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Getting a speeding ticket or other moving violation can lead to a premium hike when your car insurance renews That’s because infractions like speeding and running red lights signal you may be a higher risk driver
But does taking a defensive driving or traffic school course mitigate the insurance impact of a ticket? Can online traffic school help keep your rates in check?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:
- How traffic violations affect your insurance
- If traffic school can prevent premium hikes
- What defensive driving courses involve
- Key factors that lower insurance costs
- Tips to keep rates low after a ticket
Let’s hit the open road and learn how online traffic school could potentially help reduce the insurance sting of traffic citations.
How Do Traffic Violations Impact Insurance Rates?
Most moving violations like speeding, improper lane changes, running red lights, and reckless driving will appear on your motor vehicle record (MVR). This includes out-of-state tickets.
Insurers regularly check your MVR and factor any new citations into your renewal premiums Typically, a single ticket will lead to a rate hike of 15% to 30% on average But certain violations like DUI or excessive speeding could cause increases of 100% or more.
And if you have multiple infractions, insurers may label you high-risk and slam you with steep surcharges or even non-renew your policy.
So driving infractions definitely drive up your insurance costs. But here’s the good news…
Can Traffic School Prevent an Insurance Rate Increase?
In many states, taking an approved defensive driving or traffic school course can help mitigate insurance rate hikes.
Here are three key ways these classes can reduce the impact of a ticket:
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Prevent points on your license – Traffic school stops violation points that raise your premiums
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Keep the ticket off your MVR – Some states don’t report dismissed tickets to insurers.
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Qualify for insurance discounts – Certain courses earn you a policy discount for 3 years.
For example, taking a defensive driving course in Kansas automatically qualifies you for a mandatory 3-year reduction on your premiums. You can renew that discount every 3 years by retaking the online Kansas defensive driving course.
So in many cases, traffic school limits the insurance damage of a ticket. But check your specific state laws and insurer policies to verify.
What Does Traffic School Involve?
Traffic school courses aim to reinforce safe, defensive driving techniques and road rules. You’ll cover topics like:
- Causes of accidents and how to prevent them
- Proper speed control and following distance
- Right-of-way rules and intersection safety
- Managing blind spots and distractions
- Adverse weather and night driving tips
- Sharing the road with other motorists
Traditionally these classes were held in-person over multiple sessions. But now most states allow approved online traffic school courses that offer convenience and flexibility.
Most online defensive driving classes take 4 to 6 hours to complete. They use videos, animations, and interactive exercises to engage you. Expect a final exam to test your new safety knowledge.
Once you pass, you’ll receive a certificate of completion to provide to your insurer and the court if contesting a ticket. Most traffic school courses cost $20 to $50.
Other Ways to Lower Car Insurance Rates
While traffic school can offset a single ticket, there are other tactics to proactively reduce your premiums:
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Raise deductibles – Increasing deductibles saves up to 40% on premiums.
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Drop unnecessary coverage – Removing collision/comprehensive on older cars cuts costs.
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Enroll in usage-based programs – Drive less or prove safe habits via telematics for discounts.
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Ask about discounts – Take advantage of every discount your insurer offers.
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Improve credit score – Better credit correlates to lower premiums in most states.
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Shop around – Compare quotes every renewal to find cheaper rates.
Pursuing these options along with traffic school helps maximize insurance savings and minimize the pain of a ticket.
Drive Safely and Keep Rates Low
Any driving citation can take a toll on your insurance premiums. But traffic school offers a risk-free way to potentially counteract the rate ramifications.
First, research your state laws and insurer policies about traffic school impacts. If it could help, enroll in an approved defensive driving course before your ticket appears on your MVR.
Submit the completion certificate to the court and your insurer right away. Then employ other tactics at renewal time to secure additional discounts.
With smart driving and proactive savings steps, a single ticket doesn’t have to derail your insurance budget. Drive safely out there!
Rates increased up to 12% this year.
Costs will continue to rise through 2022. Shop for a better rate before you renew your current policy.
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People from Kansas often say, “There’s no place like home,” but don’t be in such a hurry to get home that you get a speeding ticket. You will almost certainly have to pay a fine, and your insurance company may also decide that you are a high-risk driver and raise your rates by a lot. It’s always helpful to know what can happen after getting a speeding ticket in Kansas, whether you already have one or are just afraid of what might happen if you get one in the future.
Can Traffic School Help to Lower My Insurance Rate?
FAQ
Does traffic school prevent insurance increase California?
Can I take defensive driving for a speeding ticket in Kansas?
Does traffic school reduce fine in Florida?
Does traffic school prevent insurance increase in Florida?
How does traffic school affect car insurance rates?
Traffic school can help remove a ticket from your driving record, which insurers will look at when determining your monthly rates. Traffic violations can raise your car insurance rates for a certain time frame (typically three to five years). Drivers with one or more traffic tickets are seen as high-risk drivers and will pay more for insurance.
Can an online traffic school reduce my insurance premium?
This can vary both by state and insurance company, but you can a state accredited online traffic school can potentially reduce the impact of that speeding ticket on your premium. What if I haven’t done anything wrong (i.e., received a speeding ticket) and attend an online traffic school?
Should I go to traffic school if I get a ticket?
Depending on what your court and state allows, traffic school may help you either prevent or offset points added to your driving record due to a traffic ticket. This benefit is especially helpful because insurance companies use your driving record to help determine your rates. A single violation can mean a huge spike in your insurance premiums.
Why should you take traffic school?
This benefit is especially helpful because insurance companies use your driving record to help determine your rates. A single violation can mean a huge spike in your insurance premiums. By taking traffic school, you may be able to keep those spikes to a minimum, or prevent them altogether.