount.

However, others may hike your premiums significantly, assigning you high-risk auto insurance.

Is Texting While Driving a Factor in a Driver’s Premium?

Even though it’s common knowledge that most individuals use their smartphones while driving, it’s a criminal infraction in most states and may lead to higher insurance premiums.

Texting while driving is illegal in all but a handful of states in the United States. Texting while driving has been banned in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

If you’re one of the few who don’t text and drive, you may be relieved because you don’t have to worry about a premium rate increase. However, you may unfortunately still be affected by the texting and driving phenomenon.

Increases in auto insurance premiums in a region are because many individuals are on their phones. So if you live in a high-traffic area, you may experience a slight increase in your area because the likelihood of getting into an accident with a texting driver is increased.

The same rule applies to those who pay higher premiums because they live in an area with high crime and traffic.

How Much Can I Expect to See an Increase in My Car Insurance Premiums?

There might be a 5% to 25% rise, depending on where you live. All around the country, insurance costs have climbed, and distracted driving is mainly responsible for this.

The rise is likely to be much more significant for teens and young drivers. But distracted driving isn’t simply a problem for teenagers.

Is the Rise in Insurance Premiums Because of Texting?

Insurance companies assess various criteria when determining rates, and although distracted driving is one of them, it is by no means the only one.

In times of low gas costs, more people can afford to get behind the wheel, resulting in more accidents on the roadways. The cost of repairs rises as automobiles become less mechanical and more computerized, increasing the average insurance payment.

What Can I Do to Keep My Car Insurance Premiums Down?

To keep your insurance premiums lower, avoid texting and driving to both prevent an accident and avoid a ticket. You may also be eligible for a discount if an insurance tracking device proves you are not distracted while driving.

Another way to save money on your vehicle insurance is to combine it with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

Other options for finding the most significant auto insurance coverage include the following:

• Ask about discounts: A discount is always available, so be sure to inquire about it. You may be eligible for a discount if your child has high grades, if you have taken defensive driving lessons, or if you are a veteran.
• Choose a higher deductible: A higher deductible can help you save money on your insurance premiums. However, if you have a lien on your automobile from a loan provider, this may not be an option since they need deductibles of roughly $500.
• Don’t buy a luxury car: Insurance costs will almost certainly rise if you buy a high-end automobile. Even better, attempt to save enough for a vehicle, so you don’t need a loan to buy it.
• Maintain a high credit score: Insurance companies perform credit checks on prospective customers to see whether they will be able to pay their premiums on time. There are strategies to raise your credit score if it isn’t the highest.

What is the Importance of Distracted Driving Legislation?

Distracted driving regulations have been enacted to manage and reduce the number of drivers who get distracted while operating their automobiles. These regulations aim to reduce the number of automobile accidents and fatalities that occur due to distracted driving on the road.

Texting while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving, but legislation and tech-enhanced cars that limit hands-on distraction are helping slow this down.

One of the three essential faults that lead to half of all automobile accidents involving teenagers is that the driver is distracted while operating a motor vehicle.

The fact that younger people are more prone to driving distractedly is one of the reasons why car insurance prices are much higher. Increasing insurance rates are one of how insurance companies can help reduce distracted driving.